Do I Need A License To Sell Candy

The question of whether you need a license to sell candy can be answered simply as yes. Usually. You will probably need at least the business license that is required of any person residing in a city or county in the United States who wants to into business. Beyond that, each state has established certain guidelines in regards to selling food. For example, prepackaged candy would certainly receive less scrutiny than candy you made and packaged yourself. In the latter case, you will likely need additional permits and inspections.

Home Business

The least restrictive way to get into candy selling would be to purchase candy from a wholesaler that has already been made and packaged. This relieves you of the responsibility of maintaining a kitchen or production facility that meets local health standards. If you're buying your candy to resell, the local city hall can tell you whether or not you'll need a business license to do so. Most jurisdictions don't want to miss out on sales tax and will regulate your endeavor.

Mobile Carts

Mobile events, such as local fairs, festivals, and these types of gathering could be quite profitable if you have a tasty product. Once again, while local rules might vary, you can expect that you will be required to obtain some sort of vendor permit, possibly including a health department inspection of your cart. For guidance, you could look to the city of Minneapolis, which requires people selling prepackaged food from their cars to have a what is called a limited mobile food vendor license.

Production

If you decide to produce and package the candy yourself, expect to run into a host of other requirements, permits and licenses. Depending upon the scope of your operation, you might be required to meet the same equipment and health inspections standards that apply to restaurants and grocery stores. This would definitely apply if you plan to have a retail storefront where the public comes to you to buy. Selling a box of candy now and then, and only over the Internet, might have different regulations. Once again, check with your local city hall before proceeding.

Zoning Restrictions

A big factor to keep in mind if you plan to sell candy out of your house is that most residential neighborhoods are not commercially zoned, which means storefront types of businesses are restricted from being there. However, if you can show the powers-that-be that your endeavor will not create a nuisance to your neighbors with excessive traffic or odors, they might be amenable to issuing a zoning exception.

Tags: business license, city hall, local city, local city hall, made packaged, Once again

Buy Healthy Cat Food On A Budget

The health of an animal is directly related to the kind of food it eats. Like most pets, cats have certain nutritional needs. There are dozens of different brands and foods to choose to from, and more expensive doesn't always mean more nutritious. Feeding your cat healthy foods doesn't have to strain on your budget.

Instructions

Ingredients, Not Cost, Determine the Best Food

1. Choose foods high in protein since this is what your cat needs most. Not all proteins are the same, however. The two types of proteins available in cat foods are plant based and animal based. Cats are natural carnivores, so foods with animal-based protein are best.

2. Choose a canned food for optimal health. Dry foods contain plant proteins while canned, or wet, foods contain animal proteins. Dry foods also do not contain enough water and are often too high in carbohydrates. Lack of water can lead to urinary issues such as crystals, and carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and can disrupt blood sugar balance.

3. Keep your cat's water bowl full at all times. Cats do not have strong thirst instinct, which can lead to dehydration. Though wet, canned foods contain more water than dry food, it's still not enough. What could be cheaper than water to keep your cat healthy?

4. Read the labels. Not all canned foods are created equal. Don't assume a brand name is necessarily better than less expensive alternatives. Some popular brand names, for example, are higher in carbohydrates than other brands. The ingredients in a healthy food contain real meat (not a by-product), whole grains (such as rice, barley and oats), and vegetables and fruit. The ingredients in less healthy foods contain by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, colors and preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and propylene glycol. These ingredients can have side effects and provide no nutritional value.

5. Focus on two key label items, the ingredients and the guaranteed analysis. Ingredients are listed in order of weight. Look for a meat at the first ingredient, such as chicken, rather than chicken by-products, or an organ, such as liver. Also, meats termed "meal" such as chicken meal aren't as nutritious because the meat has been cooked at high temperatures resulting in nutrition loss. The guaranteed analysis shows a breakdown of nutrition listed by percentages. Look for a food with a high percentage of meat protein.

Tags: foods contain, canned foods, canned foods contain, guaranteed analysis, healthy foods, such chicken

History Of The Slim Fast Diet

History of the Slim Fast Diet

When S. Daniel Abraham considered diversifying his product lines as the head of the Thompson Medical Corporation in 1976, he was willing to take severe financial and marketing risks in his pursuit of a place in the lucrative weight-loss product industry. His thought processes were not new; he had been around during the era of Mead-Johnson's Metrecal, a liquid replacement meal that hit grocery store shelves in the late 1950s but received only a modest reception. An astute businessman, Abraham believed that the reason Metrecal didn't become a success had to do with timing. In the 1950s, being thin wasn't as important as it is now. Abraham possessed the vision, money, position and power to test a rejuvenated liquid weight loss concept. He build a remarkable marketing program around Slim-Fast that hung on the slogan: "All that's required are two shakes and a sensible dinner."

Medicine meets marketing

To produce a product that would be simple to use and easy to follow, Abraham turned to a medical colleague at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the formulation. Abraham explained his mission and in a short period, a cocktail of 24 vitamins, minerals and filler morphed into milkshakes that were flavored to taste like ice cream. The packaging was hot red with images of the frosty shake boldly displayed on cans and powdered mixes. The marketing message hit all the right notes. Slim-Fast hit market shelves and it wasn't long before public enthusiasm equaled that of the product's developers.

Slim-Fast survives a big crisis

Slim-Fast sales performed beyond company forecasts after a high-profile debut. But an assault on Slim-Fast was about to erupt in the form of what first appeared to be a competitor. The new liquid diet plan positioned itself as a better alternative to Slim-Fast because it had a protein base. When the protein shakes proved fatal for 59 dieters, the entire liquid meal replacement industry was rocked to its core. Sales fell and Slim-Fast suffered as well, but over time, consumer education and a corporate public relations effort helped differentiate the protein-based plan from Slim-Fast. Unshaken by the notoriety, Slim-Fast reappeared on shelves once more and has continued to reinvent itself over time, emerging a stronger brand than ever before.

How the Slim-Fast program works

Here is the basic premise of Slim-Fast: Drink a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch and then sit down to a healthy evening meal. Celebrity spokespeople, such as Kathy Lee Gifford, drove the ad campaign by talking about her weight loss thanks to the Slim-Fast shake regimen. When a dieter chooses to start the plan, she must purchase the shakes and nutrition bars manufactured and sold by the corporation. It's strongly suggested that the evening meal be nutritious and wholesome because the shakes offer some nutrient value but require slimming meals to boost the effects of the vitamins, minerals and flavorings in the shakes. The Slim-Fast calorie count ranges from 180 for the sugar-free Optima version to 250 calories (different formulations plus the addition of milk to the powdered version account for the range) and the remainder of the day's calories -- 800 -- are to be eaten during a third meal.

Where Slim-Fast fits in today's weight loss product community

Originally touted as the only plan one needs to get rid of unwanted fat, the 21st century version of the Slim-Fast plan has made the brand something of a maverick. As an integral part of the $10 billion spent annually by consumers on diet products and aids, Slim-Fast fits into a sub-category of drinks and powders that generate, on average, about $150 million a year. Competing for dieter's dollars and taking the idea of pre-packaged meals one step further, companies like Jenny Craig and NutriSystem are the biggest names in print and broadcast. That said, Slim-Fast has held its own over time, continuing to use celebrity endorsements to promote the 33-year-old philosophy: all it takes is two shakes and a meal to lose weight for good.

The future of Slim-Fast

Ever adaptive to the changing mood of a dieting public, Slim-Fast developers are finding ways to maintain its market position and its slogan. Slim-Fast is regularly positioned as the ideal partner to other eating plans. According to research conducted by Weight Watcher's International (now owned by Heinz), followers of its program regularly count among their allocated points a can or two of Slim-Fast in their daily allocation of food. To stay in the black, Slim-Fast introduced the Optima program, a sugar-free version of the original formulation and to hedge bets against future drops in sales, its parent company, Thompson, is diversifying into sleeping remedies and birth control. That said, the brand is still making its presence felt with such promotions as a book fronted by model Lauren Hutton called Slim Fast Body Mind Life Makeover. She promotes Slim-Fast as an integral part of her daily stay-slim regimen.

Tags: over time, Slim Fast, weight loss, evening meal, Fast Diet, History Slim, History Slim Fast

Farm Animal Projects For Children

Petting farms typically engage children in organized activities.

Farm animal projects introduce children to a variety of animals, including cows, pigs, chickens and horses. Children can explore the ways in which farm animals provide food, such as a cow's milk and a hen's eggs, or help farmers to accomplish tasks, such as tilling soil. Projects can range from expeditions to petting farms, which allow children to interact with the animals, to arts and crafts activities that enable children to practice math and language arts skills.

Virtual Farm Tours

Engage the children in a virtual tour of a farm. For example, 4-H Virtual Farm (sites.ext.vt.edu) introduces children to different types of farming, such as horse, beef, cow, chickens and aquaculture. Have children explore photos of farm animals with voiceovers by farmers. They can learn new vocabulary words, such as "colostrum." or the milk produced during the first few days after calving, and play a dairy matching game, quiz and word jumble. Developed by a British farming charity, the Virtual Farm Walk (hgca.com) combines photos, video clips and audio narratives on different farm animals, including cows and pigs. Download activity sheets on what cows and pigs need, the machines on a farm and farming and wildlife.

