Do You Need A Space Between Granite Tile

Granite tiles have a smooth surface and clean looking edge that leads many homeowners to wonder if they need a large grout joint or space between the tiles. Granite tiles require a minimum of a 1/16-inch grout joint or space between them for installation. Does this Spark an idea?

Straight Lines of Tile

Granite tiles may appear to be perfectly square and even in shape and size. In fact, like nearly all tiles, there are slight irregularities between tile sizes. Some tiles may be very slightly out of square, while others may be very slightly smaller or larger than those that surround them. Spaces between the tiles are there in part to help make up for these size discrepancies. If the tiles were to be butted together with no space, they would not line up in even rows, but would jog and move and even create irregular spaces between corners. Spaces help to keep the rows of tile regular and straight.

Protecting the Stone

While the tops of granite tiles are polished and ground to a smooth surface, the sides of the tiles are not. In fact many granite tiles still retain the saw marks from manufacturing on the sides. Were these tiles to be butted against one another with no space, any movement or flexing of the house, installation or substrate would cause the tiles to rub against one another. Because the sides of the granite tiles are not smooth, they will not slip against one another easily. This can lead to chips, cracks and broken tiles over time. A small space between the tiles helps protect them from this damage.

Moisture Barrier

The space between the granite tiles can be as large as 1/4 inch or as small as 1/16 inch, depending on your preference. Regardless of what size the space is, it must be filled with a substance, either epoxy or cement, known as grout. Grout helps stabilize the tiles in place so damage doesn't occur, and it also helps protect the substrate below. While granite can be sealed to keep moisture out, the tiles cannot be fit tightly enough together to prevent moisture from cleaning solution or spills from getting in. The grout that fills the spaces between the tiles acts as a moisture barrier, preventing moisture damage to the area below the tiles. This, in turn, helps keep the tiles firmly adhered.

Ease of Cleaning

Granite tiles have a very slight bevel to the top of each edge. This bevel is put in place so the tiles can be installed with a very tight grout joint of 1/16 inch. The tile bevels away to allow more grout to fill the space, protecting the tile. If the tiles were to be butted together, this small bevel would still provide space between the tiles. Dirt, dust, crumbs and other debris can become easily trapped in this small bevel, which can make the installation unsanitary. Widening the gap enough to allow grout to fill it properly will help make the installation easier to clean.

Tags: between tiles, against another, grout joint, space between, space between tiles

Make A Picture With Grits

Serve up a bowl of steaming grits to a hungry Southerner and you'll see a smile as wide as the ocean. You probably won’t have to wash the bowl when he finishes because he’ll lick it clean. Grits are made from ground corn. Native Americans were the first to introduce grits to Europeans. The natives ground maize, or corn, into coarse grains, cooked them, and served them steaming hot. Grits have become a staple in the diets of many Southerners. Once they were eaten mostly by poor families because they were a cheap and filling dish. Now they are served in many fine restaurants. Grits are usually served with butter and milk, but there are recipes for grits with shrimp, grits with crawfish and garlic cheese grits.

Instructions

1. Spread newspaper on the floor or on a table.

2. Fill three or four paper cups with grits.

3. Put a few drops of food coloring in each cup. Use several bright colors.

4. Stir the grits and food coloring. Add more coloring until you get the color that you want.

5. Draw an object on the construction paper. Draw a fish, a tree, a flower, a boat, or something that is your own idea. Make it big.

6. Spread glue on a small part of your drawing.

7. Sprinkle some colored grits over the glue. Make sure the grits stick to the glue.

8. Spread glue on another section of your picture and repeat the process until your picture is complete.

9. Shake any extra grits onto the newspaper.

Tags: food coloring, grits with, Spread glue, they were, your picture

Create Food Labels

If you love to be organized, then consider creating custom labels for your food items. Food labels are particularly useful for items such as spices that are not easily recognizable. Labeling the items in your food pantry can save you time from searching (and smelling) to find the ingredient you're after. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what type of labels you will be printing. If you are only printing simple one-line labels such as "Flour" or "Sugar" then you will not need to purchase an expensive label maker. However, if you would like to include more detailed labels you might need to purchase more expensive equipment.

2. Purchase the appropriate equipment. For simple labels, there are many less expensive label makers on the market that print out basic one-line labels. If you are looking to print out more detailed labels, there are other models available that will print off larger labels that go beyond one line.

3. Enter the content of your label into the label maker. For food labels it might be helpful to include information such as the best before date, or any nutritional information that was on the original packaging of the item.

4. Print out the labels. If you are creating a lot of labels, it might be best to have a list of all the labels you need and to check them off as you complete each label.

5. Adhere the labels to the appropriate food items. Because most label makers create labels with one-sided adhesive, it is not necessary to purchase glue to attach the labels. Simply remove the paper on the back of the label and apply the label to the item. Smooth out any creases to ensure the label is adhered properly.

Tags: labels might, detailed labels, expensive label, food items, label maker, label makers

Homemade Ant Killer Products

Some popular home remedies feed rather than kill ants.

Home remedies for killing ants are almost as plentiful as the ants themselves. Unfortunately, a lot of them don't work. Remedies can sometimes disturb the nest, causing the ants to move, which makes the remedy appear to work. In actuality, the ants are just a few feet away and still causing problems. Luckily, a few household products have been scientifically proven to effectively kill ants. Does this Spark an idea?

Home Remedies That Don't Work

Using grits, cornmeal or oatmeal does not kill ants. A lot of people believe that ants either explode or dehydrate after eating these materials, but it doesn't happen. Ants don't eat solid food so it can't ruin their digestive process, according to Texas A& M entomologist Bastiaan M. Drees, who tested grits and Malt-O-Meal on fire ants. Ants take food back to their colony and feed it to larvae who regurgitate it in a digestible form. Plus, ants like corn (which is what grits and cornmeal are) and oats. So, you are essentially feeding the ants. Dry yeast is another product that people claim can kill by producing a gas that ruptures an ant's stomach.

Ineffective Home Remedies

A number of other home remedies are partially effective, according to Kelly Loftin and John Hopkins, entomologists with the University of Kansas, including gasoline, bleach, ammonia and urine. They might kill a few ants, but they also pollute the environment and can get into the ground water. Pouring boiling water onto a nest may kill a small colony, but Colorado State University Extension entomologist W.S. Cranshaw says its effectiveness is not worth the dangers of handling boiling water.

Borax or Boric Acid

The best homemade ant killer is borax, also known as boric acid or sodium tetraborate. It is found in homes as a multi-purpose cleaner or laundry booster. It is so effective that many commercial ant baits use it to kill ants. The trick to using it is finding a food that will attract the ants and mixing it strong enough to kill but not too strong that it kills too quickly. If the ants die before taking it back to the nest, which may happen if you create liquid bait, then it will be ineffective.

A number of recipes exist for creating borax bait and you may need to experiment until you find one that works best for your ants. To create borax bait, mix about 1 to 2 teaspoons borax with 1 cup of food. Food can be honey, sugar, peanut butter, apple jelly, corn syrup, bacon grease or anything similar. Place the bait onto index card, pieces of foil or bottle caps. Keep it away from pets and children. Continue baiting for at least three to four weeks.

Soap and Water

Whether soap products work to kill ants is questionable. Spraying products such as window cleaner on ants will kill them directly, according to the University of California Integrated Pest Management Online. However, Barbara Ogg, an extension educator with the University of Nebraska, says that vinegar, lemon juice, bleach and ammonia are all ineffective at killing ants. Furthermore, entomologists Jeffrey Hahn and Phillip Pellitteri say that pharaoh ants are known to eat soap with no ill effects.

What soap can do is drown ants. Texas A&M entomologists Charles L. Barr and Bastiaan M. Drees found that a mixture of 4 tablespoons soap to 1 gallon of water was enough to break the surface tension of the water and drown fire ants, which are known for their ability to create floating "balls" to survive floods. While dishes of soapy water would be ineffective at killing colonies of ants, they can be used to protect food dishes and plants.

Tags: kill ants, ants they, Bastiaan Drees, bleach ammonia, boiling water, borax bait, fire ants

Cajun Restaurants In Atlanta Georgia

Enjoy Cajun cuisine, such as crawfish, in the Atlanta area.

The Atlanta area is known as the bountiful region where Scarlett O'Hara vowed in "Gone With the Wind to never go hungry again and that statement rings true today. A number of restaurants in the area serve fine cuisine of every type. Cajun cuisine is served here at several popular restaurants and is prepared to reflect the true taste of the South. Catch a Hawk's game in Atlanta or a Falcon's game and spend long days shopping and sight-seeing. By night take to a hot night club after having a spicy Cajun meal.

McKinnon's Louisiane Restaurant

McKinnon's Louisane Restaurant is centrally located in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta. Enjoy Creole and Cajun cuisine and a full bar in an upscale atmosphere decorated in dark woods and bathed in dim mood lighting. Choose from fresh seafood dishes that include such ingredients as shrimp, calamari, spicy crawfish, crab, trout and flounder. A number of chicken and steak meals are also offered. Like many other Cajun restaurants, McKinnon's Louisiane Restaurant serves a long list of gumbos. Finish your meal with a treat from the full dessert menu.

McKinnon's Louisiane Restaurant

3209 Maple Drive N.E.

Atlanta, GA 30305

404-237-1313

mckinnons.com

The Depeaux Restaurant

The Depeaux Restaurant is located just minutes from Atlanta and brings an authentic Louisiana vibe to the area. A combination of a bustling and exciting environment, Cajun seasonings and a New Orleans Creole-style menu make the Depeaux Restaurant a fun place to enjoy a spicy meal. Start with appetizers, such as fried frog legs, crawfish bread and tender alligator pieces. The Depeaux Restaurant is known for signature soups that include gumbos, creamed bisques and crawfish etouffee. Salads, sandwiches, side dishes and desserts are also available.

The Depeaux Restaurant

303 E. Howard Ave.

Decatur, GA 30030

404-377-7234

thedepeaux.com

Hal's

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution awarded Hal's the 2008 "Best Steak in Atlanta" award. A diverse menu at Hal's combimes Cajun, Creole and Italian-influenced menu items in an inviting casual bistro-style space. Live music that includes jazz and blues is played every evening in Hals' full bar, which serves a number of cocktails, beers and more than 100 fine wines. Hal's cooks a number of seafood, lamb, veal, beef and poultry meals over an open flame grill and also offers appetizers, soups, salads and pasta. Popular dishes include bacon-wrapped filet mignon, roasted chicken, duckling, trout served with crab meat and veal chops.

Hal's

30 Old Ivy Road Northeast

Atlanta, Georgia 30342

404-261-0025

hals.net

Tags: Depeaux Restaurant, Cajun cuisine, Louisiane Restaurant, McKinnon Louisiane, McKinnon Louisiane Restaurant, Atlanta area, Atlanta Georgia

What Is Rice Flour

Rice flour is made from very finely ground grains of rice. It can be a substitute for white flour in baked goods or as a base to make batters or sauces thicker. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ground rice flour can substituted for white flour in recipes.

Function

Rice flour is used mainly in thinner foods, such as pancakes, shortbread and dumplings, rather than dough that requires rising, like thick breads or crusts. It also gives a crunchier texture than white flour, so rice flour is used as a coating for fish, chicken, meats or vegetables before cooking in oil.

Benefits

Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like barely, wheat and rye; however, people with celiac disease cannot properly digest it. Rice flour does not contain gluten and is a safe ingredient substitute for people with celiac disease.

Types

Rice flour is primarily made from white or brown rice. It is also available in more specialized varieties made from black rice, red rice, sweet rice or blended with dried algae.

Geography

Asian cuisine, especially Chinese, Japanese and southern India, implements rice flour more regularly than other areas. In the United States, rice flour is a staple ingredient in kitchens in Louisiana and the Carolinas.

History

During the 1800s, wheat flour was difficult to find and therefore costly, so rice flour was used more often throughout the world as a replacement. As wheat flour became more accessible, rice flour was not as widely used.

Tags: flour used, made from, rice flour, white flour, celiac disease

What Are Three Legumes

Legumes consist of many bean types.

Legumes are plant-based members of the pea family, characterized by edible seeds that grow on pods. Legumes contain an array of nutrients, including protein, fiber, antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, iron, thiamine, folic acid and niacin. Legumes are also low in fat. Health benefits associated with the consumption of legumes include improved digestion, lower cholesterol levels, decreased risk of heart disease and blood sugar regulation. Beans, peas and lentils are three types of legumes.

Beans

Soy beans are one type of legume.

Beans are seeds produced by solid-stemmed legumes. Beans come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Popular bean varieties include pinto beans, black beans, white beans, kidney beans, soy beans, navy beans, lima beans and butter beans. Beans can be eaten raw, sprouted or cooked, and can be converted into flour, soy sauce and tofu. Beans are low in fat, and go well in stews, chilies, soups and rice dishes.

Peas

Peas come in three main types.

Peas are hollow-stemmed members of the legume family. Peas are grown in three types: green peas, snap peas and snow peas. Green peas are sweet in taste with a starchy texture and bear a resemblance to green beans. Snap peas have round pods and a sweet, grassy flavor. Snap peas are often used in Asian stir-fries. Snow peas are bright green, with flat pods and tiny seeds. Peas are versatile and can be eaten raw straight out of the garden. They also work well cooked and served in pastas, salads, soups, stir-fries and side dishes.

Lentils

Lentils are available in many color varieties.

Lentils are a type of legume related to beans and peas. Lentils come in several colors, including red, green, yellow, orange, brown and black. Lentils are sold whole or split, and with or without their skins. Dried lentils can be stored for up to a year in an airtight container. Lentils require cooking and should not be eaten raw. Unlike beans, lentils do not require soaking in water prior to cooking. Cooked lentils can be added to soups, stews, burgers and salads.

Peanuts

Peanuts are members of the legume family.

Peanuts belong to the legume family. Grown underground, the brown shell or pod of the peanut contains two or three peanut seeds. Peanuts are highly-caloric, yet rich in nutrients. Peanuts contain high amounts of fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Peanuts are a popular snack food commercially available in many forms, including roasted, raw, shelled, unshelled, salted, unsalted and flavored. Chopped peanuts can be added to many prepared food dishes to add flavor and texture.

Tags: legume family, available many, legumes Beans, members legume, members legume family, three types

Store Pasta In Mylar Bags

Mylar bags can store food much more efficiently than traditional burlap sacs.

Mylar bags are used to store food for long periods of time and help keep food fresh during transportation. Mylar is a term coined by DuPont; it's made from polyester and nylon, then pressed onto thin aluminum shielding. Once sealed, a Mylar bag can keep food items such as pasta and grains fresh for 10 or more years according to USAEmergencySupply.com. A Mylar bag is also very tough, making it tough for some notorious critters to chew through and more resistant to punctures than other storage bags. You need to seal a Mylar bag properly for it keep your food fresh. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place your pasta into the Mylar bag.

2. Set the bag on a table on its side, then gently press the bag down to release any air in the bag.

3. Slide a straw into the bag at the corner. Place your hand onto the bag and hold the opening down flat, leaving only the straw protruding at the corner.

4. Suck the remaining air out of the bag through the straw, then remove the straw and fold the bag opening down 1 to 2 inches. Hold it flat with your hand.

5. Set your iron on the lowest setting, then place a piece of cloth such as a cotton T-short over the bag top. Hold the iron in place on the cloth for at least 20 seconds, then check to see if the bag is sealed. If you can still pull the bag apart easily, repeat until the bag is completely sealed.

Tags: food fresh, keep food, Mylar bags, opening down, Place your

The History Of Jelly Beans

Jelly beans are a popular candy; the beans come in a variety of flavors. Jelly beans are sold throughout the year, but two of the most popular times for jelly bean sales include Easter and Halloween. Jelly beans come in traditional flavors such as licorice and cherry, as well as newer flavors such as buttered popcorn and cotton candy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Manufacturing Process

The jelly bean is created using a process called panning. This is the same process that is used to make Jordan Almonds. Panning involves placing a soft sugar based center in a tumbler and giving it several layers of sugar coating using sugar, syrup and food coloring. The sugar coating hardens slowly, giving jelly beans their hard outer shell and soft center.

Origin

While it is not clear exactly when the jelly bean was first created, it is believed it occurred during the Civil War. A gentleman named William Schraft manufactured them and encouraged the Union soldiers to use them as snacks during the war.

Popularity

The jelly bean's popularity started to increase significantly in the early 1900's. At this time, the jelly bean become known as a bulk candy. This is because, instead of being sold by the number of jelly beans in a container, jelly beans were sold to customers based on the weight of the jelly beans. Jelly beans were one of the first bulk candies.

Easter and Jelly Beans

Jelly beans are commonly associated with the holiday of Easter. This association of the candy and the holiday became popular in the 1930's. This is because of the egg shape of the jelly bean. The shape is believed to represent fertility and birth. The Easter Bunny's delivery of candy is symbolic of both spiritual rebirth based on religious beliefs and the upcoming season of spring.

Jelly Bean Facts

The largest jar ever of jelly beans weighed 6,050 pounds and was created in the fall of 1999. National Jelly Bean Day is held shortly after the Easter holiday season each year on April 22. For Easter alone, in the United States, there are 16 billion jelly beans manufactured. This could fill a nine story office building that was 60 feet wide.

Tags: jelly bean, jelly beans, beans come, beans were, flavors such

What Are The Uses Of Iron

Artichokes are very rich in iron.

Iron deficiency can cause a variety of problems in the body. Before considering an iron supplement, try eating more iron-rich foods like egg yolks, dark, leafy greens, red meat, iron-enriched cereals, legumes, artichokes or mollusks, to name a few. It's important to always consult a doctor before beginning any new iron treatments, so if low iron is causing a problem, try a dietary approach before purchasing supplements.

Treat Anemia

Anemia is caused by low levels of iron in blood. When blood does not have enough iron, it can not effectively transport hemoglobin, which is a protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can be caused by the following occurrences: pregnancy, blood loss during especially heavy periods, donating blood, ulcers or surgery. Chemotherapy patients and those with chronic kidney failure can also experience anemia of chronic disease. Boosting iron in the body helps treat anemia.

Improved Sports Performance

Low iron may inhibit sports performance.

Some studies have shown links between low iron and low energy. People with lower iron levels may consider eating more iron-rich foods or taking an iron supplement to see if energy increases.

ACE Inhibitor Cough

High blood pressure and heart failure medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors often cause a dry cough as a side effect. Iron---in preliminary tests---alleviated the cough, which was a benefit for those who found the dry cough so unpleasant they discontinued taking the ACE inhibitor. It's very important to contact a doctor before taking iron for an ACE-inhibitor-related cough, as iron has risks tied to heart disease.

ADHD

Consider feeding children with ADHD more iron-rich foods.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) produces symptoms akin to low iron levels: lowered social responsiveness, decreased arousal and difficulty concentrating. While iron can harm children---the majority of ADHD sufferers---in high doses, consider feeding children foods rich in iron more frequently.

Tags: iron-rich foods, more iron-rich, more iron-rich foods, Anemia caused, doctor before, eating more

Make Homemade Oatmeal Bar Soap

Make homemade soap with oatmeal to exfoliate your skin naturally.

Oatmeal soap exfoliates the skin and provides a relief to itchiness. Homemade oatmeal bar soap will allow you to use natural ingredients that are environmentally friendly to help heal your skin. Commercial soaps often do not contain many natural ingredients, and the chemicals can often irritate sensitive skin. You can customize homemade oatmeal soap bars with your favorite scent and colors to make the soap suit your personal tastes.

Instructions

1. Place the 1 ½ cups of tallow and ½ cup of coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove the saucepan from the heat source once they melt.

2. Stir ¼ cup of lye into ½ cup of cold water until the lye dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool.

3. Place ½ cup of oatmeal into a blender. Blend the oatmeal until it appears fine and powdery in texture.

4. Pour the lye mixture into the tallow and coconut oil mixture once they both are lukewarm. Stir the mixture to make it thick. Once the mixture looks like pudding, add 10 drops of your preferred essential oil.

5. Stir until the essential oil mixes into the soap.

6. Pour the soap mixture into a soap mold. Cover the mold with a towel, and allow it to cure for 24 hours.

7. Remove the soap from the mold. Place the soap onto a rack to dry for two to three weeks.

8. Cut the soaps into bars with a sharp knife. Wrap the soap in tissue paper.

Tags: bars with, into soap, mixture into, natural ingredients, oatmeal soap

Move To Another Country

Move to Another Country

You've lived in the United States your whole life. You've visited everywhere: New York City, California, Florida, purple mountains and the plains. You've seen the Grand Canyon, you've skiied the best slopes. Now, you're ready for a change. You want to move to another country. This article will show you what to do to move to another country. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Apply for a passport. If you're going to be able to leave the United States and enter a foreign country, you're going to need a passport. It doesn't matter how long you will stay, or whether you will work in the country. You need to obtain a passport in general.

2. Decide whether you will be working in the foreign country. If so, you may need a work visa. There is a great website, listed in the resources, that will help you determine if you need a visa for the particular country you will be moving to.

3. Find out if there are any residency requirements for the country. For instance, an American citizen is only allowed to stay in the Bahamas for a period of eight months or 240 days.

4. Determine the language of the country. If it is not a language you are fluent in, you may wish to consider learning the language before you move. You can get language tapes or cd's, and at least become familiar with popular and necessary phrases you will need to know upon arrival.

5. Discover any health precautions you need to know about. You may need vaccines for certain countries, for example. You may also need to take extra care, for instance, when drinking the water or eating certain foods in a foreign country. An excellent article on this is listed in the resources.

6. Decide how you will fund everything for the move. Will you use a credit card, or will you need to access an American checking account with a Visa Check card? Keep in mind that when you use American credit cards overseas, you get charged a 3% transaction fee for each purchase. You might wish to contact your credit card company and switch to an overseas branch of the card, so that your purchases are considered local from that point on. Or, you could set up banking in the foreign country.

7. Find a job in the new country. If you really want to be ready, start looking for jobs in the foreign country while you are still here. Do internet searches, and make contacts in your field. You can find websites that show job openings for positions in foreign countries. You might even be able to get a job with a US based company that does work abroad, such as an international company like Citibank.

8. Find somewhere to live in the foreign country. Even if you just find somewhere temporary, you've got to find somewhere to rest your head when you arrive in the foreign country. You might stay in a hotel briefly, or stay with relatives or friends. You can then find a more permanent residence once you get there.

9. Find out about healthcare and get this set up ahead of time. Find out how you can access local doctors and hospitals should the need arise and whether you need to have some type of insurance set up when you arrive in case of an emergency. You might be able to get your own healthcare to cover you at first, provided that the healthcare provider will allow for services incurred outside of the US. Make sure to call and ask, and have a letter stating that they will cover foreign health care costs with you at all times while you are in the foreign country.

10. Start wrapping things up in the United States. If you are going to move temporarily, you may wish to rent out your home while you are gone, and put your things in storage. If you're making a permanent move, you will either need to sell your things or find a way to get them to the new country. This might not be cost effective, especially if the move requires air travel. Take only the things you need and buy new furniture once you relocate. You may also need to wrap up your finances, such as accounts you have in the US. Shut off your lights, your water, your cable.

11. Book your transportation, such as your plane ticket.

12. Get the things together you will take with you.

13. Go! Have everything with you you will need, such as emergency funds and phone numbers, and access to all your accounts. Get on the plane and get ready to meet your new homeland!

Tags: foreign country, United States, will need, also need, another country, country need, country This

Longlasting Survival Foods

White rice lasts much longer than brown rice.

When planning a wilderness expedition, packing a survival kit or stocking your home's disaster preparedness chest, survival foods are important. Pack survival foods that are very long-lasting; it is impossible to know how long you would need to rely on the supply, and you want to ensure that the food isn't spoiled if you ever actually need it.

Protein Bars

Protein or meal replacement bars should form part of your emergency food chest. The reason these bars are so practical is twofold. First, they provide you with a large jolt of energy and nutrients that you need in a survival situation. Second, they last a very long time; some brands will last for years. The foil wrappers ensure that the bars stay completely dry. The length of time survival food lasts depends on its ability to stay dry.

White Rice

White rice is bulky and not always convenient to carry on a trip. However, if stocking up on survival foods for a disaster situation, rice is a very solid option, as it does not spoil easily. It lasts for as long as a decade and stays edible. However, if you want to store rice a very long time, you need to seal it well to prevent insect infestations.

MRE

MRE stands for "Meals, Ready-to-Eat." MREs are special survival foods used extensively in the military and also sold in large quantities to backpackers and hikers who need solid nutrition that fits in a small area. MREs are a total meal replacement that make for good survival food. The shelf life of an MRE in a sealed package is at least two years. Like most survival foods, the cooler and dryer MREs are kept, the longer they will last.

Grains and Beans

Dried grains and beans last almost indefinitely. Whether it's soybeans, other dried beans or good wheat, storage of dried grains and beans in a survival unit ensures a long-lived food supply. If you want to ensure the maximum life of these types of foods, get them nitrogen-packed. This extends the lifespan of these hardy foods even further.

Tags: survival foods, ensure that, grains beans, long time, meal replacement

Kids Cooking Schools In Illinois

Kids who take cooking lessons learn a variety of skills.

Cooking activities can help kids better understand nutrition, the science of food, and mathematics (i.e., measuring), and inspire creativity. Illinois families looking for a local children's cooking program will find a variety of classes across the state. The classes offer expert instruction on kitchen basics such as safety and equipment use, as well as hands-on culinary arts experiences.

Cucina Della Rosa

The Cucina Della Rosa Cooking School in Barrington, Illinois, offers a variety of kids' cooking classes that help children learn the basics and get valuable hands-on kitchen experience. The Mommy and Me class, located at the Barrington Farmers' Market, is designed for preschoolers ages 4 through 6 years and a parent. Kids (and their accompanying adult) can make simple seasonal foods such as caramel apples or decorate cookies. Parents looking for a special culinary activity can take advantage of holiday classes such as the Father's or Mother's Day brunch. Children and parents can get some quality kitchen time in and enjoy a nutritious meal together. Older kids (ages 9 and older) can participate in one of many different classes or summer camps. These themed workshops provide expert instruction, hands-on cooking experience and an introduction to kitchen tools. Topics include holidays, Italian cooking, kitchen basics, and cooking and science.

Cucina Della Rosa

115 Hough St.

Barrington, IL 60010

847-650-9463

maryrosecooks.com

The Chopping Block

The Chopping Block, located in Chicago, provides basic culinary instruction for children ages 7 years and older through the summer cooking camp program. These 4-day afternoon workshops are perfect for the budding chef and culinary enthusiast. Camp themes vary annually, but can include World Cuisines (e.g., French, Italian, Chinese), All-American Cooking with an emphasis on local cuisine, or Breakfast to Bedtime (e.g., a day's worth of meals). High school students can enjoy special 5-day teen camps that include four days of instruction and a fifth day of a cooking competition. Registration can be completed online or by calling the school directly.

The Chopping Block

4747 N. Lincoln Ave.

Chicago, IL 60625

773-472-6700

thechoppingblock.net

Mettler Cooking School

Kids ages 5 through 11 years can enjoy Mettler Cooking School's "Kids Cook" program. This class focuses on healthy cooking and nutrition, as well as making smart food choices when eating in restaurants. All students will receive instruction, hands-on experience and the opportunity to sample the final product. Kids younger than 5 years of age can enroll with a parent partner. Kids who are interested in a more in-depth culinary experience might want to try the "Kids Can Cook" camp. This week-long summer program features healthy cooking and exercise instruction. Mettler also offers "Fit and Fun" kids' birthday parties. These 2-hour parties include instruction on baking a birthday cake, games and exercises, paper chef's hats that the guests can decorate, paper ware/utensils, decorations and invitations. Birthday party reservations can be made for no less than six and no more than 12 children.

Mettler Cooking School

2906 Crossing Court

Champaign, IL 61822

217-356-6543

mettlercenter.com

Tags: Cooking School, Chopping Block, Cucina Della, Cucina Della Rosa, Della Rosa, Mettler Cooking, Mettler Cooking School

Buy Cruelty Free Cosmetics

Central to the vegan lifestyle is a refusal to wear, eat or use anything that exploits animals. Cruelty free means animals aren't used to test the products and the products do not contain any animal ingredients. Here's buy cruelty free cosmetic and look beautiful without compromising your ethics. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Visit your local natural foods store to find cruelty free cosmetics. Most natural grocery retailers carry makeup and hair and body products that are not tested on animals. Ask a cosmetic specialist about which products are vegan.

2. Understand the difference between natural and vegan products. Beeswax, for example, is a natural product, but strict vegans do not use cosmetics that contain any ingredients derived from bees.

3. Know your animal ingredients. Large animal rights organizations have comprehensive lists of animal products on their websites. Familiarize yourself with these ingredients and take a list of them with you when shopping for cruelty free cosmetics.

4. Research companies carefully before buying cosmetics to ensure they oppose all animal testing. Cruelty free cosmetics are not tested on animals at any state of their production. If product packaging indicates that a cosmetic has not been tested on animals, this may just mean that there was no animal testing involving the finished product.

5. Shop online for the best selection of vegan cosmetics. Buying cruelty free cosmetics locally can be frustrating because most retailers carry a limited product selection.

6. Buy cruelty free cosmetics exclusively from vegan retailers. This will eliminate doubt about ingredients and production processes while contributing to companies that embrace your philosophy.

Tags: free cosmetics, cruelty free cosmetics, cruelty free, tested animals, animal ingredients, animal testing, Cruelty free

Cook Smoked Turkey Wings

Smoked turkey wings are a delicacy that many avoid preparing due to the perceived difficulty of the process. In fact, cooking smoked turkey wings is fairly simple and takes just a couple of hours. A traditional, charcoal-heated water smoker is best to use for turkey wings because it allows the wings to remain in the smoker for the full amount of time without drying out. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Soak a whole pack of wood chips in water for at least an hour. The wood chips will flavor the meat, so choose a type that pairs well with turkey. Hickory and mesquite chips are popular choices.

2. Remove the charcoal pan from the smoker. (See first reference for photos of the different parts of the smoker.) Place the chimney starter on the pan's rack and fill it with charcoal. Place several wads of crumpled newspaper in the starter's small cavity in the starter's base. Light the newspaper with a lighter.

3. Dump the hot coals into the charcoal pan when flames start to lick the top coals in the chimney starter. Spread out the lit charcoal in an even layer on the charcoal pan's rack; then cover with a layer of unlit charcoal.

4. Strain the wood chips from their water, reserving the liquid. Pour the water into the smoker's water pan, topping it off with additional liquid until it's full. Slide the water pan and then the charcoal pan into the smoker.

5. Clip an oven thermometer into the top compartment of the smoker. Close the smoker and wait for the temperature to reach 200 to 250 degrees F.

6. Place the turkey wings on the smoking rack in the top of the smoker. Cover the charcoal with a layer of damp wood chips through the side door in the smoker.

7. Monitor the temperature of the smoker, adding more charcoal and wood chips when the temperature dips. Refill the water pan with fresh liquid when it is almost empty.

8. Smoke the turkey wings for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Keep them covered as much as possible throughout the cooking process to allow them to soak in the smoke.

Tags: wood chips, turkey wings, chimney starter, into smoker, turkey wings, with layer

How Much Income Can A Family Have To Get Food Stamps

Families can buy food from the supermarket using food stamps if they meet income eligibility limits.

The Food and Nutrition Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sets guidelines for food stamp eligibility. One of the guidelines is the amount of income a family may have and still receive food stamps. In most cases, both the family's total monthly income and its net income after various deductions determine the family's eligibility.

Gross Income

The number of family members determines how much a family can make per month and still be eligible for food stamps. The income amount can be up to 130 percent of the federal poverty level based on household size. In 2010 and 2011, for example, a family of three may earn $1,984 a month and still be eligible for food stamps. A family of four may earn $2,389 a month. For each additional family member, allowable monthly household income rises by $405 or $406.

Net Income

A family's net income is its gross income minus various deductions, such as 20 percent of earned income, a standard deduction of more than $140 that varies according to household size and additional deductions for child care, medical expenses for elderly and disabled members, child support payments and some shelter costs. The family's net income must be no more than 100 percent of the federal poverty level for its household size. In 2010 and 2011, net income limits were $1,526 for a family of three and $1,838 for a family of four. For each additional family member, monthly household income may rise by $311 or $312.

Additional Considerations

Families with at least one member who is 60 or older, or receives disability benefits, must pass only the net income test. The gross income test does not apply to those households. Based on higher cost of living indexes that raise the federal poverty level, families in Alaska and Hawaii may be eligible for food stamps with higher monthly incomes than families in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. They likewise receive higher deductions in several cases, including the standard deduction and the deduction for shelter costs that take up more than half the household's remaining income after all other deductions.

Benefit Computation

Once a family becomes eligible for food stamps, its net monthly income is a factor in determining its monthly benefit amount. The Food and Nutrition Service assigns maximum monthly food stamp allotments based on family size and then reduces those amounts based on the family's net income. In 2010 and 2011, maximum allotments range from $200 for a family of one to $1,052 for a family of seven, with $150 per additional person. A family's monthly benefit amount is its designated maximum allotment minus 30 percent of its net monthly income.

Tags: food stamps, eligible food, eligible food stamps, 2010 2011, family income

How Thicken Up My Tzatziki

Use thick yogurt to prepare a creamy tzatziki.

Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek appetizer that is a tasty accompaniment with several foods. This cucumber-yogurt dish can be served on its own as a salad, as a spread over sandwiches and pita bread, or as a dip for grilled meats and vegetables. To prevent tzatziki from being watery you should thicken the yogurt and sweat the cucumbers to drain out excess water. Using these preparation techniques you will have a delicious thick and creamy tzatziki. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Strain and thicken the yogurt using 2 cups of thick Greek yogurt to prepare the tzatziki. Line a strainer with cheesecloth and set over a bowl. Pour the yogurt in the strainer and let the liquid whey drain into the bowl. Place in the refrigerator for two hours, or until all the liquid has separated from the yogurt.

2. Sweat the cucumbers. Peel and grate two cucumbers. Set the grated cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle 1/4 tsp. of salt over them. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for an hour to sweat out the excess liquid. Drain the excess water from the grated cucumbers.

3. Combine the thickened yogurt and grated cucumber together in a large bowl. Add 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, one finely chopped garlic clove and 1 tbsp. of shredded mint leaves. Mix well and refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Tags: creamy tzatziki, excess water, grated cucumbers, thicken yogurt, yogurt prepare

Start A Farmer'S Market

Start a Farmer's Market

The concept of a farmer's market isn't new, but this method of shopping is becoming more and more popular as concerns over imported food quality rises. They also generate revenue for the community, give local growers an opportunity to market directly to consumers and make produce available locally in areas lacking nearby groceries. It's not difficult to start a farmer's market as long as you consult with local government and develop strong marketing tactics.

Instructions

1. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce to discuss the concept of starting a farmer's market. They will know if one already exists or if people have tried and failed in the past. Since it is a potential benefit to the community, they'll likely support your project any way they can.

2. Attend a local city council meeting to begin discussions about the use of city property. Farmer's markets are ideally located on town squares or on the main streets of town where they will attract shoppers. Explain the benefits to the community, and if need be offer to lease the space for a small fee or agree to donate a portion of the market's proceeds to a local charity.

3. Secure the location for the market and check with county health department officials regarding food handling regulations. Farmer's markets don't just sell fresh produce so you need to be aware of issues concerning prepared foods like pies, jams and sauces being sold at the market's site.

4. Get the word out to vendors by having the local newspapers run a story on the upcoming market. You can also attend other farm markets to see how they're run and hand out flyers to vendors there.

5. Have an attorney draw up a simple contract for vendors to sign. Be sure to include the restrictions on what can be sold and how much the fees will be. It should also state penalties involved if laws or regulations aren't followed.

6. Advertise the market to attract shoppers. Be sure to notify the local senior citizen organizations as most states have food voucher programs for qualifying seniors that allow them to spend their vouchers at local farmer's markets.

Tags: farmer market, attract shoppers, Farmer markets, Start Farmer, Start Farmer Market

Coconut Oil For Babies

Indulge your baby with coconut oil.

Coconut oil has been called by many "the healthiest oil in the world." While it was once maligned for its high saturated fat content, recent research indicates that its medium-chain fatty acids and anti-microbial properties actually make it a healthy choice, according to Mark's Daily Apple website. Its hypoallergenic nature, nutritional profile and light taste make it a perfect ingredient to include in baby food, and its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent item to include in your baby's skin care regimen.

Baby Food

Coconut, which is not actually a nut at all, is considered to be very hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for baby food. Also, it also is very high in lauric acid, a fatty acid found in breast milk that enhances digestibility and is believed to have protective properties. Additionally, adding healthy fats to vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, spinach and squash that are high in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K facilitates the absorption of those key nutrients.

When your doctor has cleared your baby to eat solids, consider adding a small amount of unsweetened coconut oil, milk or cream to items that your baby has had before. As with any food, don't introduce coconut products and another new item at the same time in case the baby has a negative reaction. For a tasty treat, consider mixing your baby's cereal or vegetable, fruit or meat purees with coconut milk instead of milk, formula or water.

Moisturizer

Coconut oil, which is rich in healthy fats and vitamins, is a very effective moisturizer. Many people also enjoy the oil's light, natural scent. Additionally, it is an all-natural product that does not contain the harsh chemicals and scents that are found in many commercial moisturizers. Consider moisturizing your baby with coconut oil instead of regular moisturizer after your baby's next bath. While moisturizing your baby with the oil, you can also indulge your baby with a soothing infant massage, which has been shown in numerous studies to enhance bonding, aid in the development of healthy sleep patterns and speed infant weight gain.

Cradle Cap Remedy

Newborn infants offer suffer from cradle cap, which is a condition marked by flaky, scaly patches of skin on the scalp. This condition, which is harmless, can be treated at home using coconut oil, according to the Baby Center website. The anti-microbial properties of coconut oil will help to soothe the inflammation of your baby's delicate skin, and oil itself will help to moisturize the dry skin and loosen the flakes. Apply pure coconut oil to your baby's scalp, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes and then gently remove the flakes with a soft brush, toothbrush or comb. Follow the oil treatment with a gentle shampoo to help remove any remaining flakes.

Diaper Rash Remedy

Coconut oil is also a natural remedy for diaper rash. The natural fats help to provide a moisture barrier, the vitamins and healthy fats nourish the skin, and the anti-microbial nature of coconut oil helps to prevent infection. To use as a diaper salve, simply apply a generous amount of pure coconut oil to your baby's freshly cleaned skin after changing your baby's diaper.

Tags: your baby, baby with, your baby with, healthy fats, with coconut, anti-microbial properties, baby food

A Low Budget Diet Grocery List

Buying healthy foods does not need to be expensive.

Looking for healthy choices in food when you are on a tight budget is not always easy. Many of the least expensive foods you can buy are not good for you, such as fast foods, desserts and fatty foods. But with some planning and extra time put into creating healthy menus, you can create a low budget diet grocery list that will help you and your family eat right without spending too much money.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is an inexpensive way to get whole grains into your daily diet. Brown rice is better than white rice because it does not go through the bleaching and enriching process which can take out many of the nutrients included with this food. Many grocery stores sell brown rice already packaged for just a few dollars for several pounds or you can go to a bulk store where you can get a couple pounds directly out of a bin and avoid paying extra for the packaging and advertising.

Dried Beans and Legumes

Dried beans and legumes are great inexpensive sources of protein and they can even replace meat in many dishes. Beans have very little fat (if any) and they are filled with vitamins. If you are trying to be vegetarian or just reduce the amount of red meat that you have in your diet, beans and legumes are a great way to make that happen. You can pick up a bag of beans for under a dollar in most grocery stores. As a bonus, there are many different types of beans you can try, including kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, white beans and others. Stay away from the canned beans, however, because they are full of sodium and preservatives which can be detrimental to a healthy diet plan.

Canned Tuna

If you want to add a good source of protein to your diet without spending too much, canned tuna is a great way to accomplish that goal. Canned tuna is inexpensive and it contains just as much if not more protein than other meats like chicken, beef and pork. Pick up a few cans and mix it in with your meals to replace fattier meats while still getting the amount of protein that your body needs.

Fresh Fruits

Instead of eating breakfast sandwiches from a fast food restaurant in the morning, try mixing some fresh fruits together for a smoothie or just eat them as they are. Fresh fruits are typically inexpensive especially if they are in season in your region of the country. Bananas, pears, watermelon and other fruitsare full of various vitamins designed to keep you going through lunch.

To get the best value for your money with fresh fruits, bananas and apples are fairly inexpensive. Bananas often sell for about 50 cents per pound and apples are often less than a dollar a pound. When they are in season, cantaloupes and watermelons are inexpensive and just one of them can provide enough for several days of healthy snacking.

Canned Tomatoes

You can make many things with canned tomatoes including spaghetti sauce, chili and a variety of casseroles. Canned tomatoes are also inexpensive whether you are buying tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes. Tomatoes are also full of lycopene, Vitamin A and Vitamin C to help you get your daily vitamins.

Tags: beans legumes great, fresh fruits, grocery stores, help your, just them

Homemade Thai Organic Fertilizer

The backbone of Thailand's economy is agriculture. In order to protect the integrity of the eco-system and promote sustainability, a growing number of farmers in Thailand use only organic fertilizers on their fields and home garden plots. An increasing awareness of the dangers presented by the use of toxic chemicals in commercial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides has launched a return to the old ways of simpler farming methods compatible with the rhythms and rules of nature. Many of the farming practices and organic fertilizer recipes are adaptable to home gardens everywhere. Does this Spark an idea?

Waste Nothing

Food scraps, garden and field weeds and waste, leaves, straw and animal manure is composted and tilled into the soil to amend the garden's nutrient content.

Organic Liquid Fertilizer

A traditional Thailand organic liquid fertilizer is prepared from waste from vegetables and fruits. Place six to 10 pounds of vegetable and fruit scraps in a five gallon plastic bucket. Add two or three pounds of brown sugar or six cups of molasses. Cover with rice water or coconut juice or a combination of both. (If rice water or coconut juice is unavailable, save the water from boiling potatoes or pasta.) Place a tight lid on the bucket and leave in a dark, cool place for six to eight weeks.

After the mixture has fermented, strain the liquid. The liquid is applied as a fertilizer by mixing 6 tbs. to 2 quarts of water. Pour the liquid in a spray bottle and apply to the foliage of flowers and garden plants weekly.

Add Banana Peels for Potassium

Thailand produces lots of bananas. Dead banana leaves, rotten bananas and banana peels are chopped and incorporated into the soil. The home gardener can take waste banana peels, chop them in pieces and incorporate into the soil around the base of trees, shrubs and garden crops. Banana peels are rich in potassium which is released into the soil as the banana peels decompose.

Fish Fertilizer

Seafood is a staple of Thailand cuisine. Home gardeners in Thailand incorporate the entrails and fish heads into the soil. Dig a hole next to garden plants or incorporate when planting. Cover well with soil to disguise the scent that may attract wildlife. If fish waste is not available, place a fish oil capsule at the base of the plant and cover with an inch of soil. Water with a gentle spray until the soil is thoroughly saturated.

Burning Organic Mulch

Cover the garden plot with 12 to 18 inches of straw or dry organic mulch material. In many parts of Thailand farmers cover their fields with rice straw and then burn the straw. The soil is then tilled and the nutrients from the burned straw incorporated into the soil. If rice straw is unavailable to the home gardener, alfalfa straw, piles of dead leaves or corn stalks may be substituted.

Tags: into soil, coconut juice, garden plants, home gardener, incorporated into, incorporated into soil

Raw Diet For Diabetic Dogs

The raw diet for diabetic dogs is a diet of raw meat. Vegetables and other foods can also be added to the raw diet, but vegetables must be pulverized so the dog's system can use the nutrients. A raw diet should consist of at least three different proteins, but if you can afford to feed more expensive meats such as lamb, goat and duck, those should also be added. A raw diet is beneficial to diabetic dogs because it has very little carbohydrates and other foods that convert to sugars.

How Much to Feed

Weigh your dog. Feed the dog 2 percent of its body weight in raw meat. Some dogs are more active than others and may need a bit more than 2 percent. If you notice the dog is loosing weight and you can see his ribs, up the amount to about 2 1/4 percent of body weight. If your dog is gaining weight, drop the percentage to about 1 3/4 percent of his body weight. No dog is the same, and the amount fed depends on how active the dog is and its metabolism.

What to Avoid

Avoid starchy foods and foods high in carbohydrates, especially breads and potato, rice and pasta. Some dogs have allergies to flaxseed and wheat, two common ingredients in dog food. Switching to a raw diet allows you to control the amount of sugar in the dog's diet, including sugars from simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. It also allows you to control ingredients such as wheat and flaxseed, in the event your dog also has allergies to these types of ingredients.

Balance Over Time

Balance your dog's meals over time. Feed different proteins: chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish and other poultry. Your dog will get all the nutrients needed if you vary the type of protein fed. Feed 80 percent meat, 10 percent bone and 10 percent organs. For example, chicken breasts have just about the perfect amount of meat-to-bone ratio. Chicken leg quarters also have a good meat-to-bone ratio, but do have a bit more bone in them than do chicken breasts. Organs such as liver should be fed sparingly, as organs may cause the dog to have loose stools.

Changes in Dog's Appearance

Notice the change in your dog. Besides being low in sugars, the raw diet also helps your dog by cleaning its teeth (bone), providing calcium (bone), making its hair smooth (vitamins in various meats, especially fish) and removing most "dog smell." Results may vary from dog to dog--some dogs are prone to bad teeth, no matter what you feed them. Another benefit of feeding a raw diet to diabetic dogs is that the dog feces is smaller and does not smell as strong as kibble feces. It disintegrates on its own within a few days. The dog uses much more of the nutrients provided by a raw diet than it does when provided a kibble diet.

Treats

Check for starchy foods in commercial treats. Often treats are made with fillers, such as wheat, corn and other high-sugar ingredients. A diabetic dog must also keep its weight down to help with diabetes management. If you do give treats, be sure to count that as part of the dog's daily intake. If the dog eats 2 oz. of treats per day, and you normally feed 2 lbs. of meat for regular meals, drop the amount fed at regular meals by the 2 oz. you fed as treats. Weight management in diabetic dogs is very important.

Tags: body weight, diabetic dogs, percent body, percent body weight, about percent, about percent body

Cheap Dessert Ideas

A bowl of apples becomes a baked dessert with few ingredients.

Whether you're preparing dessert for a potluck or a picnic for your family, dessert is no doubt the favorite part of any meal. Desserts can be expensive but there are plenty of cheap ways to cap off a meal with a delicious dessert. The key is combining low-cost ingredients creatively.

Baked Apples

Spicy, soft and slightly sweet apples aren't just delectable inside pie. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg (optional) with 1/2 cup apple juice in a small bowl and stir thoroughly. Remove the apple core, but leave the skin on the outside to protect the apple moisture while baking. Set the apples in a tin foil-lined casserole dish before pouring the liquid mixture into each apple core. Pour another 1/2 cup of apple cider or juice over the entire dish and cover with tin foil. Bake for 45 minutes in the oven.

Pineapple Cream Salad

Pineapple cream salad is an easy dessert which doesn't cost a lot to make and small children to help with. Prevent sogginess by preparing this recipe immediately before serving. Pour approximately 3 cups of whipping cream in a large salad bowl. Mix in one can of crushed pineapple, one strained jar of maraschino cherries and 1 cup shredded coconut. Mix the ingredients together, then stir in a small bag of miniature marshmallows. Cover with plastic and serve chilled.

Cereal Balls

Combine 2 sticks of butter with one bag of small marshmallows in a large salad bowl. Melt the combination in the microwave for one minute or until the marshmallows are completely gelatinous. Immediately mix in 4 cups of your favorite crispy cereal into the melted mixture. Add the cereal immediately after melting the other ingredients. Choose a cereal that is light and puffy, instead of flaky, so it crumbles easily. Scoop the crunchy, gooey mixture into small balls using an ice cream scooper and place them on a foil-wrapped cookie sheet. Insert the cereal balls into the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture solidifies.

Raspberry Brownies

Follow the instructions for a standard box of brownie mix but include an additional egg for a fudge-like consistency. Pour brownie batter into a baking pan and drop 3 tsp. to 4 tsp. of raspberry jam on the batter surface. Insert a butter knife into each jam glob and swirl it generously through the surrounding brownie batter. The brownie batter will rise slightly around the jam swirls while baking, concealing the raspberry surprise just beneath the surface.

Tags: brownie batter, apple core, into each, large salad, large salad bowl, mixture into, salad bowl

Start A Softdrink Business

The beverage industry is one of the most competitive due to the low startup costs and the few barriers to entry -- anyone can start a soft-drink business, but few can do well. Walk into any grocery store and you will be inundated with choices. Sometimes the beverages vary in flavor, like root beer and orange soda. Other times, the drinks seem to be different only in packaging, like Coke and Pepsi. How well your business will fare in this industry depends on how well you plan your business model.

Instructions

1. Select your niche. Some drinks wish to stand out as a fun, trendy treat, while other drinks claim improved immunity and overall health. Decide on your beverage's angle.

2. Identify competitors. Research the brands that have a beverage similar to your own. Will you be fighting for a market share from Fanta's fruity flavors? Or will your root beer flavor be competing against IBC and Barq's? Identifying competitors allows you to analyze and learn from their strengths -- and avoid their weaknesses.

3. Crunch the numbers. Before placing any orders for production, you must know how much each unit will cost and, consequently, the profit margins that derive from the per-unit cost. If your manufacturing will be on a small scale, you may have to pay more (and therefore ask your customers to pay more) for the beverage. On the other hand, if you manufacture more units for less money but do not know how many you will sell, you may be left with excess soda.

Additional figures to know are the cost of overhead (such as rent and salaries) and equipment.

4. Target your audience. How you package your product will depend on your demographics. A younger audience, for example, will want bold fonts and colors (like Monster Energy Drinks), while an older demographic will want a basic palate with a classic font (like Schweppes Ginger Ale). According to Seattle Business Monthly, Jones Soda owes its initial success in part due to its marketing efforts, like labeling "slice of life" images submitted by customers.

5. Get all necessary patents and copyrights. If your beverage is widely successful, imitators will naturally follow suit. Protect your business by getting proprietary rights to your recipe, design, and slogans.

6. Test the product. Though you may think acai berries will sell well as a soda flavor, the beverage may taste terrible to most consumers. Before ordering large quantities of your drink, test your product first. If you plan on going international, test in those markets as well. This is critical to brand-name recognition as well.

As Michael D. White explains in "A Short Course in International Marketing Blunders," Snapple's attempt to penetrate the Japanese market is one example of a business venture that went awry due to lack of testing. The Japanese thought the beverage was too syrupy and its colors were "dirty."

7. Pitch to distributors. Stores must be given a compelling reason to add your product to their shelf -- especially in the prime shelving area right at the consumer's eye level. Meet with store executives and convince them to place your product. Send sampling teams and coupons to customers to entice them to try your drink.

Tags: your product, your business, root beer, will sell, will want, your beverage

What Are The Benefits Of A Sugar Cane Harvester

Sugar comes from sugarcane, a plant native to the tropics. Consumers worldwide rely on sugar to sweeten food and beverages. Although harvesting sugarcane remains labor-intensive, in some countries, sugarcane harvesters have removed manual labor from the process.

Function

Sugarcane harvesters are agricultural machines designed to cut sugarcane and prepare stalks for processing. Farmers operate harvesters from inside a cab similar to that of a tractor, while mechanical attachments slice stems, compact soil and transport stalks to sugarcane mills.

Benefits

Manual sugarcane harvesting requires farmers to cut sugarcane stalks by hand with machetes or knives, according to the "Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health." Sugarcane farmers usually become fatigued after a few hours of work and require frequent breaks. Manual sugarcane harvesting causes muscle and joint injuries. Mechanical harvesters alleviate the strenuous physical activity and dangers associated with manual harvesting.

Effects

Sugarcane harvesters prepare large quantities of sugarcane for production in a short amount of time. In 2009, "The Hindu" newspaper reported that sugarcane harvesters reap up to 150 tons of sugarcane per day. With such efficiency, farmers can process sugarcane and realize financial gain faster than when harvesting sugarcane manually.

Tags: harvesting sugarcane, Manual sugarcane, Manual sugarcane harvesting, sugarcane harvesters, Sugarcane harvesters, sugarcane harvesting

Bulgar Wheat Vs Couscous

While similar in look, couscous and bulgar are produced in completely different ways.

In the United States, wheat is grown in 42 states to produce a total of 30,000 different varieties, according to the Wheat Foods Council. Out of this multitude of wheat types, bulgar and couscous can be produced using hard and cracked grains. Both of these food staples are processed forms wheat that have been produced for thousand of years. Add some variety to your diet by learning use these grains and incorporating them into your favorite recipes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Bulgar Wheat

Originally from the Middle East, bulgar wheat is also know as bulgur, alal, burghel, cracked wheat or American rice. According to the "Dictionary of Food and Nutrition," bulgar wheat is the oldest processed food known. This type of grain is prepared by soaking and cooking a whole wheat kernel before drying, removing a small quantity of the bran, and finally cracking the remains into small chunks. When used to make food, bulgar wheat is combined with water and doubles in size. Soups, salad, breads and side dishes are easy meals to make with bulgar wheat. The grain can also be used to replace rice or barley in most recipes.

Couscous

According to the "Encyclopedia of Food and Culture," couscous' origins can be traced back as early as 238 to 149 BC. A staple from North African cuisine, couscous is most commonly made from durum wheat, but is also made with other grains such as barley, sorghum, corn, millet or other minor grains. Production of couscous is traditionally a female activity. To make couscous, handfuls of freshly ground hard wheat are place on a hard surface and sprinkled with salt water and flour. The women use their palms to roll the grains until the couscous granules appear. Later, the couscous grains are passed through a sieve so grains of similar diameter are kept together before sun-dried and stored.

Differences

Bulgar wheat is made from cracked wheat, while couscous is made from hard wheat. The production process is also different. Bulgar wheat is made through a process that involves extraction of parts of the cracked wheat by soaking, drying and crushing the grains, while couscous is made by rolling the grains until the granules appear, before proceeding to the drying stage. The origins of bulgar wheat and couscous also differs. Bulgar wheat is traditionally a Middle-Eastern cuisine staple, while couscous is traditionally from North Africa.

Similarities

Once processed, both types of grain are prepared by soaking in hot water before incorporating into various recipes. Many recipes that ask for bulgar can be replaced by couscous, and vice versa. Both are also used to replace rice or pasta in recipes such as salads and soups. It's the versatility and low cost of both grains that make them popular.

Tags: cracked wheat, made from, while couscous, also used, also used replace

What Are The Dangers Of Drinking Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is often used on salads.

Although balsamic vinegar is generally considered a healthy salad dressing or food condiment, drinking too much of it may cause problems. Balsamic vinegar is highly acidic according to Medscape, and some minerals in it can result in long-term health problems. Does this Spark an idea?

Lead

According to a special report published by Environmental Health News in November 2009, balsamic vinegar may contain dangerous amounts of lead. Shoppers in California were warned of this by signs posted near the bottles on retail shelves. Although each bottle of vinegar may only contain a small amount of lead, the lead adds up, especially in small children. Just 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar a day could increase a child's lead level by 30 percent or more. In adults, 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar a day could result in ingesting seven to 10 times the maximum daily lead level per person set by the state of California.

Inflammation and Irritation

In rare cases, some types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, have caused internal inflammation or irritation. Wine vinegars, such as balsamic vinegar, and cider vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, contain the same amount of acetic acid, according to Medscape. Similar levels of acetic acid can result in similar side effects. One woman suffered inflammation and a second-degree burn to her throat after drinking a tablespoon of rice vinegar to dislodge a piece of crab, according to Medscape. In another incident, a woman got an apple cider vinegar tablet lodged in her throat for 30 minutes. She experienced throat tenderness and pain soon after swallowing the tablet and had difficulty swallowing for 6 months after the incident, according to WebMD.

Other Dangers

According to WebMD, long-term use of some vinegars can cause bone density issues and may lead to osteoporosis. High vinegar consumption has also been linked with low potassium levels in one rare case. According to Medscape, inhaling the fumes from any type of vinegar can sometimes cause the larynx in the throat to spasm or become sore.

Tags: apple cider, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, cider vinegar, according Medscape

Panax Ginseng & Weight Loss

Panax ginseng is a type of herbal product used to treat a variety of medical disorders naturally. You can choose to take panax ginseng for weight loss. However, it is important to keep in mind that panax ginseng has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration as a weight loss supplement. You should also speak to your doctor before taking any type of weight loss aid.

How It Works

Panax ginseng falls into the herbal adaptogen category, which means it helps your body adapt to stressors, both physical and mental. An example of a physical stressor is an intense workout. When taken, panax ginseng may encourage the body to rely on energy stores and burn calories more efficiently during exercise. According to MedlinePlus, athletes take the supplement to improve exercise stamina, but as of September 2009, studies have shown mixed results on its effectiveness and further testing is still ongoing.

Purchasing Information

Panax ginseng can be purchased from numerous health food stores and nutritional supplement suppliers. One retail location is GNC. You can shop for the supplement online as well. Some web stores that sell the herbal remedy are iHerb.com and Vitacost.com. Manufacturers of panax ginseng include Source Naturals, GinsaGold and Now Foods. Most of these manufacturers produce panax ginseng that contains between 520mg and 650mg of the herb.

Usage Instructions

Consume two panax ginseng capsules per day. Take one pill in the morning and then one pill mid-day with a full glass of water. You can take panax ginseng with or without food.

Panax ginseng may also give you more energy. Take advantage of this extra energy by starting a regular exercise routine. Plