Use Ebt Food Stamps On Vacation

No matter what the reason is that you need to leave the state you reside in, you're probably wondering will your EBT or food stamp card work in the state you are going to. Not too long ago, your EBT card wouldn't work in every state, due to differences in the operating system of certain states. Now, every state is operating under the same system, so your EBT card should be accepted without a problem in any state located in the United States.

Instructions

1. Look up the state's rules governing EBT cards, if you're unsure or have questions. It's better to know how the system works, than be caught by surprise. The U.S. government has a website that specifically addresses all questions concerning the use of EBT cards.

2. Shop at stores in the new state that says they accept EBT cards. Most grocery stores will accept them and it doesn't matter what state issued them. You should be able to use your card to purchase food, with no problem. If you're unsure whether the store accepts them or not, just ask.

3. Purchase food that your EBT card has set up benefits for. These are any breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products. Most people don't realize that seeds and plants are also covered under their EBT cards, if the seeds and plant will produce food to eat.

4. Purchasing items such as beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, pet food, paper products, cleaning supplies, vitamins and medications will not be covered under your EBT card. This also includes any food that is hot or can be eaten in the store, such as a sub.

5. Not using your EBT card in over a year's time, will cancel all your benefits. If you haven't used your EBT card for awhile, you might want to check on what benefits are available before you go out of town and try to use it. Call the number located on the back of your EBT card to check on benefits that are available to you. If you use your EBT card regularly, but didn't use all of one month's benefits, those benefits will carry over into the next month.

Tags: your card, covered under, every state, food that, matter what

Start A Bulk Food Store

Step inside a bulk food store and time stands still. Barrels of nuts, grains and produce serve as oases of temptations as shoppers stroll by en route to refrigerator cases loaded with big slabs of meat and bountiful displays of fish. It's almost impossible to avoid the intoxicating smell of exotic spices wafting in the air. Bulk food stores offer huge helpings of nostalgia in addition to health food, so if owning this type of food bazaar sounds particularly appetizing, this article can help you turn an empty store into a place people love to come---for the food and the experience.

Instructions

1. Conduct, or have someone conduct for you, a feasibility study to determine whether the store you have chosen is in an area that attracts bulk food buyers. Do some digging to find out if there are one or more potential competitors within a 25-mile radius. Apply for variances, licenses and permits mandated by the state, county and community once you're satisfied that you're in a good location.

2. Oversee the build-out of the store to suit the bulk shopper. Construct permanent signs that instruct bulk shoppers on the ins and outs of buying produce, meat and staples in large quantities. Plan to install bag dispensers adjacent scales and order a large supply of oversized scoops so shoppers can help themselves from barrels and crates of food.

3. Secure food suppliers, furniture and equipment. Visit local purveyors, farmers and distributors to evaluate price and food options. Keep several types of distributors on speed dial, even if you decide to use one main supplier in meat/dairy, perishables and packaged goods so you always have a backup if deliveries are late. Purchase plenty of scales.

4. Establish a markup policy to align your costs with the goals and objectives of your business plan and projected profits. Communicate with advisers, consultants and organizations serving the bulk food industry to help with this if you need a refresher based on your first inventory orders. Play it safe at first; consider deeper markups once you've got your feet wet.

5. Hire staff and train them to understand the difference between chain supermarkets and bulk food stores. Purchase insurance to protect your store and employees. Consider the installation of an alarm system if your business is in high-crime area.

6. Plan an open house to introduce your bulk food emporium to the community. Make it your policy to solicit new product suggestions from shoppers so your store becomes their favorite shopping headquarters. Position your store as the one that cares about patrons' choices and you'll develop a loyal following of people who will always choose your location over chain supermarkets.

Tags: bulk food, your store, chain supermarkets, food stores, your business

Tell If Something Is Silver & Not Silverplate

Check the clasp on jewelry for a '925 Silver' notation.

Genuine silver (also known as sterling silver) is a beautiful and valuable material that will last for years if proper care is taken. Because it is a soft metal, silver alone cannot be used to construct jewelry, flatware or other durable items, so it is mixed with other metals. For an item to qualify as genuine silver, it must be 92 1/2 percent pure. Most sterling silver has 7 1/2 percent of some other metal, usually copper. Sometimes items are made of other metals and have a thin layer of genuine silver on top. This is known as silverplate, which can be rubbed off with use or wear. Like gold, silver must have a trademark noting its purity. Silverplated items do not have a "925 Silver" mark like items that are 100 percent silver. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Instructions

1. Carefully inspect your item for a sterling silver notation. If you are looking at jewelry, check the clasp. You should see one of the following markings or something similar: "9.25," "925/1000," "Sterling," "S/S" or "Sterling 9.25." If you do not see any of these markings, it is highly unlikely that the item is genuine silver.

2. If you do not see the sterling marking, the item is probably silver-plated. Check the coloring of the item carefully. Genuine silver is generally less shiny and colder in tone than silverplate. If you see places where the silver appears to be flaking off or turning green, the item is silverplated.

3. To investigate further, you can try cleaning the item with a soft cloth: Real silver will usually leave black marks on the cloth. These marks are caused when sterling silver oxidizes. Exposure to air or other chemicals results in tarnishing that does not occur with fake silver.

4. If you suspect the item is made of stainless steel (as many types of flatware are), you could hold a magnet near the item. The magnet will be attracted to the steel.

5. If the item does have the sterling marking, yet you still suspect it may be fake, you can take the item to a pawn shop or jeweler for a professional to perform the "acid test." A small drop of nitric acid (a harsh industrial chemical) will turn a non-sterling item green because of its high copper content. Items that are silver-plated brass, nickel silver or low-quality silver will turn green. Be aware that nitric acid will leave a permanent discoloration on your item, so make sure it is applied in an inconspicuous spot.

Tags: sterling silver, genuine silver, nitric acid, other metals, silver must, silver will

Grow & Mix Your Own Chicken Feed

Baby chicks must have a different feed mix than adults.

Chickens are economical to raise for food purposes if you can cut the cost of their diet. The easiest way to do this is to grow and mix your own chicken feed instead of purchasing feed from a co-op or agricultural depot. As a bonus, homemade chicken feed will be nutritionally superior to what you would buy in a store. This will give you healthier, tastier birds that produce a larger number of eggs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Mark off a plot of land near the south side of your chicken coop. The south side of the coop will receive the most sun to support your feed plants.

2. Clear the plot of land you've selected and work up the soil as soon as the danger of frost has passed in your area. Add natural fertilizers like compost to the plot to make sure the soil has plenty of nutrients for the feed plants.

3. Plant corn around the north, east and west sides of the plot. This will make a natural barrier and protect the other feed plants from wind and animals.

4. Plant chicken feed basics like soybeans, wheat, alfafa, oats, barley and sunflower seeds in the rest of the plot space. Most of these plants will grow to roughly the same height, but take care to plant the tallest plants on the north end of the plot so they don't block the sun from the rest of the plants.

5. Water and fertilize the plot regularly during the length of the growing cycle.

6. Harvest the plants as they mature. Store them in containers away from moisture and do not husk the corn until you are ready to use it so nutrients are not lost.

7. Grind your corn and other plants together with fish meal and grits like pebbles or oyster shells. The grits are necessary for the chickens to digest their food, as chickens have no teeth to grind what they eat.

8. Store your feed mix in an large airtight container away from moisture to prevent mildew and rot.

Tags: feed plants, away from, away from moisture, chicken feed, from moisture

Design A Virtual Field Trip

Virtual field trips are cost-effective and can take students far beyond the classroom walls.

Have you ever wanted to travel somewhere with your students, but an actual field trip has been impossible? Due to rising costs and current budget barriers, field trips are not a priority in schools these days. But that doesn't mean your students can't experience the world beyond the classroom walls. You can design a computer-generated environment with text, video, audio, and multimedia features instead. A virtual field trip is the perfect way to take your students on a trip without leaving the classroom.

Instructions

The Pre-Planning Stage

1. Identify your field trip audience. Your virtual field trip design will vary based on the type of audience you target. Consider whether a class, entire school, or community will participate in the trip. Decide how the trip will be viewed by others--in a whole group, in small groups or individually.

2. Establish the purpose or goal of the virtual field trip. List reasons your audience should take the field trip and what they will achieve upon its completion. Think about ways the audience could show they have accomplished the field trip goal, such as an assignment to complete during the trip or an interactive quiz at the end.

3. Choose a destination for your virtual field trip. Identify places linked to curriculum standards or related to a current unit of study. Consider a topic your audience would be interested in learning about. Select a location that you could visit to gather primary resources or a place with which you are already familiar.

4. Research other virtual field trips on the Internet. Take a variety of trips to gather ideas for structuring and designing your own virtual field trip. When investigating, write down positives and negatives for each field trip. Think about the features of the field trips that you liked and those that did not work well. Look at how each field trip is organized to collect ideas for your own design layout.

Creating the Storyboard

5. Create a storyboard to lay out the design of your virtual field trip. A storyboard is a visual organizer used to plan how each web page will be designed. Storyboards can be created on copy paper, poster board, or heavier drawing paper. Divide the trip into sections, assigning one part to each web page. Decide on how many web pages your trip needs and how the user will navigate through those pages. Refer to your research of other virtual field trips to choose the navigation technique that you like best.

6. Use colored pencils to sketch your pictures on the storyboard.

Draw your virtual field trip layout on the storyboard. On each piece of paper, include a variety of pictures, text, and multimedia features. Sketch the pictures using colored pencils or glue the actual images directly onto the paper. Compose text for each web page and lay out in the correct location. Draw and label the placement of multimedia features, such as video and audio clips. Decide carefully how each page is arranged, keeping in mind easy accessibility for users.