Arts and Crafts

Gather egg cartons, cotton balls, orange and white construction paper, yellow food coloring, glue, markers and plastic bags, so children can create craft chickens. Squeeze a few drops of food coloring into a plastic bag. Add cotton balls so they soak up the food coloring. Remove the cotton balls and place them on wax paper to dry overnight. Have the children cut the cups out of the egg cartons. Direct them to glue a cotton ball to the bottom of a cup and then glue a second cotton ball on top of the first. Have them fold the orange construction paper in half and cut a triangle along the fold so they have an orange, diamond-shaped beak. Ask them to glue the beak to the top cotton ball, which is the chick's head. Have them draw and cut out a pair of wiggly eyes from the white construction paper. Instruct the children to glue the eyes above the beak.

Language Arts

Instruct children to visit websites that feature farm animals, such as ducks, sheep, turkeys, chickens and cows. Ask them to create a fact sheet on their favorite animal. For example, Kiddy House's "All About Farm Animals" (kiddyhouse.com) provides information on a farm animal's origins, physical features, behavior, diet and life cycle. Have the children print out photographs of their chosen animal to add to their fact sheets.

Mathematics

Use plastic farm animals to engage children in math projects. Set up four stations in the classroom. Place 10 identical animals in station one, five pairs of animals in station two, two sets of five identical animals in station three, and 10 different animals in the last station. Discuss the meaning of classification and ask the children what they see in each station. Hand each child a bag of jumbled toy farm animals. Have them go to each station and create the different types of sets with their own bag of animals, such as placing five toy cows and five toy pigs in station three.

Tags: farm animals, animals station, construction paper, cotton ball, cotton balls

List Of Careers In Food Science & Management

Food science and management positions

Food science combines the chemical, biological and physical knowledge of food and it effects on the human body. Food science and management employment opportunities are typically found in food manufacturing companies, academic settings and government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture.

Flavor Chemists

Flavor chemists work in laboratories to enhance food flavor and quality. These chemists may blend natural and artificial flavorings. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry or biology. Some employers accept an associate's degree in chemistry with on-the-job training for junior positions. Employment opportunities include food manufacturing companies, beverage development labs and government agencies.

Food Chemists

Food chemists are science professionals who understand how chemistry affects food and beverages, including taste and aroma. These chemists are responsible for evaluating food experiments, developing food techniques and verifying the quality of foods. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in chemistry or food science. A concentration in food chemistry provides the foundation for employment opportunities with governmental laboratories and beverage companies.

Food Microbiologists

Food microbiologists are science specialists who study how microorganisms interact with foods and their environments. Responsibilities involve performing laboratory tests, monitoring food reactions and documenting the results. Basic qualifications include a bachelor's of science degree in food science or microbiology with coursework in chemistry, biology and computers. Some employers require prior experience with food safety and food chemicals. Employment opportunities include food processing industries, food plants and academic institutions.

Food Plant Production Supervisors

Food plant production supervisors are responsible for ensuring food production goals are met. Duties include planning food production schedules and monitoring the quality of food. One qualification is a bachelor's degree in food science Other qualifications include a business management major with a minor in food nutrition. Plant production supervisors create written reports at food plants and work with quality-control departments to develop training programs.

Tags: bachelor degree, degree food, degree food science, food science, Food science, include bachelor, bachelor degree food

Edible Natural Foods For Survival

The more you know about edible natural foods for survival, the more likely you are to obtain sustenance.

Knowing edible natural foods for survival is important if you are trapped in the wilderness. While humans can survive for a couple of days with little or no food, it is not enough to stay strong physically and mentally. Thus, knowledge of edible natural foods for survival comes in handy in survival situations. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Grasses

All grasses are safe to eat. You can chew on the leaves and swallow the juices, but you must spit the indigestible fibers. You can even eat grasses if you don't have water to drink.

Insects

Grubs, grasshoppers and ants are edible. These are good sources of protein and taste good when stewed with other ingredients.

Acorns

All acorns can be eaten as long as their bitter tannic acids are leached. Acorns are also an excellent source of fats, calories and protein. You can boil the acorns to remove the tannins.

Fish

All freshwater fish are edible. In survival situations, you can use a sharpened stick to catch fish. For smaller fish, you can use a cloth or T-shirt as your fish net. The best way to cook fish in the wilderness is to grill them.

Birds

All birds are also safe to eat. Game birds like pheasants and grouse can be captured with hunting elements like snares or a throwing stick. You can grill a bird or stew it with other ingredients. In spring time, bird eggs can also be an excellent food for survival.

Mammals

Small mammals like rabbits and squirrels can be hunted with practice. You can use traps, snares or throwing sticks to hunt them. You can also have some treats with bigger mammals like wild boar, but you need strategy and practice to catch them.

Wild Fruits

Wild strawberry, cherry, blackberry, raspberry, gooseberry, black currant, red currant and red berries can serve as your desserts in the wild. You can find and get them easily; thus, they can be your sole survival foods in the absence of other types of foods.

Tags: edible natural, foods survival, natural foods, natural foods survival, also excellent, edible natural foods, mammals like

Gift Ideas For Parents Who Have Everything

Give your parents something they'll never forget.

Personalized gifts tend to mean more than gifts you could give to anyone, especially when it comes to your parents and other close loved ones. That means tucking a gift card inside a greeting card is a definite "no." However, that doesn't mean any engraved item will do. A truly personalized gift is an excellent choice for parents who have everything. Does this Spark an idea?

Something Exotic

Exotic goods are a fun way to show your parents you care. If you travel out of the country, pick up something special like a set of pottery or handwoven baskets that fit your parents' tastes. Place gourmet local coffees, chocolates or other delectable foods inside. Even if you don't go abroad, you can find such items at a local fair trade shop or online. As a bonus, you'll be supporting local artisans.

A Trip

Even if they have everything, your parents might forget to spoil themselves once in a while. Plan them a special trip to remind them that life shouldn't be just about saving. Send them to a mountain lodge for a long weekend, to the lake or anyplace where they can have a quiet retreat from the world. If you're not sure of their schedule, try to get them a gift card from the lodge so they can book their own stay. Give them a gift basket with wine or champagne, chocolates and gourmet snacks for their stay.

Electronics

Even if your parents aren't tech-savvy, they'll appreciate gadgets like the Kindle, which makes downloading and reading books and magazines easy. Your parents can even enlarge the font size instead of closing the book in frustration if they can't see. Alternatively, you could give them a digital photo frame with family photos on it.

Homemade Gifts

If you have kids, help them make presents for Grandma and Grandpa. Have a calendar printed from pictures the kids draw, iron their drawing onto a tote bag or decorate handkerchiefs. Homemade cookies, fudge or candies make excellent gifts, too.

A Collaborative Memoir

If you have brothers and sisters, get them all to write a chapter or two for a family memoir. Talk about the time periods and events you want to write about beforehand. Whether you focus on the same time --- such as early childhood --- or each write about a different time, this gift will touch your parents' hearts. Have it professionally printed, with a copy for you and all your siblings too.

Family History

Similarly, compile a family history dating as far back as you can trace your roots. Consider hiring a professional genealogist to find out as much as possible, or do the research yourself. Talk with older family members to learn more about your family background and record their stories. Your parents will be thrilled to learn facts they never knew, and will be glad your family history is being passed on.

Tags: your parents, could give, family history, gift card, have everything, their stay, them gift

Write A Personal Statement In Art

An artist's personal statement is an essay that focuses on her and her art, addressing goals, interests and background experiences that relate to art. You'll need to write a personal statement if you are an artist who is applying for a grant or to an art school. The personal statement should not be confused with an artist's statement, as the personal statement is much more comprehensive than an artist's statement, which is often used only for marketing purposes.

Instructions

Brainstorming

1. Think about the life experiences you have had that have either led you to become an artist or that have shaped your art. Write them down. Under each experience, write three things that you remember about it. Eliminate experiences that you are unable to describe completely.

2. List your interests on another sheet of paper. Think about your interests as broadly as you can. List activities that you enjoy doing outside, inside, with friends, reading about and so forth. Narrow down your list by selecting three or four interests that represent you both honestly and in a favorable light-your statement should make you seem well rounded.

3. Consider any obstacles you have faced. Write them down. Circle the obstacles that have influenced the course of your life and your art. Cross out any obstacles that are too personal to discuss in an essay.

The Statement

4. Choose a point of view for the narrator. A first-person point of view is often appropriate for a personal statement; however, some art schools may request an essay written in the third person. Read the requirements for your personal statement carefully.

5. Craft an introduction that will set a compelling tone for your statement. An unusual fact, quotation or a strong statement about your art can help grab the reader's attention. Include a thesis statement that highlights the point of your personal statement-perhaps the reason you are compelled to apply for a grant or admission to a program.

6. Discuss your educational background. Include any art-related internships you have completed, advanced art courses you have taken and artistic projects you have participated in. You do not need to go into detail. Provide the basic facts and elaborate on the parts of your education that were the most meaningful to you and your art.

7. Write a paragraph about your interests. Perhaps you enjoy horseback riding, needlework or researching your family's genealogy. Refer to your brainstorming notes and write about how your interests initially attracted your attention and how they inspire or drive your artwork.

8. Relate significant personal experiences in the next part of your statement. Look at your brainstorming notes for ideas. Weave any obstacles you have faced into this section. By discussing the time you were injured while horseback riding, you can explain why your images of horses are dark and menacing.

Wrapping it Up

9. Write a conclusion. This is a good place to discuss your goals and what you hope to get out of the grant or program. Don't restate ideas you have already mentioned in the essay. Instead, bring your points together to demonstrate your big idea, which is your suitability for the grant or program for which you are applying. If you have not used a quotation in your introduction, you may wish to use one in your conclusion, as long as you can find one that provides a synthesis of your ideas about art.

10. Proofread your essay. Check it for spelling and grammatical errors. Ask yourself if someone reading the statement will be interested, fascinated or even entertained. Remember that your essay should make an impact in order for you to accomplish your goals.

11. Ask a teacher or a friend-one who will not flatter you-to read your personal statement and give you honest feedback. Revise your essay as needed until it is polished.

Tags: personal statement, about your, your interests, about your interests, that have, your essay, your personal

Use Almond Bark In A Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate fountains can be that extra elegant touch at your party, whether it's a bridal event, baby shower or office reception. There are several recipes available online to compliment your fountain, but one of the easiest methods of creating a streaming cascade of chocolate decadence is using almond bark candy melt. Almond bark is available at most grocery stores in a variety of flavoring, including white chocolate, peppermint, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Set up your chocolate fountain according to directions.

2. Place water in the bottom of your double boiler pan, and heat until boiling. Keep at a rolling boil.

3. Chop up the almond bark into smaller, easier-to-melt pieces. Place in the top pan of the double boiler. Place the top pan on top of the bottom, which should have boiling water in it.

4. Keep the double boiler on the stove until the almond bark has melted. Stir continuously while the almond bark melts.

5. Once the almond bark is melted, add a couple tablespoons of almond oil to the liquid. It will not impact the flavor, but will thin the bark so the fountain can operate properly.

6. Pour the melted chocolate into the fountain, per the fountain's directions. The almond bark should sheet over the tiers of the fountain.

7. Serve with dipping foods. Some popular choices include sliced fruit, cookies and breads.

Tags: almond bark, double boiler, almond bark melted, bark melted

Olive Oil Soapmaking Recipe

Olive Oil Soapmaking Recipe

True castile soap, an olive-oil-based creation from Castile, Spain, represents the height of luxury for most soapmakers-and bathers. Olive oil contains high amounts of skin-loving proteins, vitamins and minerals for a luxurious moisturizing bar. Make sure to follow a recipe precisely to attain "saponification"-that magical point at which the acid (in this case, olive oil) neutralizes the alkali (household lye). Does this Spark an idea?

Ingredients

While olive oil undeniably costs more than shortening or lard, don't spend extra dollars on an extra-virgin olive oil bottle. "Fortunately for the soapmaker, the cheapest-quality olive oil offers the greatest advantages in the saponification process," notes author Melinda Coss in "The Handmade Soap Book."

Good carrier oils to pair with olive oil include palm oil (to help produce a hard, good-lathering bar) or coconut oil (for creaminess). For a true castile soap, use at least three times more olive oil than the secondary oil. For example, a recipe for a 2-lb. batch of soap might include 24 oz. olive oil and 8 oz. palm oil. Of course, you could simply use 32 oz. of olive oil by itself.

Use distilled water for most recipes, although you may find a goat's milk/olive oil recipe in which the milk replaces some of the water.

Lye, of course, cannot be avoided in true soapmaking. Treat this extremely caustic powder with the utmost respect by wearing gloves, goggles, long sleeves and long pants. Cover nearby surfaces with newspaper. Make sure not to breathe too closely near the stockpot when mixing or adding the lye solution.

Finally, a myriad combination of essential oils, powdered herbs, beeswax pellets, coloring agents and additional "superfatting" carrier oils (added at the last stages) exists to tempt soapmakers. Keep your first batches simple. A single fragrance note of pine, rosemary or a citrus might be added; about 2 tsp. essential oil per a 2-lb. batch is a good starting point.

Equipment

Craft stores sell any number of wooden and plastic soap molds, but you may prefer to recycle plastic containers or a use a wax-paper-lined shoebox. Virtually anything can be used as a soap mold.

You'll need a large enamel or stainless-steel cooking pot: Lye will interact and damage other cooking materials. Other necessary equipment includes a heatproof glass or plastic measuring cup, measuring spoons, a food scale, nonstick cooking spray, plastic spatulas, two glass cooking thermometers, eye goggles, rubber gloves, a sharp knife, sodium hydroxide (lye), olive oil, distilled water, and whatever other carrier oils, essential oils and additives you plan to use.

Technique

Find either a reputable olive-oil soap recipe or study a saponification chart online (see Resources). Soap simply will not come together with an improvised batch of ingredients. For saponification to occur, everything must be balanced precisely.

On the kitchen scale, weigh the olive oil and any additional oils or grated beeswax. Pour oils into the cooking pot and cook on low until the cooking thermometer reaches 130 degrees; turn off the heat. In a sturdy bowl, weigh the required amount of lye and add it to the distilled water (always add lye to water; never pour water into lye). Wait until the chemical reaction brings this second batch of ingredients to 130 degrees.

When both mixtures reach the optimum temperature, pour the water-lye mixture into the olive oil mixture and stir until you can achieve raised lines on the surface of the liquid soap when trailing a spoon across the surface. Soapmakers call this crucial stage "trace."

After trace, stir in any essential oils, powdered herbs or coloring agents and pour into greased molds. Cover the molds with old towels for about 24 hours. Turn the soap out of the molds; if using a large mold, cut the soap into bars. Cover again with old blankets and leave to age for at least one month.

Tags: carrier oils, distilled water, essential oils, 2-lb batch, batch ingredients, castile soap, coloring agents

Vegan Restaurants In Chattanooga Tennessee

Vegan food is readily available in Chattanooga.

The fourth-largest city in Tennessee, Chattanooga is known for offering breathtaking landscapes, mountain biking, hiking and water sports, making it a prime destination for outdoor aficionados. A culturally diverse city, Chattanooga offers a broad spectrum of ethnic restaurants covering most types of cuisine, including vegan options. Although restaurants may not offer vegan menu items regularly, many will accommodate a vegan patron upon request. Does this Spark an idea?

Bluegrass Grill

Providing whole foods at reasonable prices, the Bluegrass Grill offers a well-rounded menu. The grill serves breakfast all day as well as freshly baked breads, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Within their broad menu selection, vegan dishes include homemade granola with soy milk and seasonal fruits, tofu hash with onions and peppers, side salad (organic baby greens, leaf lettuce and vegetables) vegetarian stuffed grape leaves, vegetarian black bean chili plus tasty potato dishes. Tofu and soy substitutions are also available on many items so you can adapt them to your vegan diet. Business hours are Tuesday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bluegrass Grill is closed on Sundays.

Bluegrass Grill

55 East Main Street

Chattanooga, TN 37408-1200

423-752-4020‎

bluegrassgrillchattanooga.com

Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant

Described as Chattanooga's first and only 100 percent vegan and vegetarian restaurant, Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant offers inexpensive menu items including fresh veggies, a salad bar, made-from-scratch entrees and delicious home-made desserts that change daily. Some customer favorites are the vegan supreme pizza, Asian noodles, barbecued tofu and maple chocolate chip cones. Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant features cafeteria-style service and weighs your food plate to determine the cost. Business hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Country Life is closed on Saturdays.

Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant

809 Market Street

Chattanooga, TN 37402-2609

423-634-9925‎

The Curry Pot

The Curry Pot is known for its traditional Northern and Southern Indian dishes. At this restaurant, patrons may order buffet-style or from the a la carte menu. Some examples of the vegan dishes available are the dal tarka, chana masala and onion chili masala dosa. These vegan-friendly dishes are made with chickpeas, yellow lentils, tomato sauce, curry leaves, mustard and spices. A variety of breads such as garlic naan, poori and bhatura make ideal accompaniments. Restaurant seating includes a private dining section. The Curry Pot opens Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and serves brunch only on Sundays.

The Curry Pot

6940 Lee Highway

Chattanooga, TN 37405

423-648-5069

currypotcuisine.com

Tags: Country Life, Bluegrass Grill, Country Life Vegetarian, Life Vegetarian, Life Vegetarian Restaurant

Professional Cooking Tips

Prepare all your ingredients beforehand to cook like a professional.

Cooking is an acquired skill, not necessarily an innate talent, but learning to cook can give you control of your ingredients, save you money and it can be a lot of fun. Coking requires a lot of practice, patience and some help along the way. Watching cooking shows, reading cookbooks and practicing in the kitchen can help to build and strengthen cooking skills. So can trying out tips from professional cooks such as Wolfgang Puck and Mario Batali. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Tips from Wolfgang Puck

Wolfgang Puck began cooking with his mother when he was 5 years old and began formal training at 14. Since then, Puck has established several restaurants in the California area in the 1980s and 1990s. His restaurants went national in 2001. Wolfgang puck recommends skimming stocks thoroughly to give them the purest possible flavors. He is also in favor of "shocking" vegetables by briefly boiling them in water and then plunging them in ice water. Doing so will bring vegetables' tastes and textures to their peak. Interestingly, he recommends microwaving limes for 15 to 20 seconds before squeezing them to make for easier juicing. Puck also steams boiled potatoes for 5 minutes before mashing and adding cream and butter. Steaming potatoes dries them slightly so they are more absorptive of the cream and butter.

Tips from Mario Batali

Mario Batali was professionally trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London. He left, however, for more experience with chef Marco Pierre White, followed by three years of training in Northern Italy. Mario Batali recommends that cooks buy the best quality ingredients they can afford to increase the quality of the dish, excepting wine. When a dish calls for wine, he uses inexpensive but robust wines instead. Mario Batali highly prefers fresh ingredients to canned or frozen. He also cooks pasta for one minute less than packages recommend for a perfect "al dente" texture.

