Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Banoffee Pie Recipe

A couple of years ago, we went on a tour of England, Scotland and Wales.  While touring, we had an opportunity to enjoy a slice of "Banoffee" pie - a combination of bananas and a carmel/toffee in a graham cracker crust.  I found this recipe, which is very much like the pie that we had for dessert at a pub in Edinburgh.  Hope you enjoy it too!

Ingredients
14 oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cu Graham Crackers Crumbs, about 2 packets of a three packet box
1/2 cu Unsalted Butter, melted
3 Ripe Bananas
2 cu Heavy Cream
1/2 cu Powdered Sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
2 oz Bittersweet Chocolate squares

Remove the label from the condensed milk can and set aside.  Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the can by a few inches and bring it to a boil.  Carefully place the unopened can into the water.  Reduce heat to a low boil and cover.  Keep the water boiling for 3 hours, adding additional water if necessary (I keep a second pot of simmering water on the stove so boiling process isn’t impeded with the additional water).  Turn and flip the can from time to time during the cooking process with tongs.  BE VERY CAREFUL not to splash the water about.

Meanwhile, pour the melted butter over the graham crackers and mix thoroughly.  Pour mixture into a spring form pan and spread ingredients evenly over the bottom.  Press down firmly to pack the crust.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

Once condensed milk has boiled for 3 hours, remove it from the water and let it rest for about 30 minutes so that it cools.  Carefully open can and pour ingredients into a bowl.  Use a spatula to stir and smooth out any chunks.  Spread this mixture over the graham cracker crust and refrigerate again until cool. 

Slice bananas and spread them evenly over toffee topping.  Whip cream until soft peaks form.  Add powdered sugar and cinnamon and whip until stiff peaks form.  Spread whipped cream over bananas and refrigerate the dessert until you are ready to serve.

Remove pie from the spring form pan.  Grate the chocolate with either a vegetable peeler or a box grater and garnish the top of the pie before slicing and serving. 
 

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Thursday, April 15, 2010

How To Get Smooth Icing On A Cake

By Theresa Happe

For beginner cake decorators, one of the hardest things to overcome is uneven icing. It takes some practice to attain a nice smooth finish to the buttercream on the cake.

Chill the cake before you start frosting. A warm cake is more apt to break apart. Chill before and after filling it. Often, if you frost the cake right after you fill it, later on the filling will bulge out of the middle of the cake. By chilling first, the cake has time to settle and anything that wants to squeeze out of the sides can be smoothed with the spatula.

It's very helpful to use a lazy suzan. It allows you to turn the cake continuously while icing so you have fewer lines from stopping and starting again. One way to ice to apply a crumb coat. This can either be a thin coat of buttercream or an apricot glaze. To use an apricot glaze, thin apricot jam with hot water and press it through a strainer. Then brush it on the cake with a pastry brush. Chill it and give it time to firm up.

A great way to save time is to use the #789 Wilton cake decorating tip. If you don't have this tip, then carefully place the icing on the cake and move the spatula back and forth without actually touching the cake. You will be pushing the icing from the middle outwards. If using the tip, you'll have to cut a large hole in your cake decorating bag, so that bag will be just for this tip. The buttercream should be medium consistency. That means not so thin that it runs and not thick enough to pull on the cake. Thick icing will pull crumbs into it or tear the cake.

Start piping the icing on the cake, starting from the base. Hold the tip against the cake so the lines are facing inward. Pipe all around the bottom and then start another line of icing all around the cake right above the last one. Continue all the way up the cake, going a little past the top of the cake. This extra overlap of icing at the top will help to make a cleaner edge on the cake. Now use either a metal spatula, a bowl scraper or a spackle knife held vertically against the side of the cake at a 45 degree angle to smooth the sides. Scrape off excess icing as you go. Continue going over the sides until they're pretty even.

Move on to piping lines of icing across the top of the cake. Starting from the outer edge, use your spatula to smooth the icing towards the middle. Scrape off any excess icing. Continue all around the edge of the cake this way. Now pull the spatula straight across the cake. Do this over the whole top of the cake, removing excess icing. Lift away any icing that's sticking past the edge of the cake.

If you've iced the cake with crusting buttercream, at this point you will now let it set for 15 minutes or so or until it feels firm to the touch. (When you touch it, no icing comes off on your finger). Next, you can either use a Viva paper towel, wax paper, or parchment paper. Place the paper towel against the side of the cake and smooth the spatula across it a few times. Move the paper towel over to the next spot and repeat the process. Continue doing this over the entire cake. This will completely smooth out the icing. The wax paper and parchment paper are not quite as flexible as the paper towel, but they will do the trick if you can't get Viva paper towels.

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Thursday, April 8, 2010

How To Make Buttermilk From Milk

By Yc Sim

There are 2 ways to make buttermilk, and they will produce 2 different outcomes. The first outcome you will get is a substitute for buttermilk, which will taste equally great; however the texture will be slightly different. The second outcome will be of course, the real buttermilk, fresh and ready-made.

Since the 1st way is the easiest, I will start from it.

1st Recipe (To get a substitute for buttermilk)

Ingredients that you will need:

* 1 cup of milk * 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice

Material that you will need:

* 1 cup measuring cup

That's it! Only 2 ingredients & 1 material are needed and...

Let's start making!

1. Place the white vinegar or lemon juice into the measuring cup. 2. Pour the milk into the measuring cup (together with the white vinegar/lemon juice). 3. Wait for 5 minutes. 4. Your buttermilk substitute is done!

It is fairly easy isn't it? And it can be done in a few simple steps. Now you no longer need to worry if you ever ran out of buttermilk again!

2nd Recipe (To get the real, tasty buttermilk)

Ingredients that you will need:

* 6 - 8 ounces of active cultured buttermilk * 3 cups of whole milk

Material that you will need:

* 1 clean quart container (with a secure lid)

Hey! There are only 2 ingredients and 1 material needed to make this real buttermilk too! However you will need a much longer time to prepare it... And so...

Let's get making!

1. Pour the cultured buttermilk into the clean quart container. 2. Fill the rest of the container with the whole milk. 3. Screw the lid tightly and shake well. 4. Place the container in a warm corner of your house. 5. Wait for 24 hours. 6. The buttermilk will thicken and coat the glass of the container. 7. The buttermilk is now done and can be kept for weeks!

It will be advisable to put the date that your buttermilk was made on the container to serve as a note. And you will roughly know when the buttermilk will expire.

Comparing the 2nd recipe to the 1st. There is only an increase of 3 steps which means that both the substitute and the real buttermilk are not hard to make! However to get the real buttermilk, you will need 23 hours and 55 minutes longer to make it. But wait! That is only the waiting time.

If you are willing to wait just a little more, you can get the real buttermilk with the right taste and texture to go with your cooking. Wouldn't that be really great? Why not wait a little longer?

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Great Recipes For Every Dish

By Adriana Noton

Boring meals can come alive with new recipes. Or you can try a completely different one, for a change. Or they can be tucked away in your collection for a special meal in the future.

Two or more ingredients makes a recipe. But some are so involved, you wish you never began cooking them. The ingredients go on forever. Some are as easy as stirring two ingredients together, and others require a lot of concentration, coordination, and even some imagination if you do not have the proper cookware.

A lot of serious cooks have certain ingredients that they always have on hand. It is actually the flavor of many dishes they prepare. It could be a certain kind of onion, or other vegetables, certain herbs or types of pepper, and a collection of signature spices for their dishes. Then there are always the few items that were purchased for a special meal and never used again. In fact, they will probably never be used again, but it is difficult to make the decision to throw them out because the specialty ingredients are usually a bit expensive.

When you are ready to be daring and try recipes from other countries, you may find that you enjoy the challenge. Or you could just try to prepare something Cajun you might find in New Orleans, or a Tex-Mex meal.

When it comes right down to it, the biggest difference in cooking meals from other regions is the spices they use. Greeks like to sweeten their meat with nutmeg an cinnamon, while East Indians use a lot of turmeric. And an Italian meal would not be Italian without basil, garlic and oregano.

Cook books can, of course, help out when it comes to cooking French foods, or Mexican, and so forth. And you can add to this collection with so many other kinds of cook books, as well. There are those for just appetizers, and those for entertaining, there are barbeque cook books, books on how to cook fish, or how to cook on the grill, and the list goes on. And as far as magazines, there is no shortage of magazines about cooking, either.

There are entire encyclopedia type collections of cook books. And some people join clubs and get them monthly, putting them into a binder they also received as a bonus. You can find these sometimes in thrift stores, and at garage sales. There is nothing wrong with buying a second hand or used cook book. The only problem is that the best healthy recipes have the dirtiest pages. Then there are people who collect certain ones and then put them on four by six inch index cards. Although this could drive a person crazy, at least they do not need to worry about a cook book closing by itself while you are trying to follow a recipe.

One can fill entire shelves, and yes, even entire rooms with recipes. You will eventually have one on every kind of meal for every occasion. It is funny, though, that the cooks with the most talent never use them.

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Saturday, March 13, 2010

Adding Chocolate (Cacao) To Your Diet -- Get the Healthiest Form!

By Loise Harrison

We'll all cherish the day we learned chocolate was good for us. Maybe a few naysayers still remain skeptical, but study after study is proclaiming the health benefits, both mental and physical, of chocolate. Even the Life Extension Foundation includes chocolate extract in their flagship vitamin formulas. Many folks are switching from their daily dose of coffee to a cup of hot chocolate. It's an antidepressant, an antioxidant, its full of vitamins and minerals, it improves sex drive, AND it tastes good. Really good. So what is the best way to get the health benefits? Is it as simple as eating cases of your childhood favorite chocolates? As you might have thought, there are considerations when indulging in chocolate as a regular part of your diet. But it can be done! Let's see how...

Raw, unroasted chocolate IS A MUST to really reap the health benefits. Little of this fact is given weight in the mass-media's portrayal of chocolate's health benefits, but its the crucial point for anyone interested in bettering their health naturally. There's a big difference in the chemical composition of un-roasted, naturally-dried chocolate when compared to 99% of the chocolate products available today. Nearly every single chocolate bar or drink, even at the large-chain heath food markets, is made from chocolate that's been roasted at high temperatures. 'Organic' does not mean raw; chocolate powder is not raw unless it says its raw. High-end organic hot chocolate drinks are still roasted, and likely processed with alkali to make them dissolve more easily. Why the roasting and processing? Because we've become accustom to chocolate looking and tasting like it has since our childhoods. Working with raw chocolate (called Cacao - note this is different than Cocoa!), like so many things that are really good for you, is best prepared at home using carefully selected ingredients. It's easy to do, and we'll include some recipes at the end. But first back to the question of why raw is better.

For lots of folks, and, there's the question of caffeine. Many are sensitive to caffeine's effect on their nervous system. And many people find chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, has enough caffeine to make them uncomfortable or keep them awake. Yet research has shown a significant difference in the stimulating effects of chocolate depending on whether it's been roasted. A drink of roasted chocolate powder caused excitation of the nervous system whereas the raw chocolate powder drink did not. Scientists find that many molecules change shape when heat is applied, and roasting is a pretty hot, lengthy process. Alteration of chemical structure through heat is common, and very likely to occur in the case of chocolate. The roasting process involves heating the beans between two hundred fifty and three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes to two hours. Anecdotal reports of individuals moving from coffee or yerba mate as their morning drink to a cup of hot chocolate report gentle stimulating effects without anxiety, as their other drinks had produced. Even very sensitive people who do not do well with any form of caffeine report positive results with raw chocolate; nothing at all like the effects produced by coffee or caffeinated teas.

Next the question of anti-oxidants. Chocolate has been discovered to have exceptionally high quantities of important polyphenols. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry was titled: "Cocoa Has More Phenolic Phytochemicals and Higher Antioxidant Capacity than Teas and Red Wine." It's hard to argue with that. Here again the question of raw arises: One report notes that while roasted chocolate is made up of 5% antioxidants, raw chocolate contains twice as much at 10%. Another important note is the addition of milk to make milk chocolate. Research has shown that the addition of milk actually cancels-out the positive effects of chocolate's antioxidants. And milk may be one of the reasons many people seem to be allergic to chocolate, as lactose intolerance is fairly common. Another chocolate myth is some individuals break out when ingesting high amounts; reports indicate that raw chocolate does not cause this response, and that it may be the refined fats and sugars present in most chocolate products producing this effect.

Maybe the most intriguing constituents of chocolate are it's mood-altering chemicals besides its stimulation. Many users of raw chocolate find and even greater boost than from commercial chocolates. Like caffeine, some of the molecules attributed to mood-enhancement are also heat sensitive. Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, is present in significant amounts and is known to be broken down by heat (and apparently it's not the Tryptophan in the turkey dinners that makes one tired, it's the three servings followed by pie and ice cream!). Other natural constituents are dopamine and precursors to dopamine, one molecule called the 'love chemical' and another called the 'bliss chemical'. Add to these monoamine oxidase inhibitors which actually enhance the activity of all of the above mood brighteners. Finally, there's lots of easily absorbed magnesium in raw chocolate, a mineral associated with serotonin production (many pharmaceutical antidepressants increase serotonin activity), and the ability to relax. Raw chocolate offers the healthiest and most effective means of adding these happy-making nutrients to your daily diet.

Convinced? Ready for a little raw chocolate power? First its critical to find a good source; make sure the chocolate you're buying is raw - it will be most likely labeled 'Cacao', the name for the raw chocolate beans and the tree on which they grow. Cacao nibs are small pieces of pure raw chocolate that can be eaten straight, or mixed with other healthy snacks like Gogi berries. But the best-loved raw chocolate preparation is the original chocolate drink: hot chocolate. Now it won't be hot enough for long enough to convert any chemicals or to cook the chocolate, just to make it a warm comforting drink - and of course, heating the water isn't necessary at all (though in recipes calling for Coconut oil, it helps to blend the oil into the drink). So to make a cup, use powdered raw chocolate (grinding the nibs or beans in a coffee grinder can work, though you'll find this challenging as the natural oils in the chocolate will heat up and liquefy before the grinding is complete, leaving little crunchy bits). Put one or two tablespoons powdered chocolate, 1 to 2 teaspoons raw dark agave nectar (a low-glycemic index natural sweetner) and 1 to 2 teaspoons of Coconut oil in a blender. Add 8 to 12 ounces almost-boiling water and blend for 10 seconds. That's it! You'll find your personal favorite formula after a few preparations - more or less chocolate, oil, sweetener or water.

There are lots and lots of recipes out there, and great reading on raw chocolate's health benefits and preparation. You'll cacao powder often combined with other super nutritious foods in smoothies and good-for-you deserts. Natural organic candies start with the same ingredients as the drinks, but without the liquid. Just make a paste, adding pecans, coconut shavings or whatever you like, and chill to harden. As you're not baking anything, there's little to go awry, and really, so many possibilities. By using raw chocolate, you'll open up a whole new world of cooking for yourself and your family -- and if you hadn't before, you might just find yourself really motivated to treat yourself to natural health and wellness.

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Friday, March 12, 2010

Tips For Gluten Free Cooking

By Wendy Mackerson

A disorder in the digestive system that affects children and adults is celiac disease. Any food that contains gluten will damage the small intestine and it interferes with the absorption of the nutrients in the food. The protein in the certain grains is disastrous to a person's condition. Gluten in the smallest form can cause health problems. Gluten is found in barley, wheat, and rye and someone living with celiac disease cannot eat foods containing those ingredients. They will have to learn gluten free cooking and begin new eating habits.

Celiac disease is hard to diagnose and many times something causes the symptoms to appear. Many times surgeries or pregnancies may cause the symptoms to be noticed so they seek medical attention, doctors will run tests and there is a diagnosis. In some cases, a family member may be diagnosed so other relatives are tested "just in case." Overall, your eating habits need to be changed.

Doctors will advise someone that is diagnosed with celiac disease to change their eating habits. Staying away from certain products is necessary to stay healthy. It seems rather difficult to keep away from foods like cake, pizza, dressings and sauces. The more someone practices and lives this new way of gluten free cooking, it will become easier.

Dieting is hard enough but now there are more limitations. However, this way of eating is not difficult once you get use to gluten free cooking. It is best to keep meal making simple, it is the best way when you start learning the ins and outs of gluten free food.