7. Design link buttons to help users navigate through your virtual field trip. Each web page needs an individual button. Organize your link buttons in a horizontal row or a vertical column. Draw the buttons in the same location on each storyboard page.

8. Use your completed storyboard to build your virtual field trip. Depending on the size of your field trip, select an HTML editor software, such as Adobe Dreamweaver, to construct your trip. Once completed, upload your trip to the Internet and present it to your audience.

Tags: field trip, virtual field trip, field trips, virtual field, your virtual

Get Rid Of Gobbler Neck

Reverse signs of aging with simple neck exercises.

Gobbler neck, commonly called "turkey neck," is loose skin that hangs down underneath the chin that can be unattractive and annoying. This occurs when skin ages and loses its elasticity. Getting rid of it can be difficult, but that doesn't mean you absolutely have to go under the knife. Although it may be impossible to completely get rid of gobbler neck once you have it, there are creams and facial exercises that can be effective in tightening the neck muscles and reducing it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Facial Exercises

1. Put your thumb under your chin just where the bone ends and meets your neck. Press the tip of your tongue into your lower gums as if you were trying to touch your tongue to your thumb. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat several times.

2. Push your lower lip out and down as far as you can. Do this as hard as you can until your chin turns white. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat several times. You will feel the muscles in your neck tightening.

3. Stand up and put your head back so that you are looking at the ceiling. Pucker your lips and act as though you are trying to kiss the ceiling. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and repeat.

4. Sit down with your back straight. Rotate your head from one shoulder to another in a circular motion. Try semicircular motions and work your way up to full head rotations. Repeat this as many times as you would like.

Retin-A

5. Ask your doctor to prescribe Retin-A cream. Although it is typically used to cure acne, it also renews the skin and boosts collagen to tighten up your chin and neck.

6. Start with .25-strength Retin-A. You don't want to start with anything too strong or it can cause irritation and dry skin.

7. Apply the cream to your chin and neck each night before bed.

Plastic Surgery and Laser Surgery

8. Research laser skin therapy and decide if it is right for you. There is a procedure called "Titan" that will tighten the skin and reverse signs of aging without a facelift. Titan uses infrared light to penetrate the dermis layer of skin and stimulate dormant collagen. The procedure is relatively pain-free, according to Laser Cosmetica.

9. Ask a plastic surgeon about liposuction procedures. A turkey neck can be caused by excess fat in the neck under the chin. Talk to a plastic surgeon about liposuction to remove the fat.

10. Ask a plastic surgeon if you are a good candidate for a face lift. If you have recently lost a lot of weight and carry a lot of skin under your neck, it may be impossible to reduce without a face lift. Recovery time is about two weeks and the scars are minimal, according to Oprah.

Tags: your chin, Hold seconds, Hold seconds repeat, plastic surgeon, seconds repeat, your neck

Instructions For The Rival 18quart Roaster Oven

Instructions for the Rival 18-Quart Roaster Oven

Rival's 18-quart roaster oven can be used for cooking beef roasts, ham, pork roasts, chicken and turkeys. Rival roaster ovens are portable options for cooking or warming foods that need to be transported or for keeping foods warm during parties. Rival roasters that have buffets server accessories can be used to heat and keep warm three different foods, which makes the roaster an ideal appliance for banquet-type settings. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Prepare the roaster for use. Wash all its parts, including the removable roaster pan, removable wire rack, removable buffet serving frame and dishes, and the cover. If this is the first time you are using the roaster, assemble the cover. Use the two screws to attach the cover handle to the cover. Screw down the handle so it is tight.

2. Place the removable roasting pan inside the bottom of the roaster. If using the roaster to cook meats, place the removable wire rack inside the roaster pan. If warming foods with the buffet server, omit the wire rack and place the buffet server in the roaster. The server frame rests on the roaster pan.

3. Keep the temperature control in the "Off" position until you plug in the unit. After plugging in the Rival roaster, preheat the roaster for 20 minutes to the desired temperature that you need for cooking or warming your dish.

4. Place the food in the roaster. Place the cover on the roaster. Follow the roasting or cooking time in the recipe booklet for cooking meats and other food items. For instance, cooking a 14 to 22 pound turkey at 350 degrees F takes nine to 14 minutes per pound. Any time you cook meat in a roaster, use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the meat before serving it.

5. Warm foods in the buffet server by placing 4 cups of water in the roasting pan underneath the buffet server frame and dish. The steam helps keep the food warm. Keep the cover on the roaster at all times when not serving food to keep the heat inside.

6. Finish cooking or warming foods and turn off the temperature control. Unplug the roaster power cord from the outlet.

7. Wash the removable parts of the roaster right away to prevent drying and unnecessary scrubbing. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe the outside of the roaster, but never submerge the roaster base in water.

Tags: buffet server, cooking warming, warming foods, wire rack, cooking warming foods, cover roaster

How Does The Economy Affect Food Cost

The economy affects food costs in unpredictable ways.

Food prices in the United States are part of the global economy and the effect of world markets on food costs is unpredictable. Prices of commodities like wheat, corn and milk, which are staples of the family food budget, are influenced by a variety of interactive forces. The cost of oil, which is essential to the manufacture and transport of food products, is determined by global markets. The foreign exchange rate -- or the rate at which U.S. currency is measured against other currencies -- determines the price at which the U.S. buys and sells food products in foreign markets; this can affect food prices at home. Government policy during economic cycles can also influence food prices.

Commodities and the World Market

Wheat, corn, soy and other grains are staple commodities that are sold in the United States to make things like bread, cereal and a large number of processed foods. U.S. food products are sold to other countries in the world as well, and the amount that we sell, or export, can affect food prices in this country. When other countries have economic downturns or have bad harvests, bad weather or food shortages, we export more. With this increased demand on our commodities, prices can go up everywhere. When the world economy is good and global food supply is abundant, we export less and prices in the U.S. may remain stable, or even fall.

Food Prices and the Cost of Oil

Oil is necessary to the manufacture and transport of food in the United States; farming, food processing and trucking all use large quantities of gas and oil. Oil prices are dependent on foreign markets and the global economy. When oil prices rise, businesses will pass on higher costs to the consumer in the form of higher food prices. During global economic downturns, there is often less demand for energy and oil on world markets. Food prices in the U.S. might fall as a result. During robust economic periods, demand for oil may rise, causing higher prices for both energy and food.

Policy, the Economy and Food Prices

During economic downturns and recessions in the U.S., politicians may try to influence food prices by creating policies that they think will benefit businesses or consumers. Policy makers may restrict exports to keep supplies abundant and prices low. When U.S. currency falls against other currencies, foreign demand will rise because the products will seem cheaper to other countries. Rising demand can mean higher domestic prices in the long run. The government also subsidizes farm programs that can affect food prices. An example would be government subsidies for ethanol, a fuel made from corn. Ethanol subsidies can limit the supply of corn that can be used for food and prices can rise.

Food Prices and Local Demand

When the economy is bad people have less to spend on food and demand falls. In a supply and demand economy that should mean that all food prices drop in a weak economy. But because food economy is global this does not always happen. Some discretionary (non-staple) food products may go down in price, but staples are generally "recession-proof". People will always buy basic food items like bread and milk. The cost of manufacture, transport and world demand affect staple food prices much more than local demand.

Tags: food prices, food products, affect food, affect food prices, economic downturns, food prices, manufacture transport

Scholarships & Grants For Single Hispanic Mothers

There are grants available to help single hispanic moms get an education.

Being a single parent and going to school is challenging, especially financially. There are grants and scholarships available to single mothers, but also some aimed specifically at single Hispanic mothers. The government gives some of the grants to help single mothers get an education, but there are private scholarships available as well.

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is given by the government in cases of financial need to help with college expenses. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be paid back. The first step to receiving a Pell Grant is filling out the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a form detailing a person's financial information, so the government can determine need. Single mothers often qualify for more money because of their need. Pell Grants can be from $400 to $5,350.

State Funds

Certain states may offer grants to single mothers who want to begin or continue their education. For these grants, mother will have to fill out the FAFSA as well (filling it out once a year will be sufficient. It does not need to be filled out more than once a year). A parent will need to be able to show that there is a financial need, the parent is a resident of the state, and that the parent has custody of the child. The amount of money a parent receives will be determined on the amount of need that is determined by the FAFSA.

Hispanic College Fund

The Hispanic College fund gives away scholarships every year to people of Hispanic heritage who demonstrate a desire to succeed academically. There are many organizations affiliated with this fund who will give scholarships to Hispanic single mothers. Applying for these scholarships is the first step in receiving them. The deadlines for these vary, so the best thing to do is apply as soon as possible. The Hispanic College Fund also requires a letter of recommendation---important to keep in mind when organizing around deadlines.

Soroptimist

The organization Soropotmist is an organization that is community focused, particularly on women and their relation to community. They help women get an education and achieve their professional goals. There are different scholarships available from this group; however, a woman must become a member first.

Sallie Mae Fund

For Hispanic students who are the first in their family to pursue a college career, The Sallie Mae Fund has scholarships of $500-$5,000 available. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must also have a 3.0 - 4.0 GPA. They also must be U.S. citizens and plan on enrolling at a college in the U.S. full time.

Toyota Scholarship Program

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has partnered with Toyota to provide scholarships to people in the Hispanic community. This scholarship applies only to people of Hispanic origin who reside in the greater Los Angeles area; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; New York City, NY; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; and Chicago, IL. Applicants must be U.S. residents with 3.0- 4.0 GPAs and intend to attend a 4- year college full time.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has partnered with many other companies and organizations to offer scholarships to people in the Hispanic Community. There is a database of scholarships available and their deadlines so it is easy to see what is still available and what deadlines have passed. Applying on the website will automatically bring up a list of what opportunities match up to each person.

Tags: people Hispanic, scholarships available, financial need, Fund Hispanic, Hispanic College

Degrees For Baking & Pastry

Learning complex recipes such as croissants are some of the necessary skills for a pastry chef.

Offered at most culinary schools, certificate programs and associate degrees are the most common certifications available for baking and pastry students. Ideal for anyone interested in working as a pastry chef, in a bakery or opening their own bakery, these programs teach the fundamentals of the craft necessary to build a career in the food industry.

Certificate Programs in Culinary Arts

Diploma and certificate programs are offered through community colleges, technical and trade schools and occasionally 4-year universities, and generally are 8 to 10 weeks. These programs are especially good for students looking to learn basic skills before attending culinary school.

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in culinary arts are 2-year programs teaching the basics of culinary education and food services. Students may choose to concentrate on baking or pastry at most culinary schools. An associate's degree from a good culinary school makes aspiring chefs and bakers much more employable. Basic entrance requirements include a high school diploma or GED.

Bachelor's Degrees

While bachelor's degrees in culinary and pastry arts allow students to obtain an college degree, most programs focus more on the business aspect of the food industry rather than development of culinary skills. Consequently, these programs are designed more for students interested in owning their own business or restaurant. Admission requirements and cost depend on the specific institution. Most programs last four years.

Apprenticeship Programs

Once you have a culinary degree or a pastry certification, it is common to enter an apprenticeship program with a qualified chef, restaurateur or business owner. This allows for hands-on experience with both the craft and the business. It is especially helpful to get real life experience before starting your own bakery or restaurant.

Tags: baking pastry, certificate programs, culinary school, culinary schools, degrees culinary

What Are The Benefits Of Wild Honey

Wild honey has many health benefits.

The list of wild honey benefits is a long one. The use of honey dates back many centuries, where it was used in cooking, in religious ceremonies and in medicinal practices. Today wild honey is commonly used for the treatment of allergies; a few lesser known uses are being recognized for their positive health benefits.

Allergies

People can develop seasonal allergies over time when they are continuously exposed to the allergens and pollens in the area where they live. The raw honey from local bees will contain small amounts of these pollens, and, when ingested, the honey will help to boost the body's immune system and reduce the symptoms of allergies.

Healing Wounds

Wild honey is beneficial in the treatment of wounds from abrasions, surgery, bed sores, ulcers from diabetes and many others. The success of healing wounds with honey is due to its antibacterial properties. The thickness of the honey helps to keep new outside infections from developing and to deter further advancement of existing infections. The moisture from the wild honey promotes healing with little scarring.

Treatment for Burns

Honey has an anti-inflammatory property and is beneficial in the treatment and healing of burns. It reduces the inflammation and pain of surrounding tissues and helps to speed up new skin cell growth. A burn wound dressing with honey is less painful to apply. It has more of a soothing effect with minor stinging in comparison to conventional antibacterial ointments. Applying and removing dressings from burns is less painful as the honey will not stick to the newly formed tissue.

Treatment for Diarrhea

Wild honey is beneficial in the treatment of bacterial diarrhea. Diarrhea, not only in humans, but also in animals, can be treated with honey mixed with water. This will help reduce the duration and severity of the diarrhea.

Digestion Benefits

Honey contains fructose and certain enzymes that, when ingested, helps to relieve indigestion, helps with the digestion process and helps to calm and heal an inflamed stomach lining.

Tags: beneficial treatment, with honey, health benefits, honey beneficial, honey beneficial treatment

Foods That Increase Ldl Cholesterol

Fast Food

There are two types of cholesterol--one is "good" (HDL) and one is "bad" (LDL). Cholesterol cannot dissolve in the blood and must be transported to and from the cells by carriers known as lipoproteins. LDL stands for Low Density Protein. HDL stands for High Density Protein. Both of these lipids, in conjunction with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol make up your total cholesterol count.

What Does LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Do?

It is believed that HDL (good cholesterol) carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, from whence it will eventually go out of the body. Scientists further believe that LDL (bad cholesterol) can slowly build up in the arteries that carry blood to the heart and brain, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The amount of LDL cholesterol in your diet is important if you are a healthy individual with no diseases, as a preventative measure. However, if you have any type of heart disease or high blood pressure, limiting the amount of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in your diet becomes even more important.

Foods That Increase LDL Cholesterol

Organ meats--liver, gizzards and hearts. They tend to be high in cholesterol and should be eaten sparingly.

Beef--steaks, roast beef, beef stew, pot roast, hamburgers and ground beef. All of these are high in cholesterol and will increase your LDL. Eat them sparingly. When you simply have to eat red meat, be sure to choose the leanest cut possible. The leanest cuts of beef are the round, chuck, sirloin and loin. Trim off any visible fat. Choose extra lean or lean ground beef. Try cooking your hamburgers at home on a grill instead of ordering at a fast food restaurant. Red meat is the biggest culprit for increasing LDL cholesterol.

Pork--This includes delicious barbecue, bacon, ham, neck bones, ham hocks and pork chops. If you must have these meats, choose the leanest cuts. The leanest cuts of pork are the loin chop and the tenderloin. Eat bacon, ham and barbecue sparingly and choose the leanest versions you can find.

Lamb--Choose the leanest lamb cuts from the loin, arm and leg.

All Fried or Deed Fried Foods--These will increase LDL cholesterol by virtue of the cooking method. Frying foods necessitates something to fry them in, be it oil, Crisco, lard or butter. Adding these to food will increase your LDL cholesterol. The best cooking method for those looking to lower cholesterol are baking, grilling or broiling. These remove some of the fat from the meat and they do not add additional fats. Foods that are commonly deep fried include: southern fried chicken, hush puppies, onion rings and blooming onions.

French Fries--These starchy, tasty morsels are deep-fried in oil or fat. As good as they may be, they should not be consumed by those wanting to lower LDL cholesterol.

Any food that is basted with fat drippings -- What's the good of grilling, baking or roasting a turkey, chicken or ham if you're just going to baste it with fat drippings?

Food that is seasoned with fat, pan drippings, bacon, ham hocks, neck bones or any type of pork seasoning meat. Even though you cook a delicious, healthy pot of collards or other greens, once you add the seasoning meat (usually high in fat), you've added cholesterol to the pot. Try other methods of seasoning including herbs and specialty seasoning mixes.

Processed Foods--These include hot dogs, sausages, salami and bologna.

Lard, Butter, Whole Milk, Whole Cheese and other Dairy Products--Lard is animal fat. Stay away from it if you want to lower your cholesterol. Whole dairy products contain a high level of fat. Choose the low-fat varieties or skim milk if you want to lower your LDL cholesterol.

Eggs -- The yolk is the part of the egg that has higher cholesterol. Egg whites do not contain that much. In many recipes, it is possible to substitute just the egg whites rather than to use the whole egg. It's also possible to buy egg substitutes that are cholesterol-free. There have been some studies showing that free-range chickens with an organic diet lay eggs with lower cholesterol than large production chicken farms.

Cakes, pastries and pies--At first glance, it may not seem as if these sweet items are dripping in cholesterol, but often they are. Butter is a very common ingredient in all these delicious items. Sometimes pastries are deep fried in oil, such as apple turnovers.

Increase Life Expectancy by Lowering LDL Cholesterol

Eating a heart-healthy diet can help save your life, increase your life span and give you a better quality of life. Just a few minor adjustments to your diet can bring tremendous rewards in good health. According to "High Speed Healing," "In one massive study in the United States, lowering daily cholesterol intake by 200 milligrams / 1,000 calories led to a 37 percent lower risk of death from any cause and added 3.4 years to total life expectancy."

Tags: choose leanest, increase your, leanest cuts, lower cholesterol, will increase, with drippings, your cholesterol

Going Green Business Ideas

Green business ideas improve the environment.

As heating bills increase and concern about the environment and global climate change grows, there is an opening for new green businesses. Governments around the world are investing in new green technologies. Green businesses can get all the necessary information about the best products, and help consumers choose wisely, whether they want to update their home or business.

Vegan Restaurant

After the United Nations cited factory farming and animal agriculture as one of the key facotrs in global climate change, reducing the consumption of meat has become one of the greenest actions anyone can take. Opening a vegan restaurant will help to give people options about the types of food they eat. Food products that do not come from animals are readily available, including faux-meats and fake cheeses. These types of businesses can find success in parts of the world that already have an established vegan base, like New York City, or get a jump on the competition in parts of the world that are just learning about vegan lifestyles.

Green General Store

While people may have the desire to buy green products that do less damage to the environment, it often takes a lot of research to determine what is acceptable to buy. A green general store would attract customers that were interested in buying green products, but didn't have the time or expertise to make the proper decisions. While the competition would be with big box stores like Target and Wal-mart, a green general store would be a niche store that could attract a loyal customer base.

Green Consulting Business

Whether focusing on other businesses or private homes, people want to figure out ways to be more green and save money along the way. Tax breaks are available for those who green their homes or businesses, partially or fully offseting the costs of the updates. Starting a business with the expertise about the right products, updates and tax information would help those that want to make changes, but don't know where to look or start. Whether the customer is looking to save money on a heating bill or wants to do what is right for the environment a green consulting business would be attractive to the customer.

Tags: climate change, general store, general store would, global climate, global climate change, green general store

Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half

Fresh vegetables are less expensive at the farmer's market.

Your food bill is a variable expense; you can cut your grocery expenses in half and continue to eat well. A change in grocery-shopping habits reforms your eating habits. Healthy foods are often cheaper than unhealthy foods. If you are the family shopper, you hold the future health and wealth for your entire family. One in seven Americans received food stamps or supplemental nutrition assistance in the first half of 2011, the largest number ever to do so, CNN Money reported. Whatever your status in life, you can benefit from cutting your grocery bill in half.

Instructions

1. Create a master list of the foods you need for the meals you cook most often. A master list saves you hours of shopping and assures that you have the items needed to make the dishes your family prefers. Build your master list over a period of weeks by adding ingredients to the list when you cook. Your master list should include the cuts and kinds of meat you eat; the fresh, frozen and canned vegetables and fruits you use; and all the basics such as sugar, flour, pasta, rice, milk, bread, spices, coffee and tea.

2. Read the local grocery advertisements before you shop. Plan your meals using the foods that are on sale. Purchase extra sale items for future weeks. Plan meals with chicken every week, as it is often inexpensive or on sale.

3. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season and on sale. Purchase fruits and vegetables that last. Apples and oranges keep for weeks in the refrigerator. Buy potatoes. This vegetable keeps in the refrigerator and when properly prepared, it is nutritious.

4. Save money on drinks. Cold drinks, juice and water are a large part of the food bill. Filter your tap water if you need and buy a powdered sugarless drink mix for flavoring. These mixes are often 10 or 12 for $1 at time of publication. Use a sprinkle in a glass of water and a package lasts all week. Fresh lemon added to water is refreshing and much less expensive than sugared drinks, juice or cola.

5. Eat leftovers. Leftover roast makes sandwiches or soup the next day. Make casseroles to use leftover rice and vegetables. Remove leftover fried chicken from the bone and make a wild rice casserole.

6. Cut the number of your shopping trips in half. If you shop once a week, start shopping every two weeks. If you shop every two weeks, shop once a month. Once you have pantry and freezer items stocked, you can easily shop once a month for the majority of the items you buy. You will find that the products you run out of first are the ones you don't need -- cookies and chips in many households.

7. Skip the "stuff" and the convenience foods. You don't need salad mixes, meat helpers, canned spaghetti products, prepared packages and individual servings. Also, skip the pots and pans aisle, the pharmaceutical items and maybe the paper products. Find the best prices on paper towels, luncheon napkins and toilet tissue in your local newspaper. These items are not often a bargain at the grocery store.

Tags: master list, shop once, drinks juice, every weeks, every weeks shop, food bill

Homemade Compost Container

When deciding to get into composting, you have to choose the type of compost method you'd like to use. Some people use a freestanding compost pile, while others dig a composting trench. Another option is the compost bin, an enclosed space in which to hold the compost. Compost bins are available for purchase from home and garden stores, but you can also build one yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Wire Post Bin

To make a wire post bin, bend back 3 to 4 inches on each end of 10 feet of chicken wire to leave a clean, non-snagging edge. Cut a heavier wire into strips to use as ties. Take your chicken wire and tie the ends of it together to form a circle. Once the ends are tied off, take three or four metal posts and position them inside the circle to add support to the chicken wire. After they've been spaced out evenly, tie the posts to the chicken wire with more metal ties, then take a hammer and pound the posts into the ground.

Snow-Fence Bin

Pound 4 wooden posts into the ground in the shape of a 3-foot square. Cut heavy wire into strips to use as ties, then tie the snow-fencing to the posts so that the posts are inside of the fencing. You will need 13 feet of snow-fencing to cover the area. Use pliers to bend the wire, if necessary. Tie the ends of the fence together with more heavy wire.

Lattice Bin

Mark four corners of a three-foot square. Take your shovel and dig out a 1 foot deep hole for each of the four corners, in which you'll place one of four 5-foot-long two-by-fours so that they are standing upright. Fill the holes with dirt again and make sure the posts are secure. Nail three 4-by-4- foot lattice pieces to the two-by-fours, except for one side that you will leave open as a gate. Take two clothesline hooks and attach them to the two pieces of wood where the gate will go. Secure them in place with nuts. Attach a fourth lattice piece to your bin to make sure everything is secure.

Worm Composting Bin

Cut some plywood pieces so that you have two 24-by-42-inch pieces for the top and bottom, two 16-by-24-inch ends, and two 16-by-42-inch sides. You will also need four 1-foot-long pieces of two-by-four, two 45-inch pieces, two 23-inch pieces, two 39-inch pieces, and three 20-inch pieces. Nail the pieces cut from the plywood together in a rectangular shape using two 16d nails at each joint. You should be nailing together the 24-by-42-inch base, the two sides, and two end pieces, leaving the top aside. When you are nailing the base, use the 6d nails every 3 inches for reinforcement. Drill 12 ½-inch holes in the base for proper drainage.

Attach your pieces of 45-inch and 20-inch two-by-fours to the remaining piece of plywood to make the lid. Nail the 2-by-4-inch pieces on the plywood so that the broad side is directly against the plywood. Attach the lid to the bin base with the hinges. Finish the bin with varnish to make it last longer.

Tags: chicken wire, four corners, heavy wire, into ground, into strips, into strips ties, make sure

Recycle Beer Bottle Caps

Don't throw your bottle caps on the lawn--recycle them.

If you want to enjoy a bottled beer, the first thing you do is remove the cap. You may dispose of it in your trash can as you would any other lid or covering, when you finish with the beer. But you may want to recycle the glass bottle. If you do, you might find it interesting to know that you can also recycle beer bottle caps.

Instructions

1. Collect your bottle caps and bring them to the recycling center whenever you take your bottles and any other material you wish to recycle. As bottle caps are made of metal, you can recycle them alongside your aluminum and tin cans.

2. Reuse your bottle caps for decorative or artistic purposes. If you drink a lot of beer, for instance, you could save all your bottle caps for several months, then cover the entire surface of a small table with them, using hot glue to adhere. In addition to providing an eclectic look, the table will reflect your passion for the beverage to anyone who visits your home.

3. Save your bottles and their caps. If you don't drink a lot of beer -- or if you do and just have a lot of space -- you might save both bottles and caps and use them for their original purpose, holding liquid. So long as they're not severely bent, bottle caps can be popped right back onto the bottle, although they may not hold as securely.

Tags: bottle caps, your bottle, your bottle caps, drink beer, your bottles

How Much Room Do Aquarium Fish Need

It takes self-restraint to keep from filling a brand new sparkling aquarium to the brim with colorful schools of fish. A full tank projects the aura of a happy, busy and attractive looking community. But there are strict ratios to how many fish you can keep in an aquarium. The resulting less-populated aquarium may not be as beautiful to look at, but it will have happier and healthier fish.

Adult Size and Fish Behavior

Before determining the fish capacity of your tank, take into account the various properties surrounding the individual fish you own or will be purchasing. The fish per tank ratio depends on the type of fish; both its size and behavior. It goes without saying that tanks can hold larger quantities of smaller fish as opposed to larger ones, but the adult size of a fish (though purchased small) must be taken into consideration. Ask the fish specialist at your pet store how big the fish is expected to get before buying.

Behavioral characteristics also play a role in how much space the fish will need. Hyperactive fish such as Zebra Danio or a Pictus Catfish will need more personal space than a slower fish, such as a goldfish. Fish suffer from stress when they do not have enough space to move. This can lead to a premature death of that fish. Discuss the behavioral patterns of any fish you plan to purchase with the attendant at your fish store. She should be able to help you determine if you have room enough for it.

Fish-Inch Per Gallon

Fish experts often note the "1 inch of fish per 1 gallon of water" ratio as a safe estimate for populating your tank. However, this system then relies completely on the size of the fish against the volume of the aquarium. Tropical fish that live in salt water tanks need more space than fresh water fish, as tropical fish are more active. Take this into account as you pick out tanks, which range in size from 2.5 gallons to 180 gallons. The larger tanks require special stands and ground inspection (that much weight could possibly fall right through your floor) but are easier to maintain and can literally hold hundreds of fish.

A 10-gallon tank filled with neon tetras that measure 2 inches each could hold up to five fish, while a 55-gallon tank could hold up to 28 tetras. On the other hand, a 10-gallon tank filled with 6-inch long freshwater angel fish would only be able to house one (two is pushing it) fish. The 55-gallon tank could hold up to six angel fish.

Filter

Aside from the pure swimming-space issue, the filtering capacity of the tank needs to be taken into account before you populate an aquarium. Not all filters are created equal, and how much and how quickly it can process waste is a crucial factor. Power filters and canister filters will process less waste compared to an under-gravel filter or trickle filter. If you have a filter that works slowly, stocking the tank with fewer bodies will better maintain the health of the fish.

Tags: could hold, into account, 10-gallon tank, 10-gallon tank filled, 55-gallon tank, 55-gallon tank could

Cosmetic Ingredients Banned In Europe

Many ingredients banned from cosmetics in Europe are still approved for use in the U.S.