Tips from Gordon Ramsay

Scottish born Gordon Ramsay was raised in England and trained under Marco Pierre White and Albert Roux in London before moving to France to train with Guy Savoy and Joel Robuchon. He operates various restaurants in New York, Tokyo, Dublin and Paris, to name a few. Ramsay always prepares all of his ingredients before beginning to cook for a more successful dish. You have enough to do without chopping a new vegetable every step of the way. The one spice he always keeps handy is garlic. Freeze ground garlic cloves in an ice cube tray for easy access. He splurges on quality cook wear for better tasting meals and keeps masking tape and a permanent marker handy to label and date left over ingredients.

Tips from Bobby Flay

Bobby Flay was raised in New York City and got his first professional restaurant job in 1982. He graduated from the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan in 1993 but opened his first restaurant 1991. Bobby Flay is a grilling master. He recommends getting the best grade meat you can possibly afford and to look for good marbling of fat throughout steaks for the best flavor possible. He takes meat out of the fridge 20 minutes before grilling to ensure an evenly cooked dinner and always gives the grill plenty of time to preheat. Bobby Flay finds that letting meat rest is absolutely key before slicing to give juices time to seep back into the meat.

Tags: Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Tips from, cream butter, Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre, Marco Pierre White

Substitutes For Spelt Flour

Spelt flour can be used in baked goods for people with wheat sensitivity.

Bakers and pastry chefs frequently use spelt flour to create baked goods for customers with sensitivity to wheat. A small, rice-shaped grain, spelt contains less gluten than wheat, making it easier to digest by people with gluten allergies. If you are baking a recipe that calls for spelt flour, but don't have any on hand, you can easily substitute another gluten-free or low-gluten grain flour. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Kamut Flour

Kamut flour makes a good substitute for both spelt flour and wheat flour in breads and pastries. High in fiber, protein and vitamins, the sweet, buttery-tasting flour is easily digested by many people with gluten sensitivities. When baking breads, knead kamut flour more thoroughly than you would dough made with spelt flour. Because this grain is higher in fiber than spelt, you may need to add a little extra water to the dough to keep your baked items from drying out. Find kamut flour at organic markets and health food stores.

Amaranth Flour

Unlike spelt flour, amaranth flour contains no gluten, making it completely safe for people with severe gluten intolerance. Substitute this high-protein grain for spelt flour in recipes like pancakes, biscuits and flatbreads, though it is not suitable for breads that require gluten to rise. Amaranth has a blander taste than spelt or wheat flour, so compensate with other ingredients to make your recipe flavorful. Amaranth also works well when combined with other flours like spelt, wheat and corn flour. Purchase amaranth flour online or at most health food stores.

Barley Flour

Like spelt flour, barley contains a small amount of gluten, making it an excellent choice for leavened baked goods. High in protein and low in fat, nutrient-rich barley has a nutty taste that lends an extra dimension of flavor to many recipes. Use barley flour in hearty recipes that include nuts, seeds and dried fruits. The flour's strong flavor may overpower more delicate dessert flavors, so avoid using it for light cakes, cookies and chocolate-based desserts. Barley flour is available at health food stores and many regular supermarkets.

Rice Flours

Rice flour is another alternative to spelt flour that is completely safe for those with severe gluten allergies. Purchase rice flour in two varieties -- brown rice and white rice. While white rice flour is more refined and less nutrient dense than its brown counterpart, it has a milder flavor and lighter texture, making it a better alternative to white flour in many baked goods. Brown rice flour contains bran and should be refrigerated to increase its shelf life. It has a grainy texture and taste that works well for dense quick breads and energy bars, but can overpower delicate dessert items.

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Nonacidic Foods For Babies

Green vegetables are an excellent low-acid food choice for babies.

Acidic foods, particularly citrus fruits, are not recommended for children under 12 months. High-acid foods can cause painful diaper rashes and can cause a rash to form around the mouth. Children who suffer from acid reflux will be particularly sensitive to acidic foods, and parents should consult their pediatrician before introducing these foods. Thankfully, there are many homemade baby food options that have little or no acidic properties.

Vegetables

Nearly all vegetables, particularly green ones, are alkaline foods, meaning they are the opposite of acidic. Vegetables tend to be easy for young digestive systems to digest, and are an excellent type of first food for babies. If your baby is new to food, butternut squash, sweet potatoes or green beans are great places to start. All foods should be cooked until soft and pureed until smooth. You may need to add water, formula or breast milk to your puree if you find the consistency is too thick for your child.

Fruits

While you should avoid citrus and acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit and nectarines, there are plenty of non-acidic fruit options from which to choose. In fact, many parents choose certain fruits to be their child's first food, as babies are less likely to reject the sweetness of fruits. Apples, bananas, pears and avocados are all great fruits with which to start. Avocados and bananas do not need cooking; simply mash and feed. Apples and pears can be steamed or baked and pureed.

Grains

One of the most popular first foods for babies is rice cereal. Most infant rice cereals are formulated for babies specifically, and have added iron. Keep this in mind, and if your baby becomes constipated after eating rice cereal, you may want to switch to a non-iron-fortified brand. Infant cereals most typically come in rice, barley or oat varieties, and all are easy to prepare. Follow the directions on the package to determine how much liquid to add, briefly heat and serve. All grains are low-acid foods.

Meats

All meats are somewhat acidic, though in most the acidity isn't noticeable. However, if your child is suffering from acid reflux, you may choose to delay the introduction of meats. Chicken and turkey are lower in acidity than beef or pork, and are also easier to digest. Turkey or chicken are generally recommended to be a baby's first meat. Discuss with your child's pediatrician what age is best to introduce meat. Some doctors recommend meat be introduced earlier than others. When preparing meat for your child, always make sure the meat is fully cooked or well-done, showing no pink inside.

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Take The Bitterness Out Of Turnip Greens

Try these tips to take the bitterness out of turnip greens.

Popular in the southern region of the United States, turnip greens are often considered bitter, similar in taste to mustard or dandelion greens. While the bitterness in the turnip greens is a key part of its flavor, it can also make this vegetable difficult to eat. You can use a few simple cooking methods or recipe additions to make your turnip greens less bitter and even more delicious. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Cook the turnip greens by sauteing or slowly simmering them. Turnip greens are more bitter than other greens so you will need to cook them a little longer -- at least 10 minutes using a saute method and at least 30 minutes on simmer. Cooking the turnip greens disperses the bitterness into either the oil while sauteing or the water while simmering, so you can enjoy the turnip green flavor without the bitterness.

2. Use salt on your turnip greens. Salt eases the bitterness of turnip greens and helps to retain a little crispness in the vegetable. Just a dash of salt will suffice. If you are incorporating turnip greens into Asian dishes, use soy sauce to take out some bitterness. The salt and the spices in the soy sauce mask any tang in the turnip greens.

3. Add a little fat. Fat gets rid of bitterness and adds flavor to turnip greens. In this case, you'll need to saute, not simmer, the turnip greens and add just a hint of olive oil or a little chopped bacon. Cook the bacon first and drain the grease from the pan, but don't clean the pan. Instead, cook the turnip greens in it for a subtle, smoky flavor.

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Nyc Cooking Schools For Kids

New York City chefs can turn your kids into savvy cooks.

In a city with unlimited restaurants and limited time, making a kid-friendly home-cooked meal can challenge even the most ambitious parents. While young children might not be able to compose a dish independently, their small hands and excess energy make them ideal for the role of sous chef. No matter your child's age, several New York City businesses cater to kid chefs and their developing taste buds. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Young Chefs Academy

With more than 100 franchises across the United States, Young Chefs Academy teaches youngsters who are just getting started in the kitchen basic skills like crack an egg. Serious kid cooks can start training to be the Iron Chefs of the future. Students in the MasterChef program take classes with the goal of earning a chef's coat and diploma. For a 2009 story about the Forest Hills, New York-based Young Chefs Academy franchise, CNN dropped in on the Party at Pennsylvania Avenue Camp, which allowed kids to cook White House-caliber dishes like chartreuse vegetable mold and patriotic petit-fours.

Institute of Culinary Education

You can learn to cook alongside your child in one of The Institute of Culinary Education's 14 professional kitchens located in the heart of Manhattan. On Thai night, you learn to make take-out staples like chicken satay and pad Thai at home. On pizza night, you discover the secret to perfect dough, sauce and dessert pizza. "Saveur" named the Institute's recreational cooking classes on its "2008 Saveur 100" list of culinary gems.

Taste Buds

In a Manhattan-based kitchen studio built just for young chefs, Taste Buds opened in 2007 as Cupcake Kids! with cupcake-making birthday parties. The company soon expanded the roster of activities to include classes and summer camps for all ages, parents included. While cupcake parties remain on the yearly calendar, the renamed Taste Buds added a mix of sweet and savory recipes like lasagna and guacamole to the curriculum. "New York" magazine named Cupcake Kids! the Best Kids Cooking Class in 2009.

Mini Chef

The owners of Mini Chef want kids to get into their food --- literally --- by playing with the dough needed for Razzle Dazzle Ravioli or Sweet & Savory Biscuits. Mini Chef hosts cooking classes and birthday parties at different restaurants throughout the city. Apron-clad children work with trained chefs to create age-appropriate dishes at weekly cooking workshops of no more than 15 students. For parents looking for a twist on the typical birthday party, Mini Chef organizes two-hour events with cooking and a magic show while made-from-scratch dim sum, pizza or cupcakes cook.