Now that you have to alter the way you eat in order to help your condition, you might want to learn about the grains and starches you are allowed to eat and the ones you have to stay away from. One thing you will start doing is substituting wheat, rye and barley. For instance, someone dealing with this condition will want to always have some gluten-free baking and pancake mix in your home. You can use it to make meals such as pizza and thicken soups and sauces.

Those living with celiac disease should pay special attention when grocery shopping to the labels on the food products. They should also stay away from processed food. With all the food that contains gluten ingredients, so contacting the manufacturing company is in your best interest if you are not sure about foods being gluten free.

When learning gluten free cooking, keeping a cookbook on hand for some ideas when making meals can help you find new meals you like. A local library should have books available. Going online is another way to find some recipes, be sure however, the website is reputable.

Having celiac is not a life-changing condition. You are just substituting one ingredient for another. There may be fewer selections when eating at a restaurant but there will be selections and you will just choose from that menu. As soon as you stop eating gluten, your body starts to heal and changing to gluten free cooking is worth the results.

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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Tips To Create A Quick And Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan

By Ricardo D Argence

If you want an effective rapid weight loss diet, you should establish a plan that encompasses the factors and activities associated with such diet. This is to ensure you are doing things the right way; otherwise, you can be led to serious health problems when your method of dieting is inappropriate to your body capabilities. The following are factors that should be considered when creating a rapid weight loss diet plan.

Make sure you incorporate a varied diet. This means you have to eat different varieties of food in each food group to ensure that you still get all the nutrients your body needs even if you are dieting.

Make sure you eat breakfast every day. The breakfast you eat should be something you enjoy, but it should be healthy so that it fills you up and fuels you throughout your day. If you eat breakfast, you're much less likely to overeat later. Having a good breakfast is going to help with quick weight loss, too, because you're going to have the energy to make it through your day, and you'll boost your metabolism at the same time; that boost is going to stick with you throughout the day and help you burn even more calories.

Be careful when you cut your calorie intake. When you cut calories extensively, you cut your metabolism down as well, which is actually going to sabotage your weight loss in the long run. You might lose a lot of weight at first, but don't let that fool you; that weight loss is muscle mass and water, not fat. And because you lose muscle mass when you do that, your metabolism is going to be lowered even further, which means you're going even have less ability than previously to lose weight.

Make sure you drink enough water when you diet. Aim for at least six to eight glasses worth a day, which will aid in weight loss, because it's going to help fill you up so that you eat less; there's also some evidence that drinking more water when you lose weight is going to make your metabolism work better, which can also help you lose weight.

Eat more fiber. Get fiber from healthy sources like beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals, and legumes.

Nix the diet pills. Diet pills are potentially dangerous, and will also slow your metabolism down by cutting your appetite, which is going to have you cutting calories drastically; that is going to slow your metabolism down markedly, which is going to make it much harder for you to lose weight. Again, as with the earlier point about cutting calories, you certainly will lose weight at first if you do cut your calories to a great extent, but in the long run, this is only going to hurt you, not help you. Moreover, diet pills can also be damaging to your health.

Finally, make sure you exercise at least three times a week. The exercise does not have to be overly strenuous, but you do have to do it three times a week and do it with gusto, so that you pick up your metabolic pace and build muscle mass, too. Both of these things can promise quick weight loss.

There's no magic diet plan out there that's going to help you with quick weight loss unless you make other changes besides. With the right knowledge, though, you can lose weight quickly and be healthy at the same time if you do things properly and don't try fad diets. Make sure the diet plan you follow is healthy, and remember that health is first and foremost when it comes to losing weight. Your diet plan should be focused on health in addition to quick weight loss, so that you can be healthy and fit for a lifetime.

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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Should You Invest in a Copper Cookware Set?

By Rahmah Maqsood

If you glance at any home decorating magazine, you might see quite a few pictures of gorgeous designer kitchens that all show one item in common: copper cookware. Copper is solidly made, refined, and absolutely gorgeous when nicely polished, so copper clad cooking pots are normally displayed in kitchens which are built to impress. Copper pots and pans additionally make state of the art cooking quick and easy. We can tell you many reasons to rely on copper for your kitchen, so enjoy ther rest of this article and find out if there is a copper pot waiting for you. Another must see is the Calphalon One Infused Anodized 10 Piece Cookware Set.

First impressions mean a lot, and copper makes a very good first impression. The finish on its own is beautiful, and seeing as copper pans have almost no ornamentation they can compliment a remarkable range of kitchen themes. Even the larger pans are pretty lightweight, and therefore they are perfect for hanging pot racks where they can merely sit and look stunning.

When employed on your stove, copper is as utilitarian as it is beautiful. Copper is well-known for its even dispersion of heat, with the results that your pans will never contain cold spots, and your dinner will be evenly heated all the time. Temperature control inside a copper pot is instantaneous and precise. If you increase the heat, the pan will simultaneously transfer that temperatue to your food, so you may sear foods to perfection. Another must see is the Swiss Diamond 6 Piece Cast Aluminum Cookware Set.

Because copper doesn't play well with most foods, copper pans will be lined with stainless steel. The heat transfer capabilities of the copper will remain there, yet the metal up against your food isn't going to introduce discoloration or weird flavors. If you get to decide between tin and stainless steel lining, choose pans that incorporate stainless steel: they will be faster to scrub up and last longer.

There are a few drawbacks to copper cookware, and they concern the amount of time and money you really want to invest in your cookware. Copper cookware cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher; they must be hand-washed and thoroughly dried prior to being put away. If you would like to prevent tarnished metal, your copper pans have to be polished regularly; whether or not they have been used. If you have already figured out that copper is worth the extra polishing, then you doubtless won't mind the additional cost. With one or two exceptions, copper is the most expensive cookware material you can buy and therefore a copper pot will be definitely more expensive than a comparable product created from steel or ceramic.

Some of the highest quality home cookware on the market is made using copper. Copper's attractiveness and helpfulness is esteemed among restaurant chefs in addition to homemakers. If you have the time to care for them, and the extra dollars to invest, you'll be hard pressed to get your hands on a better type of cookware for sale today.

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

If You Like Spaghetti Carbonara Then You'll Like This !

By Steve S Lobston

Spaghetti, Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish based on eggs, pecorino romano, guanciale, and black pepper. The dish was established in the middle of the 20th century.

The recipes vary, though all agree that cheese (Parmesan, pecorino, or a mixture), egg yolks (or whole eggs), cured fatty pork, and black pepper are fundamental. The pork is fried in fat (olive oil or lard); a mixture of eggs, cheese, and butter or olive oil is combined with the hot pasta, cooking the eggs; the pork is then put into the pasta. Guanciale is the most traditional meat, but pancetta is also used. In the US, it is quite often made with American bacon.

Cream is not prevalent in Italian recipes, but is used in the United States, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia and Russia (especially in Moscow). Other Anglo/Franco variations on carbonara may well include peas, broccoli or other vegetables added for colour Another American version includes mushrooms. A good deal of these preparations have more sauce than the Italian versions.

In all versions of the recipe, the eggs are added to the sauce raw, and cook (coagulate) with the heat of the pasta itself.

Try this spicey version !

This spicy interpretation of spaghetti carbonara is made with common ingredients including bacon, garlic, black pepper, red pepper, parmesan cheese, olive oil, cream, and eggs.

Serves 8

Ingredients for Spicy Spaghetti Carbonara:

1 pound bacon (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)

2 pounds spaghetti or other pasta

2 pasteurized eggs (equivalent of 2 eggs, pasteurized)

1/8 pound grated parmesan cheese

16 ounces whipping cream (1 pint)

3 tbsp butter or olive oil (or mixture of two)

2 tsp Red Wine Vinegar

1 clove Garlic (minced)

1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper (or more to taste)

1 tbsp Black Pepper (or more to taste)

Instructions

Bring a big pot of water to a boil whilst cooking the bacon.

Cook the bacon until it begins to get crisp and most of the fat has cooked out. Drain the fat. Add the butter or olive oil, garlic, and black pepper. Contunue cooking for 3 to 5 more minutes.

Add the pasta to the water and cook as instructed. Meanwhile, add the cream and vinegar to the bacon, stir and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens (it should be the right consistency at about the same time that the pasta is ready). While the sauce is thickening (and the pasta cooking) thoroughly blend the eggs with the red pepper and grated cheese.

When the pasta is done, drain, and put in a serving bowl. Add the egg and cheese mixture and toss. While tossing, add the bacon and cream sauce. It is tasty. Hope you enjoy !

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Chinese Clay Tea Sets: Yixing

By Gavin Coleman

Without a doubt, clay pots brew the best tea ever. Quite probably the oldest known method of brewing tea, but definitely one of the most lovely and practical ways to this day. Clay tea sets are valued all over the world for their special place in tea culture; one of beauty, design and taste.

What makes clay tea sets unique, is that the clay is very porous, as opposed to bone china tea sets, porcelain, silver, etc. This porousness actually allows the pots and cups used to soak up the tea, so that after many years of usage, it is no longer necessary to add tea to the hot water, because there are small traces of the tea in the clay. So, the pot and cups will flavor the hot water naturally. Yes. Very cool.

In addition to the most obvious benefit of clay sets, there are a few more points I would like to touch upon. When you do get a new clay pot, although it isn't seasoned to perfection yet, the simple fact that it is made of clay will enhance the color, aroma and flavor of any tea you do steep.

Clay tea sets epitomize quality and craftsmanship. They are usually delicately carved with ornate designs including depictions of Chinese life and traditions. However, these days you can find more modern versions of Yixing tea sets too. You can find them dyed different colors or even painted with modern art. Even if you never drink from your clay set, it will make for a great conversation piece.

The care and maintenance of Yixing clay tea sets is really quite simple. Never use soaps or cleansers to clean your clay set! This is probably the most important thing to remember if you own a clay tea set. Remember, anything you put in your pot can be soaked into the clay itself. You don't want you're tea to start tasting like soap. Aside from this very important factor, they really aren't much trouble at all to take care of. When finished drinking, just pour some hot water over the clay you wish to clean, and gently rinse the tea away. No scrubbing or even drying with a tea towel is recommended, just let air dry.

Another thing to note, is that you shouldn't brew more than one type of tea in your clay tea set. Most experts agree that using different flavors will cause the tea to eventually become unpredictable. This is because every tea you brew is soaked into the clay, so eventually, no matter what type of tea you brew, it will end up being some sort of a blend. Once you have mixed teas in your clay sets, it will be difficult to ever again get consistent flavor.

Finding Yixing clay tea sets is much easier now because of the internet. You don't really have to go all the way to China anymore if you want to get one. If you really like tea, you can't mess up with a clay set, and you can't get any more traditional.

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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Wonderful Healthy Protein Shake Recipes To Make Everyone's Night

By Thaya Kareeson

People are becoming more and more health-conscious. With this growing awareness of what good health can do for the average person, more and more people are working out, every day. Strenuous workouts can cause muscle depletion. One way to resolve or avoid loss of muscle mass is to enjoy some really great protein shake recipes.

One protein shake recipe that actually won a competition is the Chocolate Mint Super Shake. A quarter cup of water and five ice cubes are added to one scoop of chocolate flavoured milk protein isolate, also called MPI/Casein. Add in one third cups of cottage cheese, twenty-five grams of pecans, two teaspoons of ground flax seed and some cocoa to taste. Don't forget the two or three drops of mint extract!

Protein shakes without any additives or nothing special done to them can be pretty boring. If someone gets bored with their new healthy lifestyle, it makes it easier to slip into old bad eating habits. So, make sure that you introduce creative types of food into your diet, by using different protein shake recipes. The variety will help you stick to your muscle building or weight loss program.

Blueberry Pie is a protein shake recipe that combines a cup of frozen blueberries, a quarter cup of vanilla yogurt, one to two scoops of low-carb MRP or meal replacement protein, and a teaspoon of ground flax seeds. Add to the mix a quarter cup of whole oats and a quarter cup of crushed graham crackers, with enough cold water to keep it smooth.

Typically fruit is added to protein shake recipes to give them flavour beyond what they are naturally developed with. Both chocolate and vanilla protein shakes can help repair muscles after a hard or strenuous workout. Add berries, bananas and other fruits to liven them up. Frozen fruit also helps to thicken protein shakes when necessary.

Protein shake recipes don't always come as shakes. Protein powder can be added to cooked oatmeal, a single scoop per serving, for a change from liquid food. Also, consider taking protein shake mix as a pudding shot. Mix a scoop of protein powder with two tablespoons of fat free sugar free pudding mix, an ounce of ice water and allow it to thicken so you can eat it with a spoon. This will add around fifty calories to your usual shake, and six grams of carbohydrates, so keep that in mind while recording your food intake for the day.

Protein shake recipes can add a good serving of fruit to an already strict diet while making it just a little bit more creative. Recipes can be thicker than normal shakes if necessary, to add a good texture change. Protein powder can even be turned into a yummy desert like peanut butter balls. A half cup of all natural smooth peanut butter is mixed with a quarter cup of honey and one and one half of a scoop of your choice vanilla protein powder. Once this mixture is thick enough to roll, create one inch balls and chill them in the refrigerator. It's important to remember that this recipe and others may have a higher fat content than your usual diet.

Protein shake recipes can help make boring hum drum protein shakes into something more. The more creativity a person throws into their new healthy habits, the more likely they are to stick to them. Protein shakes are helpful in keeping a person from experiencing muscle depletion. Remember that ultimately, it's your own personal taste palette that has to be satisfied, so don't be afraid to try new recipes!

Protein shake recipes can help make boring hum drum protein shakes into something more. The more creativity a person throws into their new healthy habits, the more likely they are to stick to them. Protein shakes are helpful in keeping a person from experiencing muscle depletion. Remember that ultimately, it's your own personal taste palette that has to be satisfied, so don't be afraid to try new recipes!

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Excellent Red Wines Available In The Market

By Jack Turner

Red Wine is an excellent beverage which is made from the cultivars of European grape. Red wine has various health advantages and it can be very good for all the heart patients. Red wine includes numerous different wines with great flavor and hue. Red wine is manufactured after crushing and fermenting the skin and the body of high quality grapes. The grapes which are used for red wine are deep purple, blue and red.

If you are a Wine lover then in this article I would mainly like to tell you about the different types of red wines that are available in the market these days.

1. Sangiovese

Sangiovese is an excellent wine that comes under the category of the red wine. This wine is especially manufactured in the Tuscany and the Chianti region of Italy. It has a plum and fresh berry flavor and it is very popular in California. This wine is made with high quality grapes which include Malvasia, Trebbiano, Sangiovese and Caniolo.

2. Zinfandel

This is world famous red wine which is mainly manufactured in California. It is a rich wine with a heavy red color and it has a stimulating flavor of berry and pepper. The red skinned Zinfandel grapes have a luscious texture and a very significant taste.

3. Merlot Wine

This wine has a very soft and light taste that is why it is preferred by many people. These days it is mainly manufactured in California, Romania, Washington, Chile and Italy. This wine has a plum, herbal and black cheery flavor which is very invigorating.

4. Malbec Wine

Malbec wine is manufactured from the Malbec grape which is mainly grown in Argentina, France, Chile, California and Australia. This wine is very dark and juicy and it contains the flavor of raspberry, chocolate and plum.

5. Barbera

Barbera is a fine quality Italian Wine which mainly comes from the Piedmont region. It contains a juicy blackberry and plum taste and it is a versatile wine that it famous all around the world.

6. Syrah

Syrah wine is also known as the Shiraz wine and it is mainly produced in France's Rhone Valley, California and Australia. The Shiraz grapes have a spicy red color and it gives you the taste of pepper spice, black-fruit and black current.

7. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a very rare variety of wine which is mainly manufactured in Oregon, New Zealand, California, Australia and France. It has an aromatic taste of strawberry, plum and cherry.

Well these are some very famous red wines that are manufactured from high quality juicy red grapes.

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Delicious Worry Free Healthy Recipes For Those With Allergies

By Chris Channing

Finding allergy free recipes is comparable to finding a needle in a haystack. It's often difficult and frustrating. Many people are allergic to some of the biggest allergens such as soy (even hidden soy), wheat, dairy, and nuts. These things are usually hidden inside foods too, so even if it isn't obviously one of the above, it could be lurking in breads and soups, and even candy.

Recipes can be found everywhere, but a cookbook usually provides a comprehensive guide to cooking meals allergy free. There are alternatives for almost everything, such as BBQ "chicken" without the chicken, soy free milk, and dairy free breads. The unlucky individuals that are allergic to everything may have a harder time, but there is still hope. Measurements and food balance is important when preparing recipes. For whatever reason, the recipe doesn't always come out as intended if you follow the rules step by careful step.

If you are up to it, the forums and websites also offer tons of experienced "allergy free eaters" that are willing to share their story and recipes too. Children will especially benefit from following allergy free recipes, especially if they are autistic or have ADHD. It can be hard to please kids though, so look for good kid friendly recipes.

Asking around is also a great way to find edible recipes that your entire family will enjoy. Allergy free recipes are not as free as allergen packed ones. You can make a wheat loaf and add all sorts of things to it, without it altering the recipe. Everything you add to a loaf of rice bread can potentially ruin the entire dish.

Once you establish a bit of recipes that are delicious and fun for the whole family, you can look to expand. You will certainly need to make amendments to certain foods in your daily life, and simply learn to like them. Despite everything you should probably plan to test some foods you probably won't like, and plenty more that you will!

Budgeting an allergy free diet can be the hardest. You must learn to spread out meals and buy the foods with the most nutrition. Generally recipes will help you target the cheapest meals and choose what works with your grocery limits. Food is amazing and can usually do much more than we expect it to. Develop allergy free meal plans using good recipes and you will be well on your way to a healthy and cheap week of meals!

Closing Comments

The fun part is learning patience and finding recipes that will make your entire family happy. It doesn't need to be extravagant, but you do need to be kitchen savvy. Regardless of how the allergies started, it is crucial to your health that you avoid the major allergens that can cause health problems.

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Monday, February 15, 2010

What Are The Benefits Of A Natural Diet?

By Jose Andres

A good health is based on the consumption of natural foods that provide the nutrients necessary for a good balance in the body. A high dose of energy is lost every day by the body, which fights against toxic substances. Choosing to follow a natural diet is the best you can do to eat healthy. By consuming natural foods, the harmful effects of chemical pollution are reduced.

The consumption of raw food has countless benefits for our health. Many products contain enzymes that help in digestion. A natural diet provides phytochemicals, whose effects on health are similar to those of vitamins and minerals. By cooking, most enzymes are destroyed.

Eat natural foods as much as possible. Make sure that at least half of your meals are composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Avoid prepared foods that contain additives, preservatives and chemicals.

A natural diet is rich in vitamins and minerals, being based on the consumption of fruit and vegetables. These foods are digested harder, so that the body needs a higher intake of energy to process them. This means that a person who follows a natural diet will never have weight problems. By eating whole grains, you'll be protected from any digestive problems and colon cancer. The best is to avoid processed cereals.

You can start anytime a natural diet. Changing your bad eating habits will have a great impact on your health. Besides fruits and vegetables, it's recommended to consume vegetable proteins, which can be found in soy, peanuts and seeds.

By following a natural diet, your energy and intellectual capacity will increase and you'll become more self confident. On long term, a natural diet reduces the risk of chronic diseases, protecting the body from cancers and other conditions.

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The Great Versatility Of Tupperware

By Mary Glenn

Tupperware can be a great asset to anyone's kitchen. This is because it is great for both leftover food and for keeping food fresh. It is the perfect kitchen storage container because it is very convenient and durable.

The versatility of Tupperware lies in the various types of containers that are available. There are small containers (great for a single serving of leftovers), as well as very large containers (good for large items like cakes). All these containers come with lids that help to keep the food inside fresh.

One of the great things about it is that it's long-lasting and versatile because of its strength. Unlike other containers made for keeping food fresh, these containers do not break easily. They can last many years and thus they are worth a bit of an investment.

Unlike other food storage containers, Tupperware is both microwave and dishwasher-safe. People often want to cook food quickly, and so Tupperware containers are a good choice because they can generally be put directly into the microwave. Because they are also dishwasher-safe they can be easily washed, unlike some other types of containers.

With Tupperware you do not have to buy a lot of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or plastic bags because you can reuse the containers. This saves money, and it can also help the environment. Because you are not using as many resources and are not throwing as much away, you can help to reduce environmental degradation.

Because Tupperware containers keep food fresh and last for a long time, they are a good investment. They are versatile, easy to use, and can save leftovers and help the environment. Just about anyone can find plenty of uses for Tupperware containers.

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Healthy Recipes For Any Lifestyle

By Adriana Noton

Are you concerned about what you put in your mouth? Would you like to eat better healthier food, but do not know where to start? Well you are not alone! There is nothing to worry about. Healthy recipes are now very easy and accessible. There are various ways to ensure you are eating healthy.

You are getting up. You need to get to work, to feed the kids; basically you are in a rush, as ever. You want to eat healthy but you need something quick and easy. You like the whole "breakfast sandwich" idea, even though you know it is not the best thing to feed your body first thing in the morning... Well here is a fast alternative that will provide you with the nutrients your body and soul needs!

So for your next breakfast, try this: 30g of whole grain cereals and 175g of yogurt mixed together, with 125ml of orange juice on the side. You don't like orange juice? Not a problem! You can substitute for your choice of vegetable of fruit juice, as long as it is 100% pure. You can also add as many fresh fruits as you want to your breakfast. For even more delicious nutritious, add in some scrambled eggs. Now that is a quick and nutritious morning!

Now if you work out of the house, lunch can be a little tricky. So if you must eat out, try to remember what not to eat: no fast food and no over processed food. Feeding your body this kind of stuff will not make you feel better. Also try to keep an eye on sugary, fatty or salty food. You do not have to avoid them, moderation is always the key.

Blend together some tuna, fat free mayonnaise and some shredded cheese or your choice to make your own tuna spread. See? It is as simple as that! These healthy recipes are just an example of what you could eat. If for any reason you do not like what is suggested in those, here is a simple tip to remind you of what consists of a healthy meal. You should pick 3 food groups for a healthy breakfast, and 4 for lunch.

Now I understand that dinner can be a bit puzzling. You probably aren't alone, and you have the kids to feed or a husband to feed as well. Well why not make this an opportunity to teach them some new habits! A child's growing body needs to be fed well. So this might be your chance to teach your family how to feed themselves better.

For example: 1 lb of boneless chicken cut into strips, 1/4 cup of fat free Italian dressing, 2 cups of frozen of fresh mixed vegetable of your choice and 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce. Fry the chicken and dressing in a large skillet, add the veggies and soy sauce and fry for another 5 minutes. Dinner ready to eat for four! Have any leftovers? Why not make them the next day's lunch and save yourself even more time!

So as you can see, healthy recipes and healthy foods are accessible and realistic for anyone, whether you have plenty of time on your hands, or live a busy lifestyle. Your entire family can now benefit from eating wholesome meals.

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What Are the Benefits of Stick Packs?

By Arnold Thorstad

Stick packs have brought a new portability to the market. Sometimes known as On-the-Go or "single serve", stick packs provide a different kind of food packing. Stick packs derive its name from its long, skinny shape that seems like a stick of gum.

Stick packs are made from a flexible foil that's filled vertically and sealed at both ends and down the back to form a little pouch. Unlike satchets, stick packs are narrow which makes it simple to pour the contents of the package into the neck of a bottle of water. Stick packs also hold single serving sizes and simply fits into a backpack or purse.

Stick packs or stick-pouches have been available since the 1970's. In Europe and Japan stick packs have been around since the early 1990's. Stick packs have begun to take hold as a new category because of the surge in demand for flavorings and additives for a more active user. Stick packs have reached beyond sugar substitutes to include flavored drink mixes, energy drinks, vitamin supplements and diet drink mixes.

A major benefit of stick packs is the portion control aspect. With consumers being very active they do not have time to measure specific amounts for each usage. Stick packs take care of that issue by having the exact dosage in every stick. Each individual stick preserves freshness while eliminating any waste for the consumer. Also, since stick packs are not sold individually the consumer can buy a month's worth at a time.

Beyond portability stick packs also have a lesser impact on the environment as compared to other forms of packaging. When compared directly with a traditional pouch the savings can be upward of 35 percent on just the cost of film.

Stick packs provide various benefits to the customer and the environment. Due to their low per-item cost and controlled portions stick packs provide a very cost-effective and delicious solution for the consumer.

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Exotic And Attractive Gifts For Every Wine Lover

By Jack Turner

There are various exotic wine making kits and attractive wine accessories available in the market that can really be very good for all the wine lovers. Wine enthusiasts really adore all the things that are related with different types of wines. These days you will find special wine glasses, wine racks, bottle openers, decanters, wine clip and many more wine accessories which can really be perfect gifts for all the wine lovers.

If you want you can also gift your friends and family members a good wine making kit which would help them to make their own wine at home. So, now let me tell you about some really good ideas for gifts that you can give to all the wine lovers.

1. Wine making kit

A wine making kit is a very essential tool that every wine lover should have. A wine kit contains grape concentrates and all the essential chemicals that can really help you to manufacture wine at home. These kits do not include wine making equipments like corkers, vats, barrels, buckets and corks which are very important for the wine making process.

2. A wine thief

A wine thief is a glass or a plastic pipette which is used by various wine makers to manufacture good quality wine. This equipment is mainly used for removing a small amount of wine so that it can be tested. This appliance is very good for all those people who make their own wine at home.

3. A tastevin

A very shallow silver cup is known as a tastevin and it is often used by all the sommeliers and wine makers to test the quality and taste of wine. This instrument was first created by Burgundian winemakers because this appliance helps them to judge the clarity and color of the wine manufactured.

4. Wine clip

Wine clip is an instrument magnetic filter that is especially designed and it can easily fit over all the wine bottles. This instrument is very advantageous for you because it improves the taste of wine and removes all the impurities. The clip does not change the taste of the wine at all.

5. Champagne stirrer

Champagne stirrer is also known as the champagne swizzle stick and it is usually made of ivory, crystal and silver. This appliance can really help you to stir your champagne and wine in order to remove all the bubbles from the liquid.

Well these are some essential equipment that can make very good gifts for all the wine lovers.

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

What You Need To Know About Methods To Use Olive Oil To Maintain Your Health

By Phil Zertisky

Olive oil has recently started attracting a lot of attention from scientists and the medical profession. There have been many compounds and nutrients which are found in this amazing oil that can help your entire body stay as healthy as possible. Now, experts have found a number of different elements in this oil which can heal damage on a cellular level and help prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

The important part of using the oil to get the maximum health benefit is choosing the right oil. It is divided into several different grades, all of which depend on the compounds in the oil and the way it has been processed. Oil which is designated as virgin or extra virgin have been handled and processed the least. They have the highest levels of beneficial compounds but they also have correspondingly higher price tags. This is because only a small percentage of the oil produced world-wide will live up to these standards.

Because heat can easily destroy the nutrients and compounds in olive oil you should look for oil which has been cold pressed. This means that no heat was used to extract the oil from the olives. Many experts agree that it has the richest taste as well as the best health benefits possible. If you do not like the flavor of oil which has been produced in a specific region, you may want to think about picking one from another area. There can be quite a range in taste in the different oils.

Because extra virgin and cold pressed oils have the fullest flavors they are usually used in ways that allow the flavor to come through. This includes dip for bread and dressings. Lower quality olive oils are used in baking or cooking where the flavor may be hidden.

There are many different compounds in these oils that can make you look and feel better. They range from antioxidants such as vitamin E. These antioxidants can heal damage to the body that has been caused by toxins and impurities in our diet and environment. They also contain polyphenols and other compounds which can help keep our circulatory system in top shape.

You can use this oil in things other than food. Many beauty products actually contain olive oil as an active ingredient. This is because the antioxidants can help you maintain a healthy and youthful appearance. They can soften your skin and heal damage from free radicals, keeping you looking as young and healthy as possible. You can find this oil in soaps, lotions and moisturizers that are safe and very effective.

Storing oil is not hard if you take a few preventative steps. You want to make sure that your oil is protected from heat and the air. This can cause the oil to oxidize and many of the beneficial compounds can be destroyed. If you store it in an opaque container you can find that your oil will last for at least a year or even more. This can help you offset the cost of good oil because you can buy it in a larger quantity than you may purchase other oils.

As you can see, it is not hard to incorporate olive oil into your cooking and your beauty routine. By making a few small changes you will quickly begin to see improvements in the way to feel and look.

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Health And Fitness Information - What Is Right For You?

By Ali Bautista

How many diets do you think are currently being marketed in the health and fitness industry? How many conflicting theories do they rest upon? Now ask one more question: how can they all be accurate at once?

It turns out the information boom that our modern culture is now enjoying is too much of a great thing. When there are millions of websites, books, and other products aimed at teaching us how to be healthy and they all conflict with one another, the end result is mass confusion.

It's time to ditch the confusion and look at this industry with a fresh perspective. Aren't you ready to learn what works for you, and forget all the rest?

Here's the secret that most people fail to realize: all of these conflicting theories and ideas can be legitimate all at once, because what works for one person will not necessarily work for another.

There is great evidence that our bodies may look a lot alike but function very differently from one another. There are many people who have lost weight and maintained a lower body weight by giving up most of their carbs. There are just as many people who have tried low carb diets and failed miserably as their energy and weight loss crashed.

It's time to accept that our bodies are as conflicting as the information we are trying to learn. What works for someone else is not going to work for you, but that doesn't mean it is invalid. Put it aside and find what works for your body.

Instead of looking at the health and fitness industry as a bucket of scams and misleading information, think of it as a huge bucket of information. Somewhere in the bucket is the knowledge you need to transform your body, inside and out.

Someone else may value a plan that doesn't work for you. That doesn't make it wrong as a whole; just wrong for you.

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Host An Online Nationwide Tupperware Party.

By Lukas Jones

How do you store left over food? What products do you use when preparing food? What kind of dishes do you use? Do you use cheap plastic containers to store food. Do you serve your family dinner on cheap plastic dishes? Besides looking cheap these containers wont last very long. To get a product that really lasts, you will want to shop on the Tupperware website to order to get great products at bargain prices and a life time guarantee.

Remember all the Tupperware your Mother and even your Grandmother had in their kitchens. If you asked, I`m sure they would tell you about all the Tupperware parties that they attended over the years. Tupperware parties are as fun as ever, however times are changing and modern women don`t have the free time they once had. Tupperware parties have always been fun for everyone involved and can provide party guests with products information and demonstrations of new Tupperware products in action. The internet provides more opportunities to buy Tupperware than ever before. Use Tupperware`s website find the best products that will serve all your needs for years to come.

You can buy Tupperware directly online for convenience but you can still hold one of the exciting Tupperware parties with all you friends and family. Even some shopping malls have Tupperware kiosks that carry a limited amount of product.There are so many different options when it comes to buying Tupperware that there is no reason to use cheap and unreliable products in your home.

Tupperware stands apart from its competitors buy offering a lifetime guarantee on its products. Tupperware`s products are microwave and dishwater safe, they also stand the test of time. The Tupperware in your Mothers cupboard may be twenty or thirty years old but still as reliable as when it was brand new. Tupperware products are not just handy kitchenware for cooking, serving and storing food, but because Tupperware last almost forever,it is also a smart investment. If your Tupperware product should ever crack, chip or peel it will be replaced, without any questions. Even your Mothers vintage Tupperware is still covered by Tupperware`s iron clad guarantee!

Buying Tupperware online can be a group experience buy having a Tupperware party with all your friends on the internet! You can hold a Tupperware party online with your friends and family from anywhere in the country! Click the link at the bottom of this article and you will be taken to the website of a authorized Tupperware consultant. Then click on the link that says "party inspiration center". Fill in the forms provided to begin your online Tupperware party. Once you have finished, invite your friends from around the country. An online party only lasts two weeks and you could qualify to earn FREE Tupperware!

Tupperware has been around for more than fifty years, and have a loyal and satisfied list of customers. To learn more about Tupperware, all you have to do is click the link below. There you will find out about all of Tupperware`s famous products, and how to host an online Tupperware party! It only takes a few minutes, and can simplify your life in so many ways. Don`t wait. Start now!

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Important Factors To Consider While Selecting the Conveyor Chain Most Appropriate to Your Application

By Paul Timmerman

Conveyor chain is used throughout the world in a wide range of applications varying from sprinkler movement in the agriculture industry to moving vehicles on a production line in an automotive assembly plant. If something requires conveyance from point "A" to point "B" continually, whether it is being assembled, painted, washed, inspected, or stored for future use, chances are good that conveyor chain is at the heart of the system.

For optimum performance of a conveyor chain, four criteria are crucial - strength, durability, resistance to fatigue and resistance to impact.

Conveyor chain strength is normally measured in the quantity of pounds necessary to bust the chain on a linear plane. This is tested by a tensile testing machine and the values of the minimum ultimate strength for each size chain are dictated by ANSI. In the process of making the chain, the manufacturer controls its strength by the choice of material, manufacturing processes, and the hardening specs used in the components of the chain, which are its center link, side link and pin.

The integrity of the material at a certain hardness determines the ultimate strength of the chain, but a high ultimate value does not by itself indicate that it is not subject to failure. This value rather is used for application engineering and in the decision as to what kind or size of conveyor chain should be used in various loads.

The durability of a chain depends on a number of outside factors and is a somewhat imprecise value to use when comparing chains. A chains durability is affected by lubrication, loads, chain speed, system design as well as many other factors. Hardness is the only value that is controlled by the manufacturer that impacts wearability, and hardness has a huge impact on the other three criteria. A harder chain is the more durable chain but this very hardness causes the chain to be less fatigue and impact resistant. The harder the chain the less the resistance to fatigue and impact.

There are options in base materials that take the above into consideration. Standard SAE 1045 steel with a hardness of 370 offers good impact and fatigue resistance, a reasonable level of durability as well as meeting minimum ANSI strength requirements. A hardness of 420 BHN of the same material improves its durability and strength but at the same time loses a bit of its impact and fatigue resistance. Microtuff-15 micro alloy steel also has good wearability, higher strength value, and top impact and fatigue resistance for the same cost as the SAE 1045.

Fatigue resistance is the material's ability to withstand continuous bending, twisting, etc. without fracturing. It is perhaps the conveyor chain's most important asset or liability. Fatigue is not easily measurable until the material shows signs of fracture. In today's world of higher production rates, heavier overall chain loads, more intricate chain paths, with tighter radius turns, the chain is subject to more subtle bending and twisting than ever before.

As the conveyor chain travels around horizontal turns, the side load between the chain and the rollers or traction wheel creates a slight bending motion in the center link of the chain. This bending motion is the catalyst for fatigue. If fatigue is not recognized and the chain is not replaced immediately, the frequency of failures is sure to increase at a geometric rate. For this reason it is not recommended to use harder, more wearable, alloy chain on heavily loaded systems with multiple turns and high chain speeds. Alloy chain may be well suited for straight line over and under conveyors or slower lighter loaded conveyors in abrasive surroundings such as foundry cooling lines or incinerator draglines.

Impact resistance is the conveyor chain's ability to absorb shock loads without fracturing. There is an inverse relationship between hardness and impact resistance, but different materials at the same hardness have varying abilities to absorb impact without breaking. Impact resistance with regards to chain becomes a factor in many power and free systems.

With loads being stopped and started frequently, the chain, especially the pusher dog, is susceptible to impact failure if it is not manufactured from an impact resistant material. Other potential impact points on a conveyor are the loading and unloading stations. Impact failures, similar to fatigue failures, occur without warning, but unlike fatigue failures, they don't necessarily multiply.

Considering the above four criteria is very important in choosing a conveyor chain for optimum performance. Selecting the chain most appropriate to the particular application will prolong the systems longevity with fewer crashes.

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Cooking With Charcoal Lighter Fluid Can Be Good Or Bad

By Mario Frei

As humans, we all make mistakes. It is human nature to do so, and cannot be prevented each and every time. When it comes to barbequing, this rule is no different. We often make mistakes that we do not even realize until we taste our food.

Some mistakes just mean that the food you cook is not going to taste very good, while others could potentially mean a trip to the hospital, or a visit from your claims representative on your home insurance policy. No matter the severity of the mistake, you should do your best to try to refrain them whenever possible.

You must properly prepare the meat you are cooking, before cooking it. You should never attempt to cook meat on a grill when it is still frozen, or even partially frozen. Thaw your meat by sitting it out about 12 to 24 hours before you plan on cooking it, or by thawing it in a microwave.

Once meat is cooked, never place it back in on the same plate you had it on when it was raw. This could cause the spread of many unwanted illnesses. Cooking with charcoal lighter fluid can be good or bad. The lighter fluid will cause the food you are cooking to taste different then with other types of grills. Alternatively, attempting to not use lighter fluid may cause a lot of frustration due to the fact that charcoal can be difficult if not impossible to light without lighter fluid.

Never poke you meat while it is cooking. Poking holes in meat will cause the juice inside to leak out into the bottom of the grill. Not only will this make your food dry and unappealing in the end, but it also could potentially ruin your barbeque grill. At the very least, it will cause a buildup of unwanted grease and juices on your grill, which will make cleanup harder.

Once the meat is on the grill, try not to open the lid to many times. Each time you open the lid, you change the temperature in the grill. The constant change in temperature and the air flow will cause your meat to dry up quickly. Remember that the higher the heat is not always the better. While it is ok to quickly cook food, turning the heat up will just cause the meat to dry up and potentially burn.

While using tin foil or aluminum foil will make cleaning easier, it will cause your food to have more of a fried taste then a grilled taste. Never, under any circumstance, should you leave a grill alone when it is in use. Grilling does have fire involved, and accidents can happen. Fire spreads quickly, so being aware of your grill could mean the difference between a small fire that is quickly extinguished, and a visit from the fire department.

Never place a hot grill against a wall, even if the fire is already completely out. A hot grill can heat up an exterior wall to the point of combustion. Also, do not put the grill cover back on until you are sure that the grill is completely cool. You grill should be cleaned after each and every use, no exceptions. While no one likes cleaning the grill, it is essential for the life and safety of your grill. If you allow your grill to sit dirty, not only are you causing a potential fire and health hazard, but you are ultimately making it harder on yourself when it does come time to clean your grill.

Make sure that your grill is completely cold before cleaning it. Spraying oil and cleaning agents on a hot surface could cause it to ignite. Be careful, because the grill may seem cool, but may still be hot in certain areas. You do not want to sustain a burn.

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Various Healthier Food Ideas

By Adam Welsh

Taking care of your body is as important as it's ever been. People are adamant about the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet, and junk foods have been shunned due to the damage they can do to the body.

Recently, I made the switch to a diet that consisted of wholly organic foods. There are many reasons that I chose to do this, and I couldn't have made a better decision. Here are three small steps that you may be able to take if you're interested in following suit.

Did you know that ketchup uses high fructose corn syrup to give it a sweeter taste? You've probably never thought about this, but that explains why ketchup doesn't taste as bitter as an ordinary tomato would.

There are spreads that don't contain any sweetener whatsoever, though those may be a bit bitter for your tastes. If this is the case, go for something sweetened with natural sugar. You won't notice the difference and you'll be doing right by your body.

Another place where the same holds true is with breads. Many loaves of bread would appear to be wholly organic but they contain high fructose corn syrup used as sweetener here too.

Naturally sweetened bread with small amounts of cane sugar is the way to go here if you like something sweet, or you can find ones that aren't sweetened whatsoever.

My final recommendation applies to drinks. There are so many fruit drinks that give off the appearance of natural juice. You'd be shocked by how many people are fooled into thinking they're drinking something healthy when it's simply the opposite.

Always look on the bottle to see what percentage juice the drinks are. The ones that are in fact 100% juice will proudly advertise this somewhere on the label.

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Ex Display Kitchens If You Are Considering Selling Your Home

By Tracy Kirkland

Ex display kitchens are a great way to save money. There are many companies that need to sell their display kitchens at reduced prices because sales are bad. If you are looking to remodel your kitchen this is a great time to do so. Because you can get some great deals and you can greatly improve the value of your home. If you are thinking of selling your home you can improve the value to the potential buyer. One of the first rooms buyers look at is the kitchen.

For a small price you can expect to list your home for more. When you think of the favorite room in the house many people choose the kitchen. It is where many family meetings take place; it is where people have midnight snacks; it is the casual place where families meet for breakfast or lunch.

If you are like me you love to cook. So you want a kitchen that is conducive to cooking. I love the kitchen I have now because it is easy to cook in. You can have a cooking kitchen when you get an ex display kitchen because you have a large selection to choose from.

The house I lived in before had a narrow kitchen which did not make cooking easy. However my new kitchen has a large area where I can cut my vegetables and stir my sauces and move freely to go back and forth from the refrigerator to the oven without bumping into anything.

Choose an ex kitchen display that makes the cook in your home happy. After all a happy cook prepares great meals. You might not get the colour you were hoping for. It is sort of like looking for a great car deal on the lot, you might have to settle for a colour you might have to get used to and extras you were not counting on.

The same is true with an ex display kitchen. If you get a great deal the colour might not be quite right, but for the price you can live with it. And get the best price on the installation. Check with independent companies that do installation. You might get a better deal than the Ex display company installation agreement.

Get some installation estimates before agreeing to the price of the ex display kitchen company. If they give you a quote higher than an independent company then let them know you can have it done for a lower price. They might offer to meet or beat that independent price. If you do have an independent company install your ex display kitchen then makes sure you see photos of their work and ask for references.

Be part of the installation process no matter who you hire to do it. You do not want to try to get them back to fix some alterations. And pay attention to details like gas hook ups and electrical boxes. You want to make sure all is done the right way. Check that workers are licensed in that particular area so you know the work is done right. An ex display kitchen is a great way to improve your home. Look into one today.

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Drop Inches Off Your Waist With This Basic Strategy

By Sam Brees

I get a big kick out of all of the fads that come and go in the weight loss world. There are literally thousands of plans that promise to alter your body as long as you stick to them religiously.

There are diets that are said to take advantage of the body's mechanics, somehow leading it to believe that it needs to start burning fat on its own.

Whether these things actually work or not isn't even the point. Some of them will, and others won't, but it shouldn't have to be so complicated.

For some reason, people need to creatively go about their diets, neglecting to stick to the scientific principles that guarantee weight loss. There's a very easy way to get there that people choose to ignore.

There's one surefire way to burn fat and lose weight, and I find it funny that so few people choose to stick to the basics, instead opting for complicated plans that make things much harder than they need to be. If you eat less calories than you burn, you'll experience weight loss.

Such a simple notion often goes ignored, and maybe it's because it involves a bit of dedication and consistency. Still, anyone who wants to achieve results is guaranteed to get what they want as long as they adhere to this principle.

Limit the number of calories you take in on a daily basis, and try to make sure that everything you're eating has nutritional value too. Eating bad foods will make it harder to lose weight, so keep it healthy and the foods that you eat will have a positive impact on your overall health.

The second key to the equation here is exercising as much as possible. Work your body out, as this burns even more calories in the process.

The people who lose weight are those who follow this principle consistently. Don't veer off course and you'll be guaranteed to see the same results.

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Oven Gloves, Mitts, And Potholder Options

By Tom Wattis

A simple set of oven gloves, mitts, or potholders are fantastic for carrying sizzling baking trays, pots or pans from an oven or hob.

Oven gloves, in a resilient 100% cotton or Kevlar cotton material are equipped to protect against heat, steam, and in a material that is stain resistant to function inside the most stressful of kitchens. A paid of gloves with two mitts usually comes with adequate length in-between to place around the larger-sized pans.

A superb accessory to a kitchen area - cooking mittens often feature a specialized nylon inner material to guarantee an improved amount of defense from steam or grease. In addition, a Teflon outer coating is perfect to resist stains or water. With the ideal length and thickness, these gloves provide the ideal level of defense for the complete hand and forearm area.

Cooking mitts of this nature come in a range of materials, styles (single or double gloved), and a variety of plain or pattern color choices to go with a contemporary to traditional cooking area. And for convenience in storing, a magnetic hook or center loop often features.

Resist stains, water, steam, heat, and hot fat with a quality pair of silicone gloves, these often feature long sleeves, a safe and non-slip grasp, and an exterior that is ultra-hygienic for picking up or touching warm surfaces in a kitchen area.

Purchasing an oven glove often depends on a preferred style and level of safety required. A single mitt, as opposed to a double glove, will be able to fit comparable to a glove - therefore providing a solid grip when lifting a small, medium or large-sized cookware items.

A dependable set of stove mitts offers a superb level in comfort and efficiency to ease doubts of getting burned on each occasion that a very hot piece of cookware if lifting from a stove.

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How To Eat To Lose Weight

By Yong Qiang

There is no need of wondering on losing weight. Some times you may be familiar with Jennie's story. She always had a little food to stay slim which you may think as impossible. It is not essential to have little food like a rabbit to reduce weight.

This is a fake idea of most people. There is no harm in having a reasonable quantity as well as quality food. The reduction should be in the amount of calories you take. Hence you must understand the low calorie food items you can have to quench your appetite Fatty food and sugary food are the main sources of high calories.

Chicken and fish are protein rich food that can be added in your diet. White meat in all forms can also be included as the cholesterol content is very less in that. Eating more fish can make a negative impact on your weight loss mission.

You can take a precautionary step against this by reducing the usage of fatty oil to cook it. It is a wrong perception that intake of skin is unhealthy to reduce weight. Fruits are excellent companions as they activate your metabolism there by burning the excess energy.

Consumption of fruits alone can make you anemic. For vegetarians, beans are a fine choice as it is rich in both proteins and carbohydrate. But the quantity of consumption must be very low. Low sugar and low fat diary products are available in market now. Cottage cheese is another choice. But these must be consumed in fewer quantities as weight loss is a matter of issue.

Acai berries have been a popular fruit since its debut on Oprah show. The high fiber content of the berries brings a quick relief from hunger and this will make you eat less. Another advantage of Acai berries is that they are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Hence the chance of malnutrition is comparatively less.

The above mentioned are efficient natural modes of weight loss worth adopting. Healthy food habits with systematic work outs and fat binders can help you to bring down obesity. You can contribute yourself to weight loss business by doing a keen research on the variety of harmless foods that can be included in your diet. Thus you can have a variety menu for your meals. You must work out to make your meals appetizing with the harmless food items. All that needed is a little effort.

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Thousands Of Americans Have Undergone These Two Weight Loss Surgeries

By Ines Danner

Are you looking to lose weight? If you are, you likely already know that you have a number of different options. For instance, you can go about losing weight naturally, with the use of exercise and healthy eating. You can also lose weight with the assistance of weight loss products, like diet pills. Another option that you have is weight loss surgery. Although all of the previous weight loss methods are popular, weight loss surgery is rapidly increasing in popularity.

As previously mentioned, weight loss surgery is increasing in popularity. If you have never considered weight loss surgery before, you may be wondering what all of your options are. While there are a number of different weight loss surgical procedures that you can undergo, you will find that there are two main procedures. These procedures, which include gastric bypass surgery and lap-band surgery, are outlined below.

That is why this procedure is also commonly referred to as stomach stapling. When undergoing gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon will portion off some of your stomach, making a smaller pouch. Your intestine will then be rerouted, making it so that your food consumption only impacts a portion of your stomach. This is what makes it possible for you lose weight with gastric bypass surgery.

Most physicians require their patients to be around eighty pounds or more overweight. In some rare instances, those who are less than eighty pounds overweight are able to undergo gastric bypass surgery if their health is at risk or if they have other medical problems, such as diabetes. As previously stated, lap-band surgery is another weight loss surgery that is increasing in popularity. Lap-band surgery is similar to gastric bypass surgery. When undergoing lap-band surgery, your stomach pouch is made smaller. One of the few differences is that your stomach is not stapled, but an adjustable band is used. That is one of the reasons why lap-band surgery is so popular, as the band used can be completely removed or easily adjusted.

Lap-band surgery and gastric bypass surgery are not the only weight loss surgeries acquirable to you, but they are two of the most popular. Thousands of Americans have undergone these two weight loss surgeries. For many individuals, weight loss surgery is a last resort. Many who undergo weight loss surgery have not had success with losing weight any other way. If you are interested in undergoing a weight loss surgical procedure, you will want to speak with your physician.

One of the many reasons why it is important to speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional is because weight loss surgery isn?t right for everyone. In addition to being at the ?right,? weight, you also need to have the willpower to reduce your food consumption. If you eat too much food, namely too much food for your stomach to hold, you can not only harm your weight loss progress, but you can also put your health at risk. That is why your weight loss surgery decision is not one that you can make alone; it is one that must be made in conjunction with a healthcare professional.

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