There are 1,136 ingredients that are banned for use in cosmetics sold in the European Union, and the list is growing. Harmful chemicals used in soaps and shampoos can be turned to gas when used in a hot shower, released into the air, and inhaled. Chemicals can be absorbed through the skin when used in make-up and lotions, leading to dermatological and other health problems. Cosmetics on the list have adverse health affects on humans, based on their Material Data Safety Sheets, forms required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Nickel

Nickel is a known carcinogen and is toxic by all routes of entry. It has also been linked to many skin irritations and allergies by dermatologists. Nickel is often found in American laundry detergents and eye shadows. Nickel allergies are fairly common, and a dermatologist can determine if you are suffering from a reaction to nickel through patch testing.

Acetamide

This chemical is commonly used as a foaming agent in soaps and as a skin conditioner in lotions. It is a skin irritant, eye irritant, and harmful if ingested or inhaled. Acetamide is listed as being a suspected human carcinogen; it is known to be toxic to the blood, lungs, central nervous system, reproductive system (males and females), mucous membranes and the cardiovascular system. Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause organ damage.

Butyl Glycidyl Ether

Butyl Glycidyl Ether is reported to cause irritations to the skin and respiratory tract, and is flammable in liquid and vapor form. It is a common chemical that enjoys a wide range of uses within industry, including use as a reactive diluent and an intermediate in epoxy resins. Butyl Glycidyl Ether is used in many common household products and nail polish.

Hexane

The Material Safety Data Sheet on Hexane reports that it's severely flammable and life threatening. It is commonly used in the cosmetics industry as a base in perfumes. Upon inhalation, it irritates the respiratory track and may cause lightheartedness, nausea, headache and blurred vision. Long-term overexposure can cause muscle weakness, numbness of the extremities, unconsciousness and even death.

Mercury

Mercury has a level 4 health rating, meaning it is an extremely threatening chemical. Mercury is a known brain toxin and upon ingestion it can cause renal failure leading to death. Chronic exposure can lead to memory loss, behavior changes, digestive disorder, and brain and kidney damage. In addition to being an ingredient in most vaccines (under the trade name Thimerosal), it is also found in mascara, eye liners and skin-lightening creams.

Tags: Butyl Glycidyl, Butyl Glycidyl Ether, Glycidyl Ether, commonly used, when used

Start A Fast Food Restaurant

Start a Fast Food Restaurant

No matter how the economy changes, many people still enjoy eating out at fast food restaurants, because they are generally affordable. Opening your own fast food restaurant may be something you have always desired to do, but it can be an ambitious venture. To succeed, you need to keep a few things in mind.

Instructions

1. Make sure you have enough start-up funds to launch your fast food restaurant or franchise and that you have enough money to sustain it for at least two years. Success isn't always instant and you will need enough income to stay afloat in the event your customer base doesn't grow as quickly as you would like. You also need to be able to pay for building rental fees, insurance, equipment, supplies, food, employee salaries, advertising and more. Since the likelihood is that you will need to take out a business loan, you must be capable of making monthly payments to the cost.

2. Start getting things into place. Find out about zoning laws and health codes. Incorporate and get a business license. Write a good business plan that outlines the specifics of your long-term and short-term goals, your budget and other costs, your marketing strategies and the like.

3. Consider buying into a franchise of a fast food restaurant chain that has a proven success record. That way, you will be investing your money into a business that has a bigger chance of earning profits. It will be expensive, but it may also make it easier for you to get a loan.

4. If you want to start an independent fast food restaurant of your own, decide what the concept will be, what demographic you want to attract and what you can do to make your establishment unique. Realize that you face stiff competition from more well-known, popular fast food businesses, so you need to come up with something that will make yours stand out from the crowd.

5. Decide what type of fast food you want to serve at your restaurant. For example, do you want the focus to be Chinese food or Mexican food or burgers or pizza? Develop a menu that is easy to understand and come up with a competitive price for each item. You may want to design a menu with "combo" meals or special deals where consumers can buy a combination of items for less.

6. Begin interviewing employees. If you don't want to manage the restaurant yourself, make sure you hire someone to do the job who has experience and who has had success in this area. While it would be preferable to hire other employees who have had some type of experience in the industry, it isn't always necessary if they are responsible, hard-working and willing to be trained. Let your employees know that you set high standards that they are expected to follow.

7. Market your fast food restaurant. You can send out flyers, advertise in newspapers or in other media, have promotional events and more. The fast food industry is highly competitive, so you need to get the word out about your restaurant creatively and aggressively.

Tags: fast food, fast food restaurant, food restaurant, fast food, your fast, your fast food, come with

Buy Real Estate On The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a democratic sovereignty of 15 small islands near New Zealand. Tourism on the islands has been growing over the past few decades, and has reached a point where the flow of tourism has become a small industry. This growth has had direct effect on the property market. Those looking to buy property on the Cook Islands should follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Determine your reasons for buying Cook Island property. Finding a nice retirement cottage or even a luxury beach home will take you along a very different path than looking to invest in property or a Cook Island business. Either way, since property on the island is leased by Maori clans and is not sold, you should consider how long you intend to use the property and what it will be worth to you over time.

2. Start looking in Raratonga. Raratonga is the most visited island of the Cook Islands with roughly 10,000 residents. The country's only international airport is also located on Raratonga, so travel, business and shopping are easiest on this central island.

3. Look to the smaller and less populated islands for speculative and secluded real estate. The High Cook Islands are the best group to start with, as many of the other island groups are atolls or tiny uninhabitable cays. Start by checking out Mangaia, the second most populous of the Cook Islands, which has direct air connections from Raratonga.

4. Contact a local real estate agency. Doing business in the Cook Islands is quite different from business on Western mainlands. The Maori clans who govern the islands operate according to very specific laws and customs. Consult with a local real estate concern such as Raratonga Realty for expert advice on buying property in the Cook Islands.

5. Travel to the islands before you buy. It's important to see the property and consult with officials in person before signing the documents and transferring funds. You need to clearly understand the special lease and zoning structures of Cook Island property arrangements before you take the plunge.

Tags: Cook Islands, Cook Island, property Cook, Cook Island property, Island property

The Best Sprouted Grain Breads

Sprouted grain bread is becoming popular among health conscious consumers.

Sprouted grain bread is healthy, flavorful and nutrient rich. What makes this bread more nutritious than other bread varieties is the way the grain is grown, which increases the vitamin and mineral content of the bread. Sprouted grain bread is becoming very popular among the health conscience due to the increased nutrient profile, and grocery stores have begun to match this demand. A wider selection is now available, and knowing the best ones will help you sift through them at the grocery store.

Genesis 1:29 Organic Sprouted Grain and Seed Bread

Food For Life is the company that produces Genesis 1:29, among other flourless and certified organic sprouted grain breads and foods. This particular variety is made with an impressive blend of 19 grains and seeds from 13 lands, and yet only has 80 calories per serving. It is not only moist and nutty, it is one of the most nutritious breads you will find because the grains are blended with pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds. The seeds add flavor, but most importantly, they boost its nutrient profile.

Ezekial 4:9 Organic Sprouted Seven Grain Bread

This is another variety made by Food For Life, and one of their most popular. Ezekiel 4:9 seven grain bread is a blend of organic sprouted wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, corn and brown rice. This variety boasts only 80 calories per slice, 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of complete protein. This flourless and low-glycemic bread has a unique tasting flavor and and can be found in a variety of grocery stores.

Squirrelly Sprouted Grain Bread

Squirrelly is the original sprouted grain bread made by Silver Hills Bakery. Their breads are BC kosher and made with organic whole sprouted wheat, raisins nectar, sesame and sunflower seeds, giving it a rich, toasted flavor minus the GMOs. For the organic-minded consumer, this bread is made with only 85 percent organic ingredients. However, this variety is high in fiber and protein, and each serving contains 100 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.

The Big 16 Sprouted Grain Bread

The Big 16 has tons of variety as it is loaded with 16 organic grains and seeds and 13 essential nutrients. This is another Silver Hills Bakery product and it contains 95 percent of organically grown ingredients. This bread has yet another great nutrient profile and includes one of the largest selection of sprouted grains. It is also high in protein and fiber, low in fat, and has only 100 calories per serving.

Manna Organics Multigrain Sprouted Bread

Manna is the company that produces this 100 percent sprouted multi-grain bread. It contains a blend of sprouted wheat, brown rice, barley millet, flax seed, rye kernels, soy beans, rolled oats, oat bran and cornmeal. This bread is moist and unleavened, and is low-glycemic, salt free, fat and oil free, and contains no added sweeteners or artificial ingredients. This is one of the healthiest varieties around, and one of the few that is yeast free. The only drawback is that it contains 130 calories per serving, which is only slightly higher than the other varieties. However, this bread does not skimp on nutrients, fiber and protein.

Tags: grain bread, calories serving, made with, nutrient profile, only calories, sprouted wheat

What Is Organic Cocoa

Cocoa comes from cacao trees.

According to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic food is grown without the use of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or bioengineering. Organic cocoa, the powder that results from processing organic cocoa beans (sometimes known as "cacao"), is produced without toxic chemicals in areas such as the Caribbean, Africa, India and North America. Add this to my Recipe Box.

What Is It?

Organic cocoa comes from the seeds inside a cocoa pod. These pods grow directly out from the body and branches of the organic cocoa trees. Farmers harvest cocoa by separating the seeds from the pod and pulpy material inside. Organic cocoa farmers sometimes use insects known as midges to pollinate the trees.

What Is in It?

Because organic cocoa comes from the Theobroma cacao tree, it naturally contains chemicals such as tetrahydro-beta-carbolines, phenylethylamine and theobromine. Many of these substances may have psychoactive and medicinal properties. Phenylethylamine, for example, works on the body much like an antidepressant. Tetrahydro-beta-carbolines works as an antioxidant, and theobromine lowers blood pressure. Organic cocoa is used in folk medicine to alleviate cough, fever and even symptoms of malaria. In large amounts, however, these chemicals may have adverse physiological effects.

How Is It Processed?

After harvesting, organic cocoa beans are generally left to ferment for two days in very dry, hot conditions. It facilitates the anaerobic process said to enhance the product flavor. Organic cocoa product manufacturers generally press the beans into solid and liquid form for various uses later. Dagoba, Kona and Akoma are three companies that use organic cocoa to make organic chocolate, coffee and cocoa butter.

Where Does It Come From?

Although organic cocoa comes from many areas worldwide, the region that produces a large percentage of organic cocoa is Latin America. Europe, the U.S. and Mexico grow organic cocoa beans and produce organic cocoa, as well. According to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), other major sources of organic cocoa include Madagascar, Tanzania, Fiji and Sri Lanka.

Tags: comes from, cocoa beans, cocoa comes from, organic cocoa, organic cocoa, organic cocoa beans

Tour Oaxaca'S Chocolate Factories

Oaxacan chocolate and bread at Restaurant El Tianguis in Huayapam, Oaxaca

Belgian and Swiss chocolates are famous the world over, and Hershey has the rep in the United States, but Mexican chocolate offers something different altogether. In the southern state of Oaxaca, there is a burgeoning chocolate industry, churning out concoctions that spurn the triple cream in favor of chili, nut, cinnamon, vanilla, coffee and citrus flavors. The result is a stronger-tasting chocolate with a dryer consistency. For some people, it's an acquired taste, while others immediately appreciate the stronger flavors and the higher ratio of pure cacao in the recipes. This article offers a quick primer on making the most of your visit to the chocolate factories of Oaxaca.

Instructions

1. Procure a map for free from the tourist information offices. There's an office near the cathedral in the zocalo, inside the lobby of the Museum of Oaxacan Painters. Your tour of Oaxaca city's chocolate factories is going to take you out of the main tourist center, albeit only by a few blocks. Focus on the streets that are south of the zocalo, radiating from the Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre markets. Many of these streets are home to storefronts that create incredible sauces, powders and pastes for Oaxaca's famous mole and chocolate dishes. The key spot is Calle Mina, or Mina Street, a few blocks south of Benito Juarez Market.

2. Proceed with moderation. Mina Street exemplifies the Mexican phenomenon of attracting many versions of the same type of business. Hence you'll have the popular brassiere block in Mexico City or the alley of flower-sellers in Guanajuato. Mina Street boasts all the major players in the Oaxacan chocolate empire, such as Mayordomo, Guelaguetza and the special Soledad, named for Oaxaca's patron saint, the Virgin of Solitude.

3. Follow your nose. Let the smell of cacao and spices draw you into the factory of your choice. Here you will see the process in action as workers grind together the roasted beans with other ingredients to make a variety of recipes. To seek the workers meting out the ingredients and creating the chocolate is to appreciate its art. If you speak even a little Spanish, feel free to ask questions about the chocolate. Free samples are the norm here, particularly at Soledad.

4. Hit the markets. Now that you have had a chance to see the factories and perhaps make a few dozen purchases, you can also find the small stalls at Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre markets. Some gourmands swear by the artisan chocolate sold there, though others say that Mina Street is the prime destination. Why not decide for yourself? The hot chocolate served at the 20 de Noviembre Market's Comedor María Cristina is supposed to be excellent. The foodies at Chowhound swear by the chocolate at Benito Juarez Market's La Tonita. The Abastos Market has a whole section devoted to chocolate.

5. Eat your chocolate Oaxacan style. The classic method of consuming Oaxaca's strong chocolate is to drink it. You can have it melted into milk or water, and the latter option will allow the flavors to shine through. Many cafes serve the hot chocolate with pan de yema, a special bread for dunking that absorbs the fluid well. Other permutations of Oaxacan chocolate are in coffee drinks, in mole sauces, inside sweet tamales and in tejate, a complex indigenous beverage that is often made at the markets.

Tags: Benito Juarez, Mina Street, Oaxacan chocolate, Benito Juarez Market, Benito Juarez Noviembre, chocolate with

Summer Cooking Schools

Summer cooking classes help with household cooking and train professionals.

Because cooking is such a common thing to do, it can be hard for most of us to unlock the artistry hidden within the ingredients. Summer cooking schools provide intensive or course-by-course opportunities for the average cook to better understand the art of preparing food during a season free of other, more pressing obligations.

Cooking in France

Cook in France is a summer culinary program that sends students to the gastronomic capital of the world to learn culinary techniques that can be simple enough for busy foodies or building blocks of knowledge for those hoping to move into a career in the culinary industry. Set in a converted stone barn, the school teaches Mediterranean cooking using fresh, local ingredients. Participants learn to bake pastries, make soups, select and prepare seafood, cook French and Italian sauces and present professional dishes.

Bombel

24290

St. Amand de Coly

France

0033-(0)553-302405

cookinfrance.com

Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, Massachusetts, offers a seven-week summer culinary arts program. The class runs from late June to early August, though specific dates change on a yearly basis. The intensive summer program runs full time Monday through Friday covering basics from culinary techniques to industry approaches. To view full course listings and descriptions, prospective students must register with the college to receive an online login or contact the university via telephone or email. Holyoke also offers online courses in hospitality and culinary arts.

Holyoke Community College

303 Homestead Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

413-538-7000

hcc.edu

Kids Culinary Summer Camp

The Kids Culinary Summer Camp in Vermont is an unusual opportunity for children to develop their culinary skills while deepening their understanding of the art and industry of food. Culinary skills introduced and matured over the course of the camp include breads and pastries, vegetable cookery, cake decorating, international cuisine, hygiene and knife and chopping safety and skills. The camp runs in one-week and two-week editions, the latter covering all the subjects of the former as well as hiking, campfire cooking and what to expect from life as a professional chef.

Kids Culinary Academy of Vermont

P.O. Box 154

Highgate Center, VT 05459

802-868-3030

kidssummercampforcooking.com

Central Market Cooking School

The Central Market Cooking School of Texas offers classes throughout the summer at Central Market grocery stores in Austin-North Lamar, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth and Southlake. Each specialized class tackles a specific area of the culinary arts, from Sake 101 to Cajun cooking. Other summer classes at the Central Market Cooking School cover the uses and flavors of herbs, California grilling and the art of cupcake design. Sign up in advance, as popular classes sell out quickly.

Central Market Cooking School

4001 N. Lamar Blvd.

Austin, TX 78756

512-206-1014

cookingschoolsofamerica.com

Tags: Central Market, Central Market Cooking, Cooking School, Market Cooking, Market Cooking School, Community College, culinary arts

The Best Way To Store Homemade Bread

Homemade bread is a mix of gluten, starch, water and air. It slides out of a hot oven moist and soft inside, with a crackling golden crust, steaming off that heavenly fresh-baked-bread scent. Homemade bread is best eaten right away, before the pliable starches begin to crystallize. It starts to go stale as soon as it cools, but you can help prolong its life with proper storage. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Bags and Wraps

Homemade bread should be stored for short-term use at room temperature. For use later the same day, simply stand the loaf of bread on its cut end on the bread board. To save bread over the next day or two, store crusty loaves in a paper bag to allow for air circulation. Put the cut end of the baguette inside the bag to help prevent the next slice from drying out. Soft sandwich breads should be stored in plastic bags, with as much of the air squeezed or sucked out of the bag as possible. Stand the loaf on its cut end within the bag.

Bread Boxes

Just one generation ago, a bread box was a countertop staple in every household. Today's return to artisan-made or home-baked bread makes the bread box a useful kitchen tool once more. The bread box allows for room-temperature, dark storage, which helps extend the life of fresh bread by several days. Wrap the loaf in a paper or plastic bag as appropriate for the type of bread, then set it in the bread box. Close the box tightly. Remember to use up the bread before it goes stale. In particularly dry climates, put a small dish of water in the bread box to help maintain humidity. Just don't store any other aromatic foods or items in the bread box (vitamins, cigars, onions), as your bread will absorb the flavor.

Freezing

If you have more homemade bread than you will be able to eat in two or three days, freeze the excess. Never store bread in the refrigerator, as the cold will accelerate the starch crystallization process and render your bread inedible in hours. When thawed, properly frozen bread will be only slightly less perfect than it was at the moment you froze it. Freeze bread as soon as it has cooled from the oven. Wrap the bread tightly in both directions with plastic wrap, then place it in a large zipper-style freezer bag. Close the bag down to a half-inch, then suck the remaining air out the half-inch hole and quickly close the bag. Label it with the date and type of bread using a permanent magic marker. Set it quickly in the freezer. You can also slice the bread first, then freeze several slices together in quart-sized freezer bags, allowing you to just remove the number of slices needed for toast or sandwiches for the day.

Tags: bread will, Homemade bread, should stored, type bread, your bread

Restaurants In Laughlin Nevada

Restaurants in Laughlin are not far from numerous casino games.

