Friday, April 30, 2010

Easy Baby Shower Menu Ideas

When you are thinking about food for a Baby Shower it is best to keep the Baby Shower Menu Ideas simple. Do not make things more difficult for yourself than they have to be.

For a fun baby shower it is important that the food is tasty, that is true, but many simple and easy Baby Shower Menu Ideas can still be tasty and fun. Concentrate on the other aspects of the baby shower and keep the food simple.

One way of keeping things simple is by making full use of any kitchen appliances you have. Think of dishes that can be made easily in any of the appliances you have and plan your menu around those.

On the other hand, if it is summer and you are having the baby shower outside, serving cold dishes is a very good idea. What I suggest then is serving only one hot course and making the rest cold.

If you have a slow cooker such as a Cuisinart PSC 350 3 1 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, that is a three and a half quart slow cooker, you can serve a hot soup as a starter, for instance, and follow it with a cold main course. For your main course you can serve a variety of cold cuts, salad and fresh homemade bread.

Cold cuts does not have to work our expensive as you can make roasts etc. yourself and then slice them with a slicer such as a the Chef's Choice 632 International Gourmet Varitilt Electric Food Slicer. The fresh homemade bread can be made in a breadmaker such as the Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker. For all the chopping you can use a food processor as one of the Cuisinart 11 Cup Pro Custom 11 Food Processors.

And the last appliance that can come in handy is an ice cream maker such as a Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker. With this ice cream maker you can make tasty homemade ice cream in no time.

Ok, so none of us have this many kitchen appliances in our kitchens. I know, but I am only trying to show you how you should think about Baby Shower Menu Ideas. The idea is to make it as easy as possible and as stress free as possible so that you can enjoy it with your guests.

Remember, tasty food is preferable to "fancy" food that does not taste that good. A hearty meal will always be preferred over something exceptional the does not really taste all that good.

There is one more thing to keep in mind when you are thinking about Baby Shower Menu Ideas, what the mommy-to-be can eat. Ask her if there is any food that does not agree with her and make sure you do not serve it.

As far as alcohol is concerned you also have to check with her if she will be comfortable with the guests having wine with their meal while she is not allowed to use any alcohol.

So, by keeping these few suggestions in mind you should not have a problem coming up with easy Baby Shower Menu Ideas.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What About Baby Shower Thank You Cards?

You are organizing a baby shower for your best friend. You are doing everything for the party, but you are unsure about the Baby Shower Thank You Cards. Do you have to provide the Baby Shower Thank You Cards or not?

Well, I think the best answer to this is it depends. What I mean, if the mommy-to-be is a person that loves writing little notes to her friends. Or if the mommy to be is a creative person that loves creating she may want to make the Baby Shower Thank You Cards.

On the other hand if she is stressed out, having a lot on her mind because of the pregnancy and more, she may really appreciate it if you supply her with suitable Baby Shower Thank You Cards, addressed and everything, only waiting for her signature to be posted.

So, you will have to rely on your knowledge of the mommy-to-be when you make this decision. If you do make them it is a good opportunity to make sure the Baby Shower Thank You Cards tunes in with the theme and "feel" of the Baby
Shower.

When designing the Baby Shower Thank You Cards it is good idea to use the same images and more that you used for the Baby Shower Invitations and to only add "Thank You" to it with a note inside thanking the guests for their gifts.

So, if you have to, fish a little and find out if the mommy to be will be glad if you supply her with the Baby Shower Thank You Cards or whether she would prefer making them herself.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Latch Hook Kits Are A Fun And Easy Craft For All

Latch hooking is an easy and fun craft. It is a craft suitable for all ages and you can make really treasured items with this easy technique. That is why Latch Hook Kits are such a good idea.

With Latch Hook Kits you get all the materials you need to make a complete item. This saves you the trouble of having to get a lot of different supplies probably in quantities that are too much for what you need.

I think latch hook kits are a good way to start because they give you the opportunity to see if you and your kids enjoy the craft before you go to the trouble of getting all the supplies you will need.

Kids love making soft toys and with a kit such as The M.C.G Latch Hook Fit Huggables Stuffed 15” Monkey kit any kid will fall in love with the latch hooking craft.

The M.C.G Latch Hook Fit Huggables Stuffed 15” Monkey kit includes all the materials you will need to make this adorable monkey. This kit is of high quality and good value for money. It would make a fantastic gift for any child who loves to create things.

So, go to Latch Hook Kits to read more about the M.C.G Latch Hook Fit Huggables Stuffed 15” Monkey kit

Monday, April 26, 2010

Alternative Cheese Fondue Recipe

Fondue is always a hit. It is fun sitting around the fondue table and visit. Swiss fondue is a very simple cheese fondue, but it is also possible to make and alternative fondue that does not have wine in it. If you have a fondue pot such as the Cuisinart CFO 3SS Electric Fondue Maker you can make this recipe from scratch in your fondue pot.

Alternative Cheese Fondue Recipe:

Ingredients for your alternative cheese recipe:
  • 6 Eggs
  • 6 Tablespoons grated cheddar or any other strong cheese
  • 4 Tablespoons butter (do not substitute margarine for the butter)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
  1. Beat the eggs lightly
  2. Add the egg to your Cuisinart CFO 3SS Electric Fondue Maker
  3. Add the freshly grated cheese and the butter
  4. Stir until the cheese has melted
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste
  6. Serve with fresh crusty bread (with a breadmaker such as the Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker you can set it to "dark crust")
Serve your fondue with ice cold white wine. If you do not have a fondue pot such as the Cuisinart CFO 3SS Electric Fondue Maker you can of course prepare the fondue on the stove before transferring it to your fondue bowl.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Tasty Cheesy Chicken Soup With Fresh Homemade Bread

Making a soup in a Cuisinart PSC 350 3 1 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker and serving it with fresh homemade bread made in a Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker can be a really good option for a busy mom.

Why I like the Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker so much is because you can program it for when you want the bread to be ready. The Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker is programmable up to a 13 hours delay start.

So, you program it and the Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker starts the bread on the correct time for the bread to be ready when you want it to be ready. This is the convenience of a programmable breadmaker.

The Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker comes with a recipe book so you will have a variety of breads you can make in it.

So, I'll not give you a bread recipe as I cannot really improve on the Cuisinart CBK 100 Programmable Breadmaker's recipes. But here is a recipe for the soup you want to serve with the fresh homemade bread.


Cheesy Chicken Soup Recipe

What You Need:

  • 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 (11 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (11 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

How to Make It:

  1. Place the garlic salt, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
  2. Combine well.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with the mixture.
  4. Place the chicken in the crock pot.
  5. Pour the cream of chicken soup over the top.
  6. Add the cheddar cheese soup.
  7. No need to add water or milk.
  8. Cover and cook on low 8 hours.
  9. Do not remove the lid during cooking because the steam helps the soup to become creamy.

Tip: This recipe is so simple to do. Serve it with a salad for a hearty meal.

Quick Dinner With Your Cuisinart CPC 600 Electric Pressure Cooker

With today's busy life cooking dinner can very often be a big problem. It is easy to solve the problem though, with a Cuisinart CPC 600 Electric Pressure Cooker. With a Cuisinart CPC 600 Electric Pressure Cooker it is possible to have dinner on the table very quickly.

To give you an idea of the tasty meals you will be able to prepare in a Cuisinart CPC 600 Electric Pressure Cooker, here is a recipe for a All in One Veggie Casserole.

You will not be able to place the pressure cooker in water for the quick release, of course, but you will use the pressure release function.

All in One Veggie Casserole Recipe:

What You Need:

  • 2 C of water
  • 1/2 C of fresh cauliflower florets
  • 1/2 C of fresh carrots
  • 1/2 C frozen peas
  • 1/2 C of onion
  • 1/4 C of red pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 t of pepper
  • 1/2 t of salt
  • 2 T fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It:

  1. Place a trivet inside the pressure cooker then add the water.
  2. Generously grease a casserole dish.
  3. Layer the cauliflower, carrots, peas, onion and red pepper slices into the dish.
  4. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
  5. Tightly cover the dish with foil.
  6. Place the dish on the trivet in the cooker.
  7. Quickly bring the cooker to high pressure and cook for 2 minutes.
  8. Use the quick release method under cold water to release the pressure.
  9. Remove the casserole and sprinkle evenly with the parsley just before serving.

Want to make this recipe from frozen vegetables? It's easy just substitute frozen corn for the cauliflower, frozen pearl onions for the regular onions, frozen carrots for the fresh carrots and frozen French style green beans for the red pepper. Fresh broccoli may be substituted for the cauliflower if you prefer.

Makes 4 servings

So, grab your Cuisinart CPC 600 Electric Pressure Cooker and try this recipe.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World’s Most Versatile Medium

Acrylic paint is a well loved by artists because it is the most versatile medium. With a book such as Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World’s Most Versatile Medium you will be able to make far more than you can ever imagine.

Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World’s Most Versatile Medium is an easy to follow step by step guide to the techniques you can use with acrylic paint.

You will learn a variety of techniques; some will be techniques you would never have thought about. But, that is not all, it is also a guide with the basics you need it you want to paint with acrylic paints.

With Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World’s Most Versatile Medium you will learn how to select materials, how to clean your brushes, preserve your artwork and other interesting topics.

Take the time to explore the wide range of techniques in the book and I'm sure you will find the techniques that works for you and for the kinds of painting you do. With Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World’s Most Versatile Medium you will enter a new world where you can explore.

You must not make the mistake to think Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World’s Most Versatile Medium is only for beginners, it is a reference resource that every artist should have in his or here library.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Easy And Simple Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe

Cinnamon ice cream is really one of my favorite ones. In South Africa we all love cinnamon and we use if in just about everything, so why not in ice cream.

Now this a an easy and simple cinnamon ice cream recipe for a person that does not have an ice cream machine such as a Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker or the more expensive, but super, Lello Musso Lussino 4080 Ice Cream Maker.