Tags: Mini Chef, Chefs Academy, Taste Buds, Young Chefs Academy, birthday parties, cooking classes

Put On A Chili Cook Off

Plan chili cook-offs according to regional seasons.

Whether you favor a barn-burning hot chili or a mild white chicken chili, chili cook-offs are fun community events that raise funds and encourage camaraderie. A favorite fundraiser for schools, civic organizations, churches and nonprofit organizations, a chili cook-off should reflect the interests of your local community. If you live in an area famous for hog farms, make a "pork chili" category. A Florida chili cook-off may feature a category that includes Cuban or tropical ingredients. For chili cook-offs in Milwaukee, create a "brewer's best" category. No matter what the local flavor, encourage entrants to get creative. Just don't forget to provide plenty of antacids.

Instructions

Planning a Successful Chili Cook-Off

1. Schedule the event carefully. Consult community calendars to check for school events, civic events, religious festivals and athletic competitions. Take the season into consideration. It's best to avoid planning a chili cook-off around busy holidays unless the chili cook-off is scheduled to be part of the festivities, such as a 4th of July chili cook-off. Remember to take into account cultural events as well, including major televised sporting events.

2. Estimate the number of volunteers needed and recruit an ample number of people to help with a money table, set-up, serving, judging, music or emceeing, photography and clean-up. Ask volunteers who are unavailable on the day of the chili cook-off to assist with preparatory tasks like advertising. Plan what, if any, compensation volunteers will receive. Compensation could, for example, be a free meal pass to the event.

3. Advertise the chili cook-off to your target audience, whether it is an entire community, an academic community, or a congregation. Begin occasional advertising at least four to six weeks in advance, increasing the frequency and medium of advertising as the chili cook-off date draws near. Remember to include advertising mediums like fliers, newspaper ads and mailers. Spread your message via radio stations, TV channels, websites, e-mails, text message blasts, and social networking venues like Twitter and Facebook.

4. Communicate the essential information about the chili cook-off clearly. Include time, place, entry fees or meal ticket prices, chili judging categories, prizes, the identity of the event sponsor and the cause the proceeds will support. Also include inclement weather plans, if relevant.

Implementing a Successful Chili Cook-Off

5. Equip the facilities with adequate tables, chairs, lighting and sound equipment. Don't forget extra items like extension cords and hot pads. Dining supplies should include serving spoons, bowls, plates, spoons and napkins. Provide condiments and garnishes unless it is specified that participants provide their own. Designate a volunteer to serve as a last-minute emergency person available to run errands or procure forgotten supplies.

6. Decorate the facility after ensuring that all basic equipment is ready. Follow a theme, or decorate in bright, classic southwestern colors like red, yellow and green. Hang streamers, use colored table cloths, or feature pinatas for children's entertainment.

7. Provide judges with clipboards and writing implements along with tasting instructions for your chosen categories, whether they be "most unusual recipe," "hottest chili," "best in show" or "best chicken chili." Include in the tasting instructions considerations like taste, appearance and texture.

8. Award prizes for all of your chosen categories to the chili cook-off winners. Prizes might include gift certificates or a chili pepper trophy. Make sure a volunteer photographer has the opportunity to take pictures of the winners with the judges.

Publish the results -- along with pictures -- in your organizational newsletter, on your website, or in your local newspaper.

9. Offer to donate any leftovers to local soup kitchens or homeless shelters. You could also donate leftovers to local firehouses or police departments.

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Process Fresh Pollen Samples

Pollen is removed from the anthers of a flower.

Pollen collection can be time-consuming, but is a fairly simple process that is very useful for many purposes. With careful processing, gardeners and breeders can use collected pollen to deliberately cross-pollinate their plants, creating new varieties, or to purposefully breed plants that are rare or are not flourishing in an area where they should be common. Pollen can also be collected for the purpose of study in biology. These steps will help with storing pollen that has been collected from many kinds of plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Instructions

1. Collect anthers. Anthers are long, slender filaments in a flower that have two lobes at the top, and are best collected from intact, partially opened buds. (See References 1, 2, and 3)

2. Clean any debris or insects from the anthers. A tweezers is helpful for this process. (See Reference 3)

3. Store the anthers in glassine bags that have been labeled to help you remember the specimens that they were taken from. (See Reference 5)

4. Dry the anthers. There are many ways to do this. Two gentle methods that are good for immediate pollination are sun drying or using a 100 watt lamp that is at least 18 inches away from the specimen for 24 hours. The specimen needs a drying temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius. (See References 3 and 5) Using an oven or a desiccant are common methods for long-term storage; you may need to store the pollen in a different container for these methods. (See References 2 and 4) You can also freeze-dry pollen or use silica gel as a desiccator, but these methods require special equipment. (See Reference 6)

5. Put your dried anthers into a plastic cup. Cover the cup with a fine mesh screen (200-300 mesh), and seal with another plastic cup. Flip the cups and shake 10-20 times. The pollen should be separated from the anthers and fall into the bottom cup. (See Reference 5) This process may vary somewhat according to the type of plant that pollen is being collected from.

6. Transfer the pollen collected in the cup to glass vials that have also been labeled to help you remember which specimen it was collected from. It is best that the pollen is stored loosely and with no compacting. (See References 5 and 6)

7. Keep pollen that is intended for immediate pollination at room temperature for about a day, or in the refrigerator for two or three without any loss of viability. (See Reference 5)

8. Freeze pollen that is intended for long-term storage at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing pollen is very simple and only requires that it is as dry as possible before being frozen, as it is crystals forming in cells that causes damage to a sample. Keep the pollen in the vials so that there is no contamination and you remember what plant the pollen was collected from. Frozen pollen should have a good viability rate if it is to be used for pollination. (See Reference 4) If it is to be used as a biological specimen, glacial acetic acid, acetone, or ethyl alcohol can be used for storage, although the specimen may become brittle after prolonged exposure. (See Reference 2)

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Organic Garden Soil Enriching Advice

Organic Garden Soil Enriching Advice

The backbone of an organic garden is its fertile soil. Soil structure is as important as fertility. And besides the "big three" nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plants need a variety of minerals and microbial organisms. Just thinking about trying to balance all of these aspects of good soil can seem overwhelming. Organic gardening methods will naturally provide soil enrichment necessary to maintain healthy organic soil. Does this Spark an idea?

Compost for Soil Enrichment

Compost is the main component in healthy organic soil. Compost provides humus, or decomposed vegetable matter, which builds soil texture. Compost added to clay soil will make it more porous, lightening it to a texture that plant roots can penetrate. Add compost to sandy soil, and the additional humus provides stability and water retention properties. This gives plants soil that won't erode and that can retain nutrients. Compost was once living matter, and it contains all the elements and trace minerals that were once part of the living vegetation. Enriching your garden with compost adds these nutrients directly to the soil in a form that is immediately usable by plants.

To enrich your organic garden with compost, spread a layer of compost over the surface of the planting area. Use a layer of compost one to two inches deep, and rake or till it into the top few inches of soil. This recommendation works for a traditional garden plot and also for raised bed gardens. Plant as usual after enriching with compost with no fear of fertilizer burn.

Soil pH and Amendments

Soil sometimes needs to be balanced with other amendments to adjust acidity or alkalinity. This is also called the pH level of the soil. Soil's pH directly affects how nutrients are available to the plants. A pH level of 7.0 is the neutral reading. Below that, soil readings are increasingly acid. A level of 5.5 or lower indicates an acid environment where nutrients become more soluble and leach out of the soil before they can be used by plants. Higher readings above 7.0 may indicate soil where nutrients cannot be properly dissolved so they can be used by the plants. Very light applications of agricultural lime (calcium) will raise the alkalinity of the soil. Garden sulfur products may be added to raise the acidity.

Trace Minerals

Organic fertilizers that contain fish products and sea products such as kelp will add trace minerals to the soil. Trace minerals are difficult to ascertain in garden soil, but when you use organic fertilizers that include trace minerals, you can be sure that they are available if your plants need them.

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Diy Enemas

A 2 quart enema bag is the standard size

Enemas have been used for centuries to relieve constipation, to detoxify the body and to administer medication. And many people even enjoy the experience of cleansing their bowels. However, the prospect of administering your first enema can be a daunting one if you're unsure of proceed. But a DIY enema is a relatively uncomplicated procedure. It may be initially uncomfortable and slow-going at first, but your technique and tolerance will improve with practice.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Purchase a reusable, 2-quart enema bag from a pharmacy. Find one that comes with a clamp, hose and anal insertion nozzle.

2. Fill the enema bag. Attach the hose, clamp and nozzle to the enema bag according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then fill the enema bag with your fluid of choice. However, for your first enema, I recommend sticking with water.

Turn on the hot tap until the water is as hot as possible, then fill the enema bag. Next, measure the temperature of the water in the bag with your thermometer. You want the water's temperature to be between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is any colder or hotter, it may cause excessive cramping in your colon. If your tap does not produce water at the appropriate temperature, you may need to boil the water first.

3. Lubricate the anal insertion nozzle with a generous amount of Vaseline to ease insertion.

4. Hang the enema bag from your shower curtain bar. You may need to affix a string to your shower curtain bar and then hang your enema bag from there. Ideally, you want the enema bag to be one foot above your anus when you are in the enema position.

Next, slide the clamp down along the tube until it is low enough to be reached from your enema position. Then open the clamp to allow all of the air to escape the tubing. Next, lay a towel in the bathtub.

5. Lubricate your anus. This will allow the nozzle to be inserted with the greatest amount of comfort. Coat your index finger with a liberal amount of petroleum jelly, up to the second knuckle. Then press the tip of your index finger against your anus with moderate pressure. Your sphincter may resist opening at first, but applying persistent pressure for a few seconds will encourage it to relax and open. Once it does, move your finger in and out of your anus several times to lubricate it well.

6. Climb into the tub onto your towel and assume a comfortable position that affords you easy access to your anus. On your hands and knees with your buttocks in the air is a popular position. Others prefer to lay on one side with one leg stretched straight, and the other pulled to their chest and bent at the knee.

Administer the Enema

7. With your dominant hand, insert the lubricated nozzle three to four inches into your anus. As with your finger, the best method is to press the tip of the nozzle against your anus with consistent, moderate pressure until your anal sphincter relaxes. As you press the nozzle inside, take a few deep, calming breaths to encourage your sphincter to relax. The nozzle should slide right in, but if you experience resistance, gently twist the nozzle back and forth while easing it inside your anus.

8. Turn on the flow of the enema by opening the clamp slowly. Keep your hand near the clamp in case you need to stop the flow. During your first few enemas, you are likely to experience some degree of cramping as your bowels expand. When this happens, simply stop the flow and allow your bowels a few moments to relax. Similarly, if you feel the need to evacuate your bowels (another common occurrence), simply stop the flow and allow your bowels to relax for a few moments and then start the flow again.

9. Evacuate your bowels. Slowly remove the nozzle from your anus when the enema bag is empty or you feel you can take no more fluid. Hold the liquid for 5 minutes (or up to 15 if you are attempting to relieve constipation).

Move to the toilet and release the fluid. Keep in mind that an enema will come out in more than one movement. Be sure to stay near the toilet for the next hour.

Clean the Enema Bag

10. Mix a ratio of one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water solution. Rinse all parts of the enema bag thoroughly with the solution.

11. Rinse all parts of the enema bag with plain water until there is no more bleach residue.

12. Hang the bag and its accompanying parts to dry. Your enema bag will likely take a few days to dry thoroughly and it is important that it is allowed to dry thoroughly or it will acquire mold.

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Cook A Turkey Thigh

Baking is an effective method for cooking a turkey thigh.

Turkey is a common substitute for higher-fat red meats and has become a diet staple for many people. Turkey sausage, bacon and ground turkey are offered in supermarkets everywhere. The labels on packages of turkey thighs, in particular, often advise home cooks to grill the meat. But the size and thickness of turkey thighs, when compared with chicken thighs, may make modifying the recipes a tricky process. Baking and grilling are two simple methods that produce flavorful and juicy turkey thighs. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Baking a Turkey Thigh

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. You can use fresh turkey, but If you only have frozen turkey, thaw meat before cooking. Spray the insides of both the baking dish and its lid with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1/2 cup of red cooking wine into the baking dish.

2. Do not remove skin from turkey thigh or debone it. The skin and bone impart much flavor during the baking process and help to keep the meat moist. Mix the spices with the olive oil to make a paste, and rub the mixture on all sides of the turkey thigh.

3. Lay turkey thigh skin side down in the cooking wine. The skin will keep the thigh elevated out of the wine as it bakes. The wine, along with any juice shed by the turkey skin, will provide the added dimension of steam to keep the thigh moist during baking.

4. Roast turkey thigh for 40 minutes at 400 degrees F. Reduce heat to 300 degrees and cook for another 20 minutes. Turn oven off and let it cool down for about another 10 minutes. Turkey thigh will be ready. Lift thigh away from the skin, leaving skin behind in the baking dish, before serving.

Grilling A Turkey Thigh

5. Preheat gas grill to 350 degrees F. If using charcoal, follow instructions on bag. If you have frozen turkey, thaw before cooking. Using heavy-duty aluminum foil, make a double-thick sheet of about 14 inches squared. Spray foil square with non-stick cooking spray. Turn edges of foil up to make a temporary "pan." Pour the 1/2 cup of red cooking wine into this makeshift pan.

6. Do not remove skin from the turkey thigh or debone it. Mix the spices with the olive oil to make a paste and rub mixture all over turkey thigh.

7. Lay turkey thigh skin side down in the cooking wine. Bring all four sides of the foil up over thigh and crimp them together to enclose the meat in a dome shape. Roll foil down toward thigh, sealing it tightly.

8. Place foil packet on grill rack and close lid. Cook for about 25 minutes. Using tongs or oven mitts, turn the thigh over. Cook for another 20 minutes. Remove from grill and set on paper plate to cool for 10 minutes. Turkey thigh will be ready. Turn the foil packet so that the crimped and folded edges face up. Carefully peel open, being mindful of steam. Lift thigh out with forks or tongs, remove skin and serve.

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What Are The Benefits Of Mixing Raw Honey & Lemon Juice

Honey, with lemon, offers many health benefits.

Many natural compounds are used in cooking, but some have additional benefits, especially when combined together. Honey and lemon juice are two such ingredients that offer various treatments and benefits when they are mixed. The thick, sweet makeup of honey and the tart, acidic qualities of lemon juice are considerably different, but together they make a powerful compound.

Weight Loss

Together, honey and lemon may help resolve a weight problem. A combination of these two ingredients helps lower cholesterol and release stored fat for immediate burning. Mixing one part honey with two parts lemon juice into a glass of water creates a healthy beverage that should be taken twice daily to aid in any weight loss program.

Sore Throat

A common symptom of influenza, colds and bacterial infections is the sore throat. Allergies, hay fever, cold weather and dry air can also cause this common ailment. While many medications exist to treat the symptom, the honey-and-lemon combination may be just as effective, if not more so. Simply mix the two together and slowly swallow to allow them to coat the throat. It is acceptable to take this mixture several times a day, using approximately 1 tbsp. for each dose. In addition to relieving sore throats, the honey and lemon juice mixture can tackle other throat symptoms as well, including the itching and tickling that occur with some allergies.

Tea

Tea drinkers have long enjoyed the benefits of taste and texture provided by honey and lemon. They can be added separately or together to a cup of tea to enhance its flavor. It is also possible to make tea out of these ingredients directly. The result is a sweet and sour beverage that is soothing and relaxing. Mix two parts honey to one part lemon juice and one part white sugar. Add honey to hot water first, then mix in lemon juice and stir. Finally add the sugar and stir until all ingredients are dissolved. This is a favorite tea for many people, and helps soothe sore throats.

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Turkey Fryer Cooking Times

You have all the ingredients for the big dinner---the bread, the sides, the wine, the desserts and the turkey. You got the turkey on sale and it is thawed and ready for frying. How long you fry the turkey depends on the size. With the right cooking time, your turkey will be done and ready for the big dinner. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Turkey Preparation

When deep frying a turkey, it is important that the turkey is completely thawed seasoned like you would if you were going to cook the turkey in the oven. Once the seasoning is done--place the turkey upside down on a poultry rack with the legs facing up. Also, the cooking oil must be able to reach all areas of the turkey, so make sure you have made a 1-inch cut in the skin of the turkey at the leg and thigh joint.

Determining the Amount of Oil Needed

You must measure the oil correctly, otherwise you are at risk for serious injury or catching the turkey and yourself on fire. The recommended oil for frying a turkey is peanut oil. If a peanut allergy exists, use a clear frying oil instead. Use a empty cooking pot to determine how much you will need to use. The procedure is simple--just put the turkey in the pot, fill with water until the turkey is completely covered, then mark where the water stopped. The water line represents how much oil you will need.

Pouring In Oil

When pouring the oil into the cooking pot, fill to the top of your marked water line. Then follow the instructions on the fryer on turn on the gas and set the flame. The fryer's temperature should be 350°F prior to placing the turkey into the pot. Make sure you slowly and carefully lower the turkey into the pot. Take it slow---do not drop the turkey into the oil.

Cooking Time

While the turkey is cooking, make sure the temperature remains at 350°F. Monitor the thermometer and do not leave fryer alone. A 12-lb. turkey takes about 36 minutes, a 15 pound turkey will take about 52 minutes to cook, and turkeys over 18 lbs. normally take about 60 minutes. The turkey should be golden brown after frying---it should not be burned.

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Start A Home Cooking Business

A home cooking business can provide food for many types of events and functions.

Home cooking businesses are a popular form of business to start for entrepreneurs with a passion for cooking and staying at home. If you love sharing your love of cooking with others, enjoy working out of your home and have a desire to run your own business, you can start a home cooking business from the comfort of your residence.

Instructions

1. Figure out your niche. Determine what types of clients you will go after such as consumers who enjoy food from a certain part of the world or parents who do not have much time to cook for their families. You can even work with wedding planners to provide food for the weddings they coordinate.

2. Conduct market research in your area. Figure out what services you can offer to make your home cooking business stand out from others in the marketplace you serve. Look at the menus that eating establishments, delis and catering companies in your city offer, and price the items you serve more cheaply, in order to gain a competitive edge.

3. Take inventory. Decide what items you will need to start your home cooking business. Include items such as spices, pots, pans, carrying boxes, and cooking utensils. Establish relationships with suppliers who offer discounts for buying in bulk or locate a shopping warehouse in your area to meet all of your supply needs.

4. Obtain the required licenses in your state. Expect a visit from the local Department of Health, which will need to ensure your home cooking business is operating according to the rules and regulations of your state.

5. Seek out clients. Have business cards made at a print shop in your city. Attend local events where future brides and grooms go to find people who will provide food for their wedding. Hand out your business cards at these gatherings, and get the contact information of these potential clients so you can follow up with them at a later date. Let the people you meet know that you can beat any price they are offered.

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Start A Meat Market Business

Great service and good meat equal loyal customers

Unless you're a vegetarian, the smell of a perfectly grilled steak is enough to send your taste buds into overdrive. If your passion for meat transcends the single serving and you've had some experience slaughtering and dressing beef, pork, lamb, chicken and other delicacies, there's probably a meat market business in your future. Learning butcher meat is a trade best learned at the side of a professional, but you'll probably need some help putting together the business side of your venture. Peruse tips in this article and you'll never again hear the question "Where's the beef?" It will be artfully arranged in refrigerated cases at the butcher shop with your name written above the door.

Instructions

1. Write a meaty business plan. Commit to paper your vision for opening, operating, running, funding and advertising your butcher shop. Figure out which competitors are close enough to be problems for you and your sales; include supermarkets, small grocery stores, other meat markets, delicatessens and big box stores. See how they operate, compare the prices each charge and keep these averages on the forefront of your brain as you move toward your goal.

2. Find suppliers. You may be in a position to buy directly from farmers if you live in an area that makes this type of direct purchasing the best and most cost-effective option. If you're located in an urban setting, researching and comparing costs and services of meat wholesalers and distributors are more logical options. Be forewarned: your margin will increase as a direct result of buying your meat from an intermediary, but on the other hand, distributors can get you cuts of meat that local farmers and ranchers might not be able to offer.

3. Follow through with the facet of your business plan for obtaining funding to start-up and maintain your meat market for at least a year until your business is established. If personal financing isn't an option, apply for a loan at a bank with which you do business, turn to a credit union for help or consider a second mortgage on your home if you've enough equity. A less-desirable funding source -- especially if you want to control every aspect of your meat market -- is to find a silent partner.

4. Determine your start-up expenses. If you're opening in a shop that previously served as a meat market, freezer and refrigeration cases should already be in place. Starting from the ground up? Shop and compare commercial suppliers to obtain these essentials. Additionally, buy as much insurance as your business broker recommends so you are fully prepared for any type of catastrophic, meat-related event.

5. Outfit your meat market and design the space so meat cutting and preparation areas are as spacious and well-appointed as space allows. You'll need cutting-block counters, racking units for commercial knives and cleavers, professional meat grinders and either a computer system or a cash register for ringing up sales. If your budget allows, opt for a computer and add software to tally and sort expenses to speed up accounting and bookkeeping tasks.

6. Connect with local health department and government agencies to ascertain the kinds of documentation required to open your meat market business. Apply for these permits and licenses and, if possible, invite a member of the local board of health's inspection staff to tour the premises before you are ready to open. As a newcomer to the business, you may have missed an essential task or piece of equipment that could halt or delay the grand opening of your butcher shop, so take this extra step as a precaution.

7. Oversee the delivery of your meat products, set up a dating system to keep tabs on when each delivery of meat arrives at your shop and begin preparing cuts of meat to stock your display cases. Have adequate sizes of bags, wraps and other supplies on hand to package meat for customers.

8. Purchase a back-up generator for peace of mind. Power outages are a fact of life and are, at the very least, inconvenient when you're worried about keeping lights on. If your pricey inventory of raw meat depends upon refrigeration 24/7, you probably won't want to take a chance on leaving this piece of equipment off your supply list.

9. Experiment with sales, incentives and marketing programs once you've opened your doors. Decades ago, when meat markets were the norm and supermarkets didn't exist, butchers knew customers' likes and dislikes as well as they knew their own. It wasn't unusual for a butcher to call a customer to inform him that a choice cut just arrived from the supplier and was earmarked just for him. This is exactly the kind of service that separates prime cuts from hamburger.

Tags: meat market, your meat, your meat market, butcher shop, your business, business plan, cuts meat

Places To Throw Parties In Salem Or

Salem, Oregon, has locations for parties of all sizes.

Funky and hip, Salem is the capital city of Oregon and combines small-town closeness with the flavor of a big city. While dozens of restaurants and bars offer settings for dinners and casual get-togethers, Salem also provides first-class accommodations for larger parties and events. Does this Spark an idea?

Not Your Run of the Mill Party

Mission Mill Museum (missionmill.org) is well-suited to host weddings, proms and other formal occasions. The historic landmark presents a number of flexible event spaces, from the intimate Card Room to the spacious Spinning Room atop the three-story converted wool mill. Mission Mill Museum also is home to Oregon's oldest standing Presbyterian church, which has seating for up to 100 guests and is available for religious and non-denominational services. Mission Mill's website provides a list of preferred caterers as well as guidelines for using the site's historic spaces.

Stage a Party

The Historic Elsinore Theatre (elsinoretheatre.com) was built in 1926, and has hosted such entertainers as Clark Gable, Doc Severinsen and Drew Carey. While the 1,300-seat auditorium may be overwhelming for some gatherings, the lobby is a flexible space that can host anything from a casual cocktail party to a raucous dance party. Small gatherings might rent Harcourt Hall, which seats 35 people. The Historic Elsinore Theatre underwent an extensive renovation in 2004, and provides guests with on-site lighting and sound support.

Center of Attention

The Salem Conference Center (salemconferencecenter.org) provides guests with everything they need in one central location, from catering, linen rentals and seating and space for 50 to 900 attendees. Rooms are available for dances, weddings, meetings, artist exhibitions, receptions and other parties. The Salem Conference Center is LEED Certified, which means that the center has achieved excellence in environmental awareness and sustainability. The center also offers energy-efficient supplies, recycled materials and locally-sourced foods.

Thinking Outside the Box

From intimate corners for sipping coffee to a large ballroom space, the IKE Box Cafe (isaacsroom.org) is a hip, young space that is a favorite among locals. Concerts and bands perform at the IKE Box Stage, and the warehouse ballroom that houses the cafe is available for parties large and small. The IKE Box Stage and Cafe are part of Isaac's Room, a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for community and connection, especially among Salem's youth.

Tags: Mission Mill, Conference Center, Elsinore Theatre, guests with, Historic Elsinore

Raise 4h Broilers

Exhibit your best 4-H broiler pair at the exhibition for grading.

Chickens raised for meat and not eggs are termed "broilers" in the poultry-production industry. Broilers have a different body type and nutritional requirement as compared with those that are bred for laying future breeds. If you want to provide your family with fresh, healthy and homegrown chicken, consider raising your own broilers. 4-H Club is a national organization that aims to develop leadership and life skills in young people by promoting healthy living, science and engineering. One such project is raising 4-H broilers and exhibiting them at the end of the year for grading and awards. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Measure the chicken coop with measuring tape and area to determine how many chickens can be kept. One chicken requires at least 3 square feet in the coop and the same outside the coop. Do not crowd the area because it can lead to infectious diseases in chickens.

2. Prepare a place for raising the chickens by equipping the area with food and water containers. Add vitamins or electrolyte solution to the drinking water to ensure they remain hydrated. Broiler chicks require high-quality broiler feed containing at least 20 percent protein, according to the University of Florida IFAS extension. The chicks' feeders should be full of food when you get them, but after the chicks have learned to eat, keep the feeders no more than 3/4 full to prevent feed waste. Consult the local feed dealer about the type of feed, vitamins and electrolyte solution brand to feed the chicks.

3. Add devices for lighting, cooling or heating. Most broilers are grown using 24 hours of light because lighting increases body weight gain and improves their feather growth. One or two 40-watt bulbs hung over the pen are adequate for most home projects. Chickens need a lot of air circulation so it's best to keep the doors and windows open. Ensure the broilers do not overheat and prefer temperature of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool the birds by using fans and other types of ventilation.

4. Install about 3-foot-high fencing so the chickens do not leave the area or fall prey to predators. Add layers of pine wood shavings and straw for bedding for the chicks.

5. Clean the enclosure at least once a week to remove all dirt, waste and uneaten food. Use a shovel to remove the feces and dirt. Disinfect the chicken home with soap and water and then a commercial disinfectant labeled for use in poultry houses. Allow the area to dry before putting the chicks back in. Clean the water bowels at least once a day.

6. Keep track of the entire growing process of the chicken in the form of documents and pictures. The 4-H organization requires various statistics, including number of chicks started, number of chicks that died, weight at different stages, cost of chicks, cost of brooding, cost of feed and other costs. Various record sheets are available as guidelines from the organization itself for breeders to fill in during the process.

Tags: electrolyte solution, least once, number chicks, vitamins electrolyte, vitamins electrolyte solution

Cook A Gluten Free Christmas Dinner

With a little detective work, you can make a holiday meal containing no gluten.

Suppose your father-in-law has celiac disease and can't eat any gluten -- not even a speck. He's coming to town for Christmas, and you're wondering how you can serve a traditional Christmas dinner that is gluten-free. More and more people are being diagnosed with conditions that require them to eliminate gluten from their diets, so knowing cook a gluten-free Christmas dinner is important. With a few basic modifications, you can make those old standby dishes and meet any food needs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Know your gluten basics. Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, wheat, rye and sometimes oats. Other grains, such as spelt, are part of the gluten family, so be sure to research any grain before adding it to a dish for a gluten-free Christmas dinner.

2. Pull out your recipe cards a week before making dinner. If they include barley, wheat, rye or oats, put them aside. If you are using any spices, check the labels and call the manufacturer hotlines to ask if there is any hidden gluten. If so, choose a different spice company. (McCormick labels all gluten in its spices, so if gluten isn't listed, then it's not there.)

3. Assume nothing. Just because a food item doesn't list gluten in the ingredients doesn't mean it's not there. "Spices," "natural flavorings" and "maltodextrin" are some of the worst culprits for having hidden gluten. Once again, calling manufacturer hotlines is crucial for a successful gluten-free Christmas dinner.

4. Cook turkey with the stuffing on the outside. If you're having turkey for your traditional Christmas dinner, you can help gluten intolerant guests by simply cooking the stuffing outside of the turkey, and stuffing the turkey with something simple, like apples and oranges (which give the meat a special flavor and keep it moist).

5. Check ham glazes if you're baking a ham. Most packaged ham glaze has gluten in it. Make your own from scratch if possible for a gluten-free Christmas dinner.

6. Make pumpkin pie without the crust, and just serve it as a pumpkin custard, with whipped cream on top.

7. Avoid adding crunchy onions to the top of green bean casserole -- they contain gluten. Just offer them in a small bowl for gluten-eating guests to add as they see fit.

8. Keep bread and crackers from touching any food that guests could otherwise eat. For dips, let the gluten-intolerant guest take some from the dip bowl first, onto a separate plate, to avoid cracker contamination.

Tags: Christmas dinner, gluten-free Christmas, gluten-free Christmas dinner, barley wheat, Christmas dinner, hidden gluten

Coconut Oil Tips

Coconut oil has numerous uses.

Coconuts have sustained people in the tropics for millenia. Their meat and water have many nutrients valuable for numerous nutritional and other uses. The oil in coconut meat can be pressed and extracted to be used as an ingredient on its own. Modern medical science and purveyors of natural and organic foods and alternative medicines sometimes disagree about the benefits and dangers of this natural product. However, its versatility is clear to all. Does this Spark an idea?

Cholesterol

Physicians of conventional medicine warn against consuming coconut oil in any significant quantity. Unlike most plant oils, coconut oil is high in saturated fats, which contribute to high bad cholesterol and heart disease. Numerous food manufacturers that used coconut oil for its tasty enhancement to their snack food and confections have switched ingredients because of public concerns about cholesterol. If taking care of your heart is a concern, avoid coconut oil.

Skin Healer

Many natural medicine proponents swear by coconut oil's benefits in healing skin. Simply rub the pure oil on scratches, cuts and sores, and coconut oil should help promote healing. Even allopathic doctors such as Dr. Andrew Weil take no issue with coconut oil for external use.

Beauty Treatment

The natural fats that can clog your arteries can also get under your skin -- in a good way. Numerous cosmetic products use coconut oil as an ingredient to help moisturize, soften and maintain the elasticity of skin. Using coconut oil-based cosmetics may help you maintain beautiful skin. Many naturalists use the oil directly on skin and rub it in thoroughly, claiming the results are even better than processed or manufactured products.

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Raise A Cockapoo

Some cockapoo breeders are breeding second generation pups in an effort to create a completely separate pure breed.

The name says it all. A cockapoo is a hybrid dog that is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle. The poodle parent can be a toy, miniature or standard poodle, so cockapoos can weigh anywhere from 6 to 19 lbs. Cockapoos can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, but they are typically easy-going and sweet tempered. Dogs bred with English cocker spaniels can sometimes have an aggressive side. Thanks to their intelligent poodle heritage, cockapoos are generally easy to train and eager to please. Cockapoos are healthy dogs. If you take the time to properly raise, care for and train your puppy, it can be your companion for up to 15 years.

Instructions

1. Puppy-proof your house and yard before you bring your cockapoo puppy home. Cockapoo puppies are naturally curious and will investigate everything with their noses and their teeth. Clean up small, easy-to-swallow objects. Keep electrical cords and chemicals out of reach. Research the plants you have in your home and yard to ensure that they aren't poisonous.

2. Give your cockapoo puppy a space of its own. Provide a bed, a crate if you choose, toys, food and water dishes, bones and chews for your puppy. Having a place of its own will give it somewhere to go when it feels stressed, overwhelmed, or even just tired. Give it belongings of its own to help it feel welcome and give it something to do when it is bored.

3. Feed your cockapoo puppy dry puppy formula food for at least one year. Puppy formula has extra protein that your cockapoo puppy will need to grow. Feed your cockapoo puppy two or three times a day on a regular schedule. This will help its digestive system develop and make house-training easier. Transition your pup to adult dog food after a year by mixing the formulas together for several days, using less and less puppy food each day.

4. Brush your cockapoo puppy two or three times a week to keep its curly hair from tangling. Cockapoos can have dry skin, so the Cockapoo Club of America recommends bathing them no more than twice a month. Always brush your cockapoo's fur before bathing to prevent matting.

5. Give your cockapoo puppy rules to follow from day one. Choose whatever rules fit your needs, such as not jumping on the furniture or staying out of the guest bedroom. Enforce these rules consistently. Never allow your cockapoo to break them, or it will think it is okay to do so again. Cockapoos are intelligent and may try to take over your house if they don't have boundaries to follow.

6. Use treats and praise to teach your puppy basic obedience commands. This is known as positive reinforcement. Start teaching your puppy to sit, lie down, stay and come as early as possible. Never punish your cockapoo puppy for making a mistake. This can cause fear and aggression. Reward your puppy for obeying correctly.

7. Correct problem behavior by interrupting it. Your cockapoo puppy will certainly cause mischief before it learns better. Reward your cockapoo for listening to you. Never punish your puppy for getting into trouble. It doesn't know any better. Reward it to teach it what to do instead of simply telling it what not to do.

8. Socialize your cockapoo puppy before 6 months of age. Take it to puppy classes, parks, city streets, a friend's house or anywhere else you can to expose it to other dogs, humans of all ages, types of transportation, smells, sights and sounds. Keep treats on hand to reward your cockapoo puppy for being curious and friendly. This will teach your cockapoo to enjoy new situations rather than fear them.

9. Take your cockapoo puppy to a veterinarian for a physical checkup and vaccinations. Your cockapoo will need rabies, distemper, parvovirus and bordetella shots, just to name a few.

10. Exercise with your cockapoo puppy every day. Take it for walks, play games together or spend time training. Your cockapoo needs this exercise to stimulate its mind, practice instinctive behavior and release extra energy that can lead it to destructive behavior.

Tags: cockapoo puppy, your cockapoo puppy, your cockapoo, your cockapoo, your puppy, your cockapoo puppy

Start Your Own Green Store

The market for environmentally-friendly products has grown significantly since the early 2000s, according to Entrepreneur magazine, making green living more of a mainstream lifestyle than a trend. Yet while consumers are more willing than ever to help the environment with their purchases, classic rules of business should still guide your marketing, when starting a green business.

Instructions

1. Research the demographics of your area to find out what market exists for your business. About 80 percent of Americans say that buying green benefits the environment, according to Entrepreneur, but within this group, there exist different types of people with different needs and wants. Identify a specific group of target customers, and cater your business to them.

2. Use the demographic information you gathered to determine which products are worth carrying in your store. For example, organic cotton is a staple of green living, but organic cotton diapers are only worth stocking if you have a considerable population of parents, with infants, nearby. Foods, beauty products and household cleaners are also products that have green alternatives.

3. Give your store a name. It should be unique but not too clever, descriptive yet not too literal. For example, "Green Tees" may seem like a unique name for a store specializing in organic cotton T-shirts, but when spoken aloud, people may confuse it for "green tea." Avoid alluding to your location in the name (e.g., Westgrove Organic Life) because your business may outgrow it. Use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Electronic Search System to make certain your name is unique.

4. Choose a structure for your business: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation. The first two are the easiest and least expensive to set up, but they don't protect your personal assets in a legal dispute. File an assumed name form with your county clerk to be able to legally use the name you choose for your business. The fee is usually no higher than $100. Though the LLC and corporation both cost hundreds of dollars to start in most cases, and the corporation requires extensive record keeping and double-taxation, both provide liability protection. File articles of organization (for an LLC) or articles of incorporation (for a corporation) with the secretary of state to register your business.

5. Apply for the documents necessary to buy green products wholesale and charge sales tax to customers in your state. They are: an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service, which is free; and a sales tax license and resale license from your state's tax agency, which may or may not be free. Contact the secretary of state to find out what other licenses your business needs, as these vary by jurisdiction and depend on the products you sell.

6. Browse local classified ads for commercial space for lease. Rent space in an area your target customers frequent, that's large enough to display all the inventory you expect to carry, and that still allows customers to move around freely. Remember that your administrative area may take up as much as 25 percent of your store space, according to Entrepreneur.

7. Use a wholesale vendors' directory to find wholesalers that specialize in green products. Buy the kinds of products your marketing research identified as likely to sell in your area.

8. Market your store to your target customers. This means advertising in the places they go, whether it be social networking websites, or locations around town. For example, organic skin care products are likely to appeal more to women than to men, and particularly to middle-class women.

Tags: your business, your store, according Entrepreneur, organic cotton, target customers