The town of Laughlin is located in Southern Nevada along the banks of the Colorado River as it touches the Mojave Desert. Originally a quiet area, the first casino hotel was developed in 1966, leading to several that thrive there today. With gambling a huge draw to the town of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, Laughlin sees approximately 3 million tourists each year. In efforts to ensure their guests never have to stray far for a meal, the casinos offer a variety of dining options. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Baja Blue Restaurant & Cantina

Baja Blue Restaurant & Cantina boasts a bright, cheerful and casual interior with a bar featuring plasma television sets. Housed inside the casino Harrah's Laughlin, the eatery offers innovative Mexican cuisine, such as fire-roasted quesadillas, tequila lime steak, mojito chicken, beer-battered fish and chips, carnitas fajitas, mashed potato and pork tacos, tamale dinner platters, chimichangas, a number of vegetarian selections, tortilla soup and shrimp enchiladas. Desserts such as flan and deep-fried ice cream as well as beer and wine are available. Baja Blue features a "Build Your Own Margarita" bar and signature cocktails (including the "Italian Margarita" with tequila, Amaretto, sweet and sour and orange juice). The restaurant is open for dinner Thursday through Monday.

Baja Blue Restaurant & Cantina

Harrah's Laughlin

2900 South Casino Drive

Laughlin, NV 89029

702-298-4600

Joe's Crab Shack

Found inside the Golden Nugget resort, Joe's Crab Shack has been awarded "best seafood" by readers of both the "Mojave Daily News" and "Casino Player Magazine." The casual, lively restaurant specializes in crab served in a bucket, with other choices including calamari, chicken tenders, mussels, salads, fish and chips, seafood enchiladas, ribeye steaks, craw fish, sandwiches and shrimp pasta alfredo. Joe's also serves desserts, beer and signature cocktails (such as the "Category 5 Hurricane," a blend of fruit juices and rum). They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Joe's Crab Shack

Golden Nugget

2300 South Casino Drive

Laughlin, NV 89029

702-298-7143

joescrabshack.com

Harlow's Restaurant

A family-friendly eatery located inside the Golden Nugget casino, Harlow's Restaurant boasts a large arcade with an assortment of games, a champagne brunch on Sundays, happy hour specials, plasma televisions and billiards and shuffleboard inside the cocktail lounge. French onion soup, chicken fingers, Monte Cristo sandwiches, fish and chips, pot roast, pastas, pizzas, omelettes, pancakes, Belgian waffles and French toast are among the assortment of menu items diners can choose. Harlow's is open 24 hours a day, although they are closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Mondays.

Harlow's Restaurant

Golden Nugget

2300 South Casino Drive

Laughlin, NV 89029

702-298-7146

harlowsrestaurants.com

Hickory Pit Steakhouse

Steamed clams, bruschetta, crab cakes, Caesar salad, ahi tuna, chicken piccata, lobster tails, filet mignon, sirloin gorgonzola, prime rib, rack of lamb, French onion soup, scallops and oysters are among the dining choices at the Hickory Pit Steakhouse. Situated inside the Edgewater casino, the cozy, gourmet eatery also offers a wide selection of wines. The Hickory Pit Steakhouse is open for dinner seven evenings a week.

Hickory Pit Steakhouse

Edgewater

2020 South Casino Drive

Laughlin, Nevada 89029

702-298-2453 ex.3716

edgewater-casino.com/dining

Tags: Baja Blue, Casino Drive, Casino Drive Laughlin, Drive Laughlin, Golden Nugget, Hickory Steakhouse

Montreal Fashion Design School

There are four Fashion Design Schools in Montreal.

Perhaps it's the blend of French culture and a thriving metropolis that makes Montreal a hot spot for fashion. According to "Travel Lady" magazine, Montreal has long been "known as the official headquarters of the Canadian Rag Trade." Montreal has its own fashion week and its own fashion district near the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Programs in fashion design supply fresh new talent to the fashion studios around Montreal.

Canadian Degrees

Canadian universities issue Bachelor of Arts degrees the same way a university in the United States would, but they often take three years to complete instead of four because students specialize in a field of study quicker. In Quebec you can also get a Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC), called a Diploma of College Studies in English, which is for two years of pre-university study or three years of vocational school. Some Universities require a DEC before you can enroll.

LaSalle College

LaSalle College offers courses in both English and French. This program leads to a DEC in Fashion Design. LaSalle works with universities so that students can complete a bachelor's degree in two years after they have completed their DEC.

Cégep Marie-Victorin

Cégep Marie-Victorin offers a three-year program in French only to students leading to a DEC. The school boasts a new fashion design facility that was created to look like the work environment in a house of fashion. Cégep also offers a two-year fur design option, and each year nine students are sent on a study internship to the SAGA International Design Centre in Denmark.

The Academy of Arts and Design

The Academy of Arts and Design has a fashion design program lasting 17 months or longer should students desire to attend part-time. The program includes a two-month internship with a company to apply the skills learned in the classroom. The academy's classes can be taken in either French or English and lead to a DEC.

L'École Supérieure de Mode de Montréal

L'École Supérieure de Mode de Montréal was founded in 1995, thanks to a partnership between the University of Quebec and LaSalle College. The program leads to a B.A. in Fashion Design. According to the school's website, the program is for highly qualified candidates who already hold a DEC and have previous academic work or experience in fashion.

Tags: Fashion Design, LaSalle College, Academy Arts, Academy Arts Design, Arts Design

Store Unbaked Yeast Breads

Make several loaves of bread at once and freeze the dough for later use.

To store unbaked yeast breads, you must freeze them. The dough will freeze well if you package and freeze it at the right time during the bread making process. Thawing the dough and its second rise occur simultaneously when you are ready to bake your bread. Correctly done, the freezing will not affect the yeast function in raising the bread and the dough will remain useable in the freezer for up to three months. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread dough as directed in your recipe and allow it to rise once.

2. Line the inside of the baking pan you will use for cooking the bread with wax paper.

3. Punch down the risen dough and shape it into the desired shape to fit into the bread pan.

4. Place the dough into the pan and freeze it for two hours or until it is solid.

5. Lift the frozen dough from the baking pan by pulling up the wax paper.

Transfer the dough to a freezer bag and return it to the freezer for up to three months.

6. Lightly coat the inside of the baking pan with cooking oil and flour.

7. Remove the frozen dough from the freezer bag and place it into the greased and floured pan.

8. Let the dough thaw and rise until doubled in bulk for two to three hours. Bake the bread as directed by your recipe.

Tags: bread dough, directed your, directed your recipe, dough from, dough will, freezer three

Porketta Spices

Porketta is a rolled pork roast that orignated in Italy and migrated to the Iron Range region of Minnesota.

Porketta is the American-ized word for porchetta. Porchetta is an Umbrian-Italian rolled, rubbed pork roast that is slow-roasted or braised before it is pulled apart to make sandwiches. Make porketta with lesser-quality cuts of pork, such as the shoulder, forelegs and head. Some porketta recipes call for marinating the meat in wine before spicing and rolling it. You can use sangria, a mixture of wine, citrus fruit and juice, to infuse your porketta with additional flavor. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fennel Seed

Fennel is also known as sweet anise, due to its light, licorice flavor. It aids digestion and sweetens your breath. "Two Hot Tamales" chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger use 1/2 cup of fennel seed for a 6-lb. roast. in their porketta recipe at Food Network.com. The "Midwest Living" recipe is more frugal, calling for just 1 1/2 tsp. fennel for a 3- to 4-lb. roast. Midway between the two stands Minnesota resident Erin Clotfelter, wife of chef John Clotfelter and a founding member of RecipeZaar.com. Her porketta recipe calls for 1 tbsp. fennel seed for a 2 1/2- to 3-lb. pork roast.

Black Pepper

Milliken and Feniger use 2 tbsp. black pepper in their eye-watering spice rub, while the much milder "Midwest Living" recipe calls for 1 1/2 tsp. Erin Clotfelter's recipe strikes the middle ground with 1 tbsp. of this sinus-clearing spice. If you choose Milliken and Feniger's version, serve a yogurt-based side dish or dessert with your porketta to offset the heat.

Garlic

Milliken and Feniger use 12 whole cloves of chopped, fresh garlic in their rub. Garlic's active ingredient, allicin, is destroyed by long cooking times, so reserve at least six cloves for the last five minutes before you serve the dish if you are eating garlic for its health effects. "Midwest Living" uses just two cloves of chopped garlic, or substitutes 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, while Clotfelter calls for six to eight cloves of fresh, chopped garlic. Again, reserve at least half to add in the last five minutes before you serve the dish.

Parsley

While Feniger and Milliken's porketta recipe includes a full cup of fresh, chopped parsley, the "Midwest Living" recipe uses just 1/2 cup or substitutes 1 tbsp. dried parsley flakes. Like fennel, parsley is a digestive aid and breath sweetener. Clotfelter omits parsley altogether, including a crumbled bay leaf instead.

Salt

Clotfelter's porketta includes a whopping 1 tbsp. kosher salt. Feniger and Milliken use only 2 tsp. in their porketta. The "Midwest Living" version calls for just 3/4 tsp. Slow roasting meat releases its natural juices and flavors, so omit salt if you choose, especially if you are going to marinate your pork before applying your spice rub. Citrus juice will supply more than enough flavor if you are on a low- or no-sodium diet.

Tags: Midwest Living, Living recipe, Midwest Living recipe, Milliken Feniger, pork roast

Compare High School Transcripts In England To High School Transcripts In America

GCSE comparisons may not be as hard as you think

Despite the U.S. and the United Kingdom (U.K.) having extremely similar languages, and somewhat similar cultures, the education systems in both countries are very different. In the U.S. there is a more long-term grading system, which results in a Grade Point Average (GPA), while British high school achievement is measured with several General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) awards. Though these are very different, it is not impossible to compare the two for application to a university.

Instructions

1. Count up your GCSE passes. Although in the U.K. a pass is a G grade and above, assume that a C or above is a pass for the purposes of comparison. The British Council website says that most universities, as well as other U.S. institutions, consider 5 or more GCSE passes to be an acceptable alternative to a good U.S. high school transcript.

2. Find out from your chosen university or institution how many GCSEs are required. An admissions information section for international students is likely to have this information.

3. Use your chosen U.S. institution's admissions system--or if necessary, direct e-mail contact--to make them aware of your GCSE grades.

Tags: GCSE passes, High School, high school, High School Transcripts, School Transcripts, very different

Calculate How Much To Feed A Dog

Dog food bags do not always advise the proper amount of food.

Every owner wants a healthy dog. Owners spend significant time picking a dog food and sometimes lots of money buying it. However, overfeeding a dog any type of food can lead to obesity. With obesity comes a myriad of health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, liver problems and general lack of stamina. Keep dogs in optimum health by calculating a food dose and sticking with it. Different dogs have different feeding requirements, but by calculating an individual dog's calorie requirements owners can be sure not to overfeed or underfeed their dog.

Instructions

1. The calculation requires the dog's optimal body weight. An optimal body weight is the perfect weight for a dog's size. This number can be acquired by asking the veterinarian or doing some research into the dog's breed. Convert the optimal body weight from pounds to kilograms by dividing it by 2.2. The resulting number is the dog's optima, or ideal, body weight in kilograms.

2. Calculate the dog's resting energy requirement by taking the number attained in Step 1 and multiply it by 30. Add 70 to that number. This equation looks like this: (body weight in kgs)30 + 70. The resulting number is the dog's resting energy requirement in calories. The resting energy requirement is the amount of energy the dog uses doing absolutely nothing but laying still. It is the amount of energy the dog's body requires just for metabolic reactions such as digesting and breathing.

3. Multiply the dog's resting energy requirement by 1.6 for a neutered adult, 1.8 for an intact adult, or 1.4 for an obese prone adult. An adult dog is a dog that is one year of age or older. Consult with a veterinarian for factors for working or reproducing dogs or puppies. The number that results from the multiplication is the dog's daily energy requirement in calories. This is the number of calories the dog needs each day to maintain it's optimal body weight.

4. Research the amount of calories found in one cup of the food the dog is currently consuming. Caloric information can be found on some pet food labels, on the manufacturer's website, or by calling the customer service line of the company that makes the food.

5. Pet food companies use a standard, dry weight measuring cup to calculate total calories found in one cup of food.

Divide the dog's daily energy requirement in calories by the number of calories in one cup of dog food to calculate the number of cups of food the dog should eat each day.

Tags: body weight, energy requirement, optimal body, optimal body weight, resting energy, resting energy requirement

Projects For Culinary Arts Students

Try a cookbook that pairs wine and food.

Culinary arts is a branch of arts that studies food, recipes and the cultural influences behind the foods we eat. A culinary arts student often specializes in a particular region or cuisine and becomes a chef or pastry chef. Course projects offer students the opportunity to show off what they have learned and their personal culinary creativity. When given the opportunity to choose a project, a student should showcase real-life culinary applications.

Green Cooking and Kitchens

Going green is a movement not only concerned with monitoring energy and waste, but also with food. Green cooking involves the use of organic products, personal farming and even raising livestock for slaughter and use in cooking. A green cooking project can focus on modern methods used in a traditional kitchen that can be replaced with green ideas such as growing your own produce and herbs, reducing energy usage in the kitchen or purchasing products locally.

Opening a Restaurant

The majority of culinary arts students enter their school career with the hope of owning their own restaurant one day. For an intense learning experience, see what it is like to open a restaurant by creating a plan just as if you were opening one. Work on this project solo or in a group and dive into extensive research. The project should include an opening budget, d cor, restaurant design and even menus. Shadow another restaurant owner to find inspiration and advice on guide your project for a mock restaurant opening.

Creating a Food Truck

Food trucks have grown in popularity, especially with television networks such as Food Network and The Cooking Channel showcasing food truck competitions. Create your own food truck with an innovative idea for your culinary arts project. Similar to opening a restaurant, a food truck project should involve a budget, menus and tools needed to produce the food. A food truck does not have the same space as a restaurant; therefore, the challenge is to come up with a creative menu, image and storage plan that can function with your overall idea.

Cookbooks

Upon graduation, many culinary arts students go on to a career in the culinary world, and many create their own cookbook. Cookbooks should be creative and something new to the market. Create your own revolutionary cookbook for your project. Cookbooks need a theme, such as Southern cooking, fusion or cake mixes, on which you will base your recipes and ideas. Have a few copies of your cookbook printed and bound at a copy center. Remember to use historical references, and research what has made a recipe popular and how you changed it to make it your own.

Tags: food truck, culinary arts, arts students, Create your, culinary arts students, project should, your project

Oatmeal Topping Ideas

A simple bowl of oatmeal gains flavor from assorted toppings.

Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast food, but lacks distinguishable natural flavor, making it perfect to dress up with toppings. Many people stir butter or milk and sugar into oatmeal to make it more palatable, but there are many other ingredients that transform the hot cereal into a special treat. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fruits, Jams and Other Sweeteners

Although you may have sliced fresh apples or bananas into oatmeal or sprinkled it with raisins to add taste and texture, experiment with more exotic and unusual fruits like dates, coconut, mango, papaya and pears. Adding a dollop of your favorite jam sweetens the cereal with fruity, rich flavor. If you have a serious sweet tooth, stir 1 to 2 tsp. of instant pudding mix into your oatmeal to create flavors like cheesecake, chocolate fudge or butterscotch.

Nuts and Nut Butters

Crunchy roasted peanuts, almonds, pecans or walnuts are healthy additions to a bowl of oatmeal. Swirling 1 tbsp. or so of peanut or cashew butter adds depth and richness to the hot cereal.

Dairy Toppings

Plain yogurt as well as ricotta or cottage cheese with a bit of cinnamon and sugar makes oatmeal taste better. Yogurt with fruit in it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the bowl.

Fancier Toppings

Mixing and matching topping ingredients converts oatmeal into a gourmet meal. To create a pie-like cereal, stir in some fresh berries, walnuts and a crushed graham cracker. Add a spoon each of peanut butter and jelly and sprinkle some granola on top to mimic the taste of a favorite sandwich. If you are fond of bread pudding, stir in some cubes of raisin or other fruit-infused bread during cooking and top the finished oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon and 1 tsp. of cream. Stirring in 1 tsp. each of cocoa powder, sugar, slivered almonds and shredded coconut along with a few chocolate chips makes a dessert-like cereal. For a savory twist, mix the oatmeal with a slice of crisp, crumbled bacon, 1 to 2 tbsp. of goat or cream cheese and a swirl of maple syrup. To make the dish truly unique, stir in 1 tbsp. of chopped fresh rosemary or basil at the end.

Tips and Considerations

Any of these oatmeal variations can be made a few hours ahead of time and gently reheated in a microwave or on a stove top. If you are including oatmeal in your diet for health reasons, remember that most toppings add a significant number of calories to the finished dish, so use them sparingly and infrequently.

Tags: bowl oatmeal, into oatmeal, oatmeal with, stir some

Homemade Dog Biscuit Recipe

Most people consider their dog a part of the family and want them to be happy and healthy. Some commercial dog biscuits contain ingredients that aren't beneficial to your pet's health. That's why many pet owners have taken on the labor of love of making their favorite canine's treats themselves. But don't worry if you don't have the time to bake all-natural cookies; many pet stores sell these scrumptious biscuits by the pound. Of course, you will save on your pet's grocery bill if you make them yourself.

Forbidden Food

Not all food fit for human consumption is good for your dog. In fact, some food will make your pet very sick. Most people know chocolate can kill an animal, but you can safely substitute carob and your dog will never know the difference. Another food that most humans eat in one form or another that will harm your dog is onions. They can cause anemia in any form if used in their food.

Grapes and raisins can cause your dog to get very sick and can even lead to kidney failure. Although most nuts are okay for dogs, macadamia nuts can lead to muscle weakness, fever, vomiting and cause temporary paralyzing effects to back legs. These foods should always be avoided whether making dog biscuits or giving your dog human leftovers.

Dog Biscuit Recipe

Hundreds of dog biscuit recipes exist in books and online. Some use a lot of ingredients you may not have around the house and others are quite simple. This recipe is one anyone can make and it's cooked in the microwave so your dog doesn't have to wait long.

Mix 2-1/2 cups of wholewheat flour in a bowl with 4 tbsp. of rolled oats, 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder and 1 tsp. of brewer's yeast. To the dry mixture add a beaten egg and 2/3 cup of beef broth. Mix together well and form it into a ball. Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. Roll the dough on a lightly floured board and cut out shapes using a cookie cutter. Place on parchment paper and microwave at 50 percent power for six to 10 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. When they are done, place them on a rack to cool and store in the refrigerator.

Recipe Information

Some dog biscuit recipes call for meat. Substitute baby food for the meat and cut back on the liquid just a bit. Another option is to use leftover meat from your dinner.

Anything containing brewer's yeast will help to keep fleas away, and using a tablespoon of activated charcoal (available at drug stores) is good for making bad breath go away. You can also use a drop or two of mint extract in the recipe.

Another consideration is the weight of your dog. If your dog is overweight, you may want to stick to vegetarian treats or use low-fat ingredients.

Tags: Biscuit Recipe, biscuit recipes, brewer yeast, Most people, very sick, your very, your very sick