What You Need For This Easy Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe:

  • 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
  • 3 1/2 t ground cinnamon

How to Make It This Easy Cinnamon Ice Cream:

  1. Place the softened ice cream into a mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the ice cream.
  3. Stir until the cinnamon is blended in well.
  4. Return the ice cream to its original container or place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap.
  5. Freeze at least 4 hours or until firm.
Makes 1/2 gallon

This is the cheaters way of making cinnamon ice cream fast. If you have recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream add the cinnamon before placing the ice cream in the freezer canister to freeze.

Obviously if you have a ice cream maker such as the Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker or the Lello Musso Lussino 4080 Ice Cream Maker you will add the cinnamon with the other ingredients in your machine.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Easy Shredded Cabbage and Beef Soup Recipe

Making a soup with ingredients that takes a lot of chopping can really make life difficult. So, if you have to chop, chop, chop you are not going to make it, even if you can cook it in a low cooker and come home to a fully cooked meal!

So, for this recipe to be really easy to make you really need a food processor such as the Cuisinart 11-Cup Pro Custom 11 Food Processors to make light work of the chopping.

Other than that this soup cannot be easier to make. You can put it in the slow cooker, after the Cuisinart 11-Cup Pro Custom 11 Food Processors made light work of the chopping, and forget about it and go to work and come back to a fully cooked meal.

This is quite a big recipe, so if you want to make it in the Cuisinart PSC 350 3 1 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker you will have to half the recipe.

I love the Cuisinart PSC 350 3 1 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker because it is programmable up to 24 hours and when the cooking time is over it switches to "warm" to keep the food hot without overcooking it.

If you have a big family though, you may have to look at a bigger slow cooker such as the West Bend Slow Cooker, and more specifically to the West Bend 84716 Versatility 6 Quart Oval Slo Cooker that will be big enough for the full recipe.

Choosing between these two is purely a matter of the size of your family and which functions are the most important to you.

OK, enough of the ramblings, here is your Easy Shredded Cabbage and Beef Soup Recipe:

Shredded Cabbage and Beef Soup

What You Need:

  • 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 lb cooked ground beef, crumbled
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 white potatoes, cubed
  • 4 C cabbage shredded
  • 3 C vegetable broth
  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 t salt
  • 1/2 t pepper
How to Make It:
  1. Place the cooked bacon and ground beef into the crock pot and stir slightly to incorporate the ingredients together.
  2. Add the onion, potatoes and cabbage.
  3. Stir in the vegetable broth until all the ingredients are completely combined.
  4. Gently stir in the diced tomatoes.
  5. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper and stir to incorporate.
  6. Cover and cook on the low temperature setting 8 hours.
Serving Size: 8

Beef or chicken broth can be used in place of the vegetable broth. Adjust the amount of salt to 1/2 t if you use a meat based broth. These types of broth can sometimes be a little salty.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tasty Chilled Cucumber Soup Recipe

In summer, serving a tasty chilled soup is always a very good idea. What is such a lot of fun is that you do not only have to make chilled soup from vegetables, but a chilled fruit Soup is also very tasty. So, you can have a look at some Chilled Fruit Soup Recipes when you go to: Chilled Fruit Soup Recipes.

Here I am going to give you the recipe for a chilled, jellied cucumber soup that makes a great starter for a special dinner.

Chilled Cucumber Soup Recipe

Ingredients for the chilled cucumber soup recipe:
  • 4 Cups of chicken stock, preferably a homemade Chicken Stock
  • 1/4Cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 4 Teaspoons gelatin
  • 11/2 Cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/4 Cup cold water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A drop of green food coloring
  • Lemon slices for garnishing
Method:
  1. Soak the gelatin in the cold water
  2. Dissolve this mixture in the hot chicken stock
  3. Add the lemon juice
  4. Color it very carefully with a very small amount of green coloring ( you really have to be careful as it can very easily be too dark)
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste
  6. Allow the mixture to cool and become thick without actually setting
  7. Peel the cucumber, remove the pips and chop the cucumber into very small pieces
  8. Fold the cucumber into the gelatin mixture
  9. Add more salt and pepper if necessary
  10. Allow the mixture to set
  11. Break the set gelatin mixture into small pieces for serving and serve the soup in chilled bowls decorated with lemon slices.
As a variation you can also use a dollop of cream as a garnish.

So this, this chilled cucumber soup recipe makes a good variation from the normal chilled cucumber soup recipes.

Monday, April 19, 2010

How To Improve Ballet Technique

I often here people asking the question: "how to improve ballet technique?" It is often the problem of people starting ballet later in life. You are behind and you are probably moving up in the different grades too fast.

This can result in bad technique making you ask this question about how to improve ballet technique. The good news is that it is possible. With the right help, in the form of books, photos and videos you can work at home to improve your technique.

Personally I have gone through this as I only started ballet late in life and I moved up WAY to fast. With hard work and a lot of practice at home, paying attention to my technique, I was able to do my elementary examination while I was already pregnant with my first son. So, it can be done!

The big problem with exercising at home is that it is very easy to practice in bad technique making things even worse. That is why I said you need to have good info and videos and photos to make sure you are practicing in the correct technique.

When you are wondering about how to improve ballet technique make sure you get the best resources available when you practice ballet technique at home. You also have to practice your technique with a lot of attention. You have to make sure you are doing EVERYTHING correct or you will simply be practicing in BAD technique making things worse.

Having a look at a resource such as The Ballet Bible is a very good idea. With The Ballet Bible you get all you need to train at home with complete safety, providing you pay attention, of course!

So, if you are wondering about How To Improve Ballet Technique, having a look at The Ballet Bible is a very good idea.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

3 Stumbling Blocks On The Road To Weight Loss

With the summer on its way we are all thinking about summer vacation, sun sea and beach! Only problem, we need to lose a few pounds. So, what are the stumbling blocks on the road to weight loss that can prevent you from losing those few pounds before you have to appear on the beach with your swimsuit?

Well, there are many. I think though that one of the most important ones to mention first is unrealistic expectations. So if you are saying I cannot lose weight, it is possible that you are stumbling over this stumbling block of unrealistic expectations.

So, if you are saying I cannot lose weight - stumbling block #2 on the road to weight loss is skipping meals. Stumbling block #2 on the road to weight loss is skipping meals. It may sound strange, but in desperation you can start skipping meals and them you are definitely going to stumble over this stumbling block on the road to weight loss.

The 3rd stumbling block on the road to weight loss I want to look at is weekends. So for today, stumbling block on the road to weight loss #3 is weekends. It is so easy to throw all your good intentions overboard when the weekend comes. During the week you are busy at work and school, but weekend when you are socializing it becomes very difficult to stick to a diet.

If you want to know more about all these and other stumbling blocks on the road to weight loss you can find a list here: Stumbling Blocks On The Road To Weight Loss List

Friday, April 16, 2010

Great Ideas for Baby Shower Invitations and Baby Shower Invitations Wording

What ever the theme of the baby shower is, there are certain things to keep in mind with the baby shower invitations wording. Certain things have to be part of the baby shower invitations wording no matter what else.

The starting point for planning a baby shower is by preparing the invitations and that is when you have to start thinking about the baby shower invitations wording. These invitations can be hand-made, printed, even ordered online. This all depends on the person in charge of planning the baby shower. Of course mom-to-be will love to be involved in choosing the perfect theme for the baby shower, be it for a girl or a boy.

Here are some great ideas to create baby shower invites to prepare for that oh-so-fun baby shower:

1. Create you own invitations and have total control over the baby shower invitations wording.

First, think of a theme for the party. Do you want to have a Disney-inspired baby shower? Or you might want to have an animal theme. Whatever motif you decide on, make sure that the invitations you will send out will reflect the main theme.

One specific idea is to attach the printed invitations to pacifiers or tie them with a ribbon and put them inside feeding bottles or powder puff canisters. Place them inside any baby accessory that you think will be useful. They can be in pink or blue, or both, if you do not know the baby's gender yet. These items can even be brought to the party by the guest for the mother to use after she gives birth.

2. 2-in-1 invitation ala give-away.

You can print out the details of when and where the baby shower will be held and put them in mini-picture frames. These would make great invitations, and can be kept as after-party souvenirs. Make sure that the frames reflect the theme of the party as well.

3. Personalize your invites.

A baby shower is not just a tribute to the boy or girl who is about to be born, but it also celebrates the joys and sacrifices of the mom-to-be. She is the one who deserves to have a break from taking care of the baby in her womb for the past months.

You can think of ways to show the mother’s personality on the invitations that you will give out. One web site offers unique baby shower invitations, with names like “Polka Dot Mama”, “Hip Mama” and “Tummy Love”. You can also use the mom’s work, for example, as a party theme.

If the mom-to-be dabbles in writing, you can use children’s books as invites; just stick a huge bookmark in it, where the details of the baby shower will be printed. For a mother who is a chef, or who just plain loves to cook, you can create mini-chef hats which can be made of cloth, paper or felt and just stick the invite in front.

4. Order the invitations online.

If you are in a hurry and do not have the time to make the invitations yourself, you can order them online. There are a lot of web sites where you can view samples of baby shower invites. If you have not thought of a theme yet, you can also get great ideas from these web sites. You can even download ready-made invitations, just change the wordings and print out copies in specialized paper, then, voila, you now have your own personalized baby shower invites.

There are hundreds of possibilities on how to create your special baby shower invitations. Just let your imagination run wild and you will surely come up with the perfect theme for that baby shower that is bound to be fun for everybody. The only thing to keep in mind is that the baby shower invitations wording must contain all the necessary information.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Tasty Holiday Southern Pecan Pie

There were times when baking involved a lot of beating with a wooden spoon, not so anymore! Today we get amazing stand mixers that can do far more than they used to.

A mixer such as the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers makes easy work of all baking, including the cream of butter and sugar and the mixing of bread dough. So, we now do not have to hesitate when we see a tasty recipe needing a lot of beating.

For you try your brand new KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers out on, here is a tasty holiday Southern Pecan Pie recipe.

Southern Pecan Pie

What You Need:
  • 1 (9 in) unbaked pie crust
  • 3 eggs
  • 2/3 C sugar
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/2 C butter, softened
  • 1 C light corn syrup
  • 1 C pecan halves
How to Make It:

  1. Place the oven setting on 375 degrees and allow the oven to preheat.
  2. Place the eggs in your mixer's mixing bowl.
  3. Use an electric mixer, such as one of the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers, and beat in the sugar, salt, butter and corn syrup until well combined.
  4. Gently fold the pecans into the mixture with a rubber spatula.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly in the pie crust.
  6. Bake 45 minutes or until the pie filling is set.
Serving Size: 8

What better way to end any Holiday dinner than with a piece of that wonderful pecan pie. With this simple recipe you can have one in no time and everyone will be in ecstasy. If the crust on the pie begins to over brown cover it with aluminum foil until the last 5 minutes of baking.

Well, as you can see, with one of the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers this is an easy and fast to make recipe. Without a mixer such as one of the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers it is HARD work getting it right!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Try Homemade Bread With Your Stand Mixer

The modern stand mixers you get can easily handle bread dough with their dough hook. So, why not try and alter a few tasty bread recipes into Recipes For Stand Mixers? This way you can make all your favorite breads without all kneading!

Here is a recipe to give you an idea of how bread recipe can be altered to become Recipes For Stand Mixers.

Oatmeal Potato Yeast Rolls

What You Need:

  • 1/2 C potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 C quick cooking oats
  • 1/2 C of butter, room temperature and divided
  • 2 (1/4 oz.) pkgs. active dry yeast
  • 1 C of warm water (115 degrees)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 C of sugar
  • 1 t salt
  • 4 C of bread flour, divided
  • 1 C of whole wheat flour
How to Make It:

  1. Place the potatoes in a saucepan and just cover with water.
  2. Place the pan on high heat and bring the water to a brisk boil.
  3. Boil the potatoes for 8 minutes or until very tender.
  4. Reserve 3 T of the cooking water then drain the potatoes.
  5. Place the oats into a mixing bowl and add the reserved potato water.
  6. Stir the mixture until crumbly.
  7. In a separate bowl mash the potatoes then stir in 6 T of the butter.
  8. Add the oat mixture to the potatoes and stir until blended together well.
  9. Place the yeast into a mixing bowl, add the water and stir until dissolved.
  10. Beat in the eggs, sugar, salt, 2 C of the bread flour and the potato mixture/
  11. Add the remaining bread flour and just enough wheat flour to form stiff dough.
  12. Lightly flour a flat surface and turn the dough onto the surface.
  13. Knead for 6 minutes or until smooth and elastic. (Of course with your stand mixer these two steps will be changed as you will do the kneading with the dough hook of your stand mixer.)
  14. Grease the side of a non metallic bowl and place the dough in the bowl.
  15. Turn the dough over once to coat all sides.
  16. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
  17. Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees and grease two 9 inch round pans.
  18. Lightly flour a flat surface and turn the chilled dough out on the surface.
  19. Divide the dough into 32 balls.
  20. Place the balls, sides touching into the prepared baking pans.
  21. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  22. Cool on wire racks then brush with the remaining butter.
Makes 32 rolls

These rolls are pretty simple to make and taste great. Brush the tops with garlic butter or sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the tops after brush with the remaining butter.

This is how easy making bread become when you change the recipes to become Recipes For Stand Mixers.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

What Can Be More Fun Than Homemade Ice Cream?

I feel that homemade ice cream is the ultimate dessert and with a tasty homemade ice cream you will always blow your guests away. Fortunately it does not have to be difficult to make it anymore with a Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker.

Here is the recipe for a really tasty and fun ice cream you can make with your Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker. Who would have thought that pumpkin in the form of ice cream can be so tasty?

So, try this recipe in your Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker. Of course, because of the hot custard it will take a little longer to freeze because the liquid is hot. It will speed the process up if you cool the custard in the fridge first. Remember the Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker's bowl does not have to be cooled before use like many other ice cream machines you get.

Spiced Pumpkin Custard Ice Cream

What You Need:
  • 2 C whipping cream
  • 3/4 C dark brown sugar, packed
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1/2 t ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 t salt
  • 1/4 t ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 t ground allspice
  • 1/4 t ground cloves
  • 1 t vanilla
  • 1 C canned pumpkin
How to Make It:

  1. Pour the cream into a saucepan placed over medium heat.
  2. Stir the brown sugar into the cream.
  3. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  4. Place the egg yolks into a small mixing bowl.
  5. Stir in the cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, allspice and cloves until well combined.
  6. Remove 1/2 C of the hot cream and slowly whisk it into the egg mixture.
  7. Pour the egg mixture into the hot cream mixture whisking as you pour.
  8. Cook, stirring constantly for 5 minutes or just until the mixture coats a metal spoon and a finger mark runs clear through the mixture, being sure not to allow the mixture to boil.
  9. Pour the mixture through a sieve into a bowl.
  10. Stir the vanilla into the mixture well.
  11. Whisk the pumpkin into the mixture well.
  12. Pour into the freezer canister and freeze according to the direction for your ice cream maker.
  13. Allow to ripen 4 hours.
Makes 10 servings

Fill the freezer canister on your ice cream maker 2/3 full. This will allow room for the ice cream to expand during the freezing process. Always refrigerate any extra until you are ready to place it in the ice cream maker.

Monday, April 12, 2010

A Small Homemade Wind Generator and What It can do for You

If you want to harness the power of the wind to generate your own electricity for your home I have good news and bad news. The good news is that a small homemade wind generator really is a viable option. The bad news is it may not do as much as you'd hoped it would.

Converting wind power into electricity is done by using a wind turbine, once the energy is converted into electricity it can than be sent to the grid to be used or stored in batteries for later use.

If you want to use wind power at home you will need a turbine or wind generator. To get a turbine you have two options: buy one, or make your own small homemade wind generator.

One thing to take into consideration, especially if you are going the more expensive route of buying one, is how long you plan on living in your house. Buying a wind turbine for home use is going to be pretty pricey.

If you're planning on staying in your home for many years you'll have time to recoup that investment. A very good option here is a Sunforce 44447 900w Whisper Wind Turbine.

If, on the other hand, you're planning on moving in a year or two you won't have saved enough on your utility bills in that time to get your money back.

There is another option, an option where it doesn't really matter how long you stay in your home. You can build your own Small Homemade Wind Generator. The cost will be dramatically less than buying one, less than $200 for all the parts, yet you will still benefit from the same amount of savings on your utility bills, up to 80%.

Another thing you have to keep in mind is that one wind turbine won't be enough to provide all the electricity your home needs, though it will supply around 60% of what you need.

You can buy a turbine, such as a Sunforce 44447 900w Whisper Wind Turbine, or build your own Small Homemade Wind Generator and you will see significant savings on your utility bills no matter which option you choose. You'll just see it sooner if you lower your initial investment by building your own Small Homemade Wind Generator.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Making Your Own Salted Tongue

If you have a Chef's Choice 632 International Gourmet VariTilt Electric Food Slicer I am sure you want to try your hand on making your own Salted tongue as you will now be able to slice it just as thin as they do in the deli.

So here is a very basic recipe for a salted tongue, you can adjust the spices to your taste. What I actually use here in South Africa is a spice mixture you get that is called "pickling spice"

Ingredients for your salted tongue recipe:

  • 1 Pound of course salt
  • 11/2 ounce of saltpeter
  • ½ ounce of pepper corns
  • 2 Pints of boiling water
  • ½ pound of brown sugar
  • 1 Tongue
Method:

  1. Pour the water over all the ingredients but the tongue
  2. Rub the meat well with some additional salt
  3. Place in the salting liquid and make sure it is completely covered
  4. Place a plate on top of it as weight to keep it completely covered with the liquid
  5. Leave it in the liquid for 3 to 4 days
When you want to boil your tongue:

  1. Soak it in fresh water for one hour.
  2. Cover the meat with fresh water and boil for 3 to 4 hours until tender (in a Presto Pressure Cooker 8 Qt you only need to boil it for 55 minutes)
  3. Remove the skin from the tongue very carefully
  4. Let the tongue cool of in the cooking liquid to absorb a part of the lost juices again
  5. To shape your tongue into a "pressed" tongue roll it tight and place a plate with weights on it to press the tongue
  6. When you are ready to serve it slice it with your Chef's Choice 632 International Gourmet VariTilt Electric Food Slicer

Enjoy! Of course you can simply buy a whole pressed tongue at the deli and slice it yourself; you will still save a lot of money.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Some Of The The Benefits of Flexibility Exercise and Training

Flexibility exercise and training ensures that the body has the mobility it needs to achieve a wider range of motion. The joints as well as the muscles surrounding it can deteriorate over time and then you will not enjoy The range of movement that you use to have. Stretching with a machine, such as the LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine, can greatly improve your flexibility and mobility.

With exercise and regular training, the joints can become more flexible and the muscles build up to help support each movement. Besides increasing the joint's ability to move, flexibility exercises also help provide balance to various muscle groups during periods of exercise and physical activity. This can be effectively improved through regular flexibility training and stretching exercises, with a machine such as the LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine. 

This flexibility, and the greater mobility that goes with it, has many benefits:

Flexibility training helps to improve physical performance. If done regularly, it can help improve a person's physical performance by improving the range of movement. By giving the joints regular physical activity you will be able to move more and better than before.

It is common for unused muscle groups to become stiff when they have not been used for a long period. This can further limit one's range of movement. Stretching and flexibility exercises can help the muscles perform a kinds of activity that will help them develop more flexibility. Flexibility exercises can help increase the range of motion. Not only that, such exercises can also improve one's general physical performance.

Regular flexibility exercises can also help with reducing muscle strain and soreness such as the pain that develop when the muscles are suddenly put through considerable physical activity. Muscles can react better to strenuous physical activity and then can adapt to them if done on a regular basis. A good way of helping the muscles adapt to strenuous activity is through stretching with a machine such as the LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine.

Stretching exercises helps the muscles go through a slow and controlled but an increasing range of motion. This process allows the muscles to gradually adapt to strenuous physical activity. It helps lessen the risk of developing strains and soreness in the muscles used.

Flexibility exercises can also help improve blood circulation. Regular stretching exercises not only help improve the body's muscle tone. It can also help increase the blood that is circulating through them. With an improved blood circulation in the muscles, there are several things that happen.

First, the improved blood circulation helps the nutrients to be transported to the tissues more efficiently and nourish the muscles. Another thing that happens with improved blood circulation is that more oxygen gets into the muscles to fuel it through physical exertion.

Regular flexibility and stretching exercises and training can also help increase the production of synovial fluid in the joints. This fluid that, is found in the joints, acts as the joints lubricating fluid that lessens the friction between the joint's moving parts. Aside from that, the synovial fluid also helps transport the nutrients into the joint tissues.

Flexibility exercise and training is one of the most overlooked forms of fitness program around. Some people often neglect getting into stretching exercises as part of their fitness regimen. The ultimate result would usually be muscle strain and injury. Without stretching exercises, muscles can easily become strained. That is why it is important for such exercises to be included into any fitness and wellness program.

To make sure you do all the stretches you need to do, at the intensity right for you, have a look at a machine such as the LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

How To Improve Ballet

Are you thinking about how to improve ballet? It very often happens that you feel you need more help than you can get in class. So, what to do? How to improve ballet at home? Well, that is why I am looking at the Ballet Bible.

We all know that practicing at home can be dangerous. There is always the possibility that you can actually practice in bad technique and make things worse. So, you must have a means to exercise at home with safety.

What you need is a resource, such as the Ballet Bible, that has detailed instructions, photos and even videos that show you exactly what you have to do. You must also be aware of all the possible mistakes you can make so that you can prevent making them.

I find that especially students that started their ballet training at an older age sometimes go through the different grades to fast and end up with technical problem later on. This is when you have to be sure you are practicing in GOOD technique at home and not BAD technique!

Go and have a look at the Ballet Bible, you will see it has all the info you need to practice at home. You get a good manual, photos and videos to make sure you do it right.

Go To: Ballet Bible

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

How Mom Can Jog Off The "Baby" Fat

I know the feeling, baby is getting stronger by the day, but you are still battling with that "baby" fat! It seems as if you cannot get time to do some exercise at all and between baby and the other chores you are neglecting yourself.

Well, there is an easy way to get some exercise while you are giving baby an opportunity to get out of the house and see some of the "big" world outside! Take baby jogging with you in a Schwinn Hope Jogging Stroller.

At the worst baby will love the outing and at best baby will fall asleep before you even reach the sidewalk. This is an ideal way of getting some much needed exercise without having to bother with organizing a sitter for baby.

The fresh air will be good for both of you and even if the weather is not perfect the Schwinn Hope Jogging Stroller has a canopy and zip-out weather shield and the seat is padded for baby's complete comfort.

This is only one of the ways you can schedule in some exercise into your daily routine. Of course all your household chores can also be turned into exercise if you do them vigorously and at a fast tempo, but getting out of the house is good for you as well as for baby. The four walls can really come down onto you if you simply stay at home all the time.

Make time for yourself. You owe it to your family as you cannot make them happy if you are not fit, healthy and happy yourself!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

How Kids Lose Weight - Mongoose Montana Boy's Mountain Bike 24 Inch Wheels

Kids are becoming more and more inactive these days and as a result many are obese. If you are thinking about how kids lose weight, cycling is a good option. With a Mongoose Montana Boy's Mountain Bike 24 Inch Wheels any nine year old boy will become active!

Becoming active is vital if you want to know how kids lose weight. Going on a diet is not normally a good idea for a kid and that is why getting them to move is a better option. I so not mean you must encourage bad eating habits, only that a healthy eating plan should be combined with exercise.

Trying to force a kid to exercise will never have the desired effect. It is important to get an activity your kid will love, and preferably one you can do with him. So if you are up to some cycling, getting him a Mongoose Montana Boy's Mountain Bike 24 Inch Wheels is a very good idea.

This is also an ideal opportunity to spend some quality time with him. While you are out riding you are teaching him the pleasure of cycling, you can teach him about nature as the Mongoose Montana Boy's Mountain Bike 24 Inch Wheels is a mountain bike and you can go into the country and more.

Of course you will have to stress healthy eating habits as well if you are wondering about how kids lose weight. The problem is that you have to phase this in slowly. If you are going to make a sudden complete turn you will only be met by opposition.

Start by slowly eliminating the worst in his diet. Look at unnecessary fat, carbohydrates and sugars in his diet. Start using healthy cooking methods gradually so he can become used to the taste. Try and limit fast food and eventually try and eliminate it completely.

So, I think this is the best answer to "How Kids Lose Weight" get them active and teach them to eat healthy. Never stress a calorie restricted diet unless it is completely unavoidable.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Looking At Renewable Energy for Your Home - Wind Power

As energy becomes more and more of a problem it is not only the US government that is getting interested, but also companies are all trying to latch onto this renewable and cheap source of energy, Wind Power. So, looking at Vertical Wind Turbines For The Home is not a bad idea as vertical wind turbines takes up less space and provides you with more energy.


It is really a good idea to harness this common every day breeze to generate some energy. It is cheap, almost always available. Why not use it? With Vertical Wind Turbines For The Home it is easy.

Every sailor knows that when you go sailing you simply hoist the sail on your ketch or a much bigger sloop and off you go. For thousands of centuries, wind power was the only known source of power available to mankind. Then when you stop and think about it, when you were just a kid, you found yourself using the blowing breeze to cool yourself down. In fact the only air conditioner for everyone was the wind.

With the technology available these days it is not only possible for you to use the breeze for cooling your home, but you can use it to power the majority of the electrical power you need to run the lights, appliances, heating and air conditioning units in your home.

We all speak about new technology, but really this technology has been around for more years than you and I can count. Do you know what it's called? Sure you do, the "Windmill", “Wind Turbine” or Wind Machine. Giant corporations such as Johnson and Johnson, Wal-Mart and many others are contracting with private “Wind Farms” or building their own wind farm to power their factories and retail outlets.

The good news thought, is that we can all harness this wind power to supply us with clean and renewable energy for our homes. Depending where you live it is possible for you to have your very own wind turbine. In fact if you install one you may be able to sale your excess power back to the electrical company for a profit.

So have a look at Vertical Wind Turbines For The Home and find out more.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Easy Baby Shower Centerpieces

Baby shower centerpieces do not have to be a problem. There are many easy Baby Shower Centerpieces that are easy to make and cheap.

It is important to keep in mind that the baby shower centerpiece has to fall in with your theme. Still, you will be surprised at how easy diaper cake can be customized to fit any theme.

Another thing you have to keep in mind is that it is the best to keep the baby shower centerpiece simple and functional. The size of the centerpiece also has to fit in with the space you have available.

I always think spring is a very fun time for a baby shower as it is the birth of a new season as the birth of a new baby is the reason for the baby shower. So, why not make a simple centerpiece with lots of blossoms.

The idea of blossoms works very well with a baby girl shower. You should be able to get lots of pink blossoms that you can work in into this theme of spring. It is even possible to top the traditional diaper cake with a spring blossom bouquet!

If you use the diaper cake with the spring blossoms on top you can also use diapers a place markers. Roll a diaper and tie a pink ribbon around it with the place card hanging from the ribbon and then you slip a spring blossom, the same as your centerpiece, under the ribbon and you have made your centerpiece and your place cards part of "spring" theme.

It is important to remember that when you are planning your Baby Shower to keep things simple and easy to execute. The same goes for Baby Shower Centerpieces, keep it simple and functional.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Ginger Ice Tea Recipe

Summer is coming and then ice tea will be very tasty again. If you are entertaining it may be well worth serving something a little different. To start making this ginger ice tea recipe you have to start with making 2 cups of very strong tea. To boil the two cups of water to make the tea with one of the Bodum Mini Ibis Electric Water Kettles will come in very handy.

Ingredients for your ginger ice tea recipe:

  • 2 Cups of very strong tea
  • 2 Cups of any kind of ginger soda (such as Ginger Ale)
  • 4 Strips of pineapple
  • Crushed ice

Method:

  1. Place some crushed ice in four glasses
  2. Mix the cold tea and ginger soda
  3. Pour over the ice in the glasses
  4. Decorate each by placing a strip of pineapple in each.

The glasses for this drink should not be too large. You will have w cups of liquid and the crushed ice. If you use too much crushed ice it will weaken the drink too much and will make it tasteless. If the tea is too strong for our taste you can of course add a little more of the ginger soda.

What Is A Thinking Prayer?

What is a thinking prayer? Do we even know that there is something like a thinking prayer?

I pondered this and then at a prayer meeting found these great ideas to help me keep focused when I'm praying and to give my prayers structure. Keeping these points in mind gives my prayers structure and helps me to pray with a purpose.

A thinking prayer can be thought of as a "circle."

This means that you end where you started:

This is also a formula that can be used with great success if you are thinking about Starting A prayer Group

  • Start with praise
  • Declare your dependence on God
  • Become quiet
  • Confession
  • Bible Study and praying the word
  • Commitment to do as God says
  • Intercession let God's kingdom come
  • Pour out your needs to God
  • Thanks giving
  • Stay alert
  • Get wisdom from God
  • End with praise

This is not a set formula, but it is a way to keep my prayers structured and to keep my mind on God and the Holy Spirit while I'm praying.

Remember:

Romans 8:26 (The Message)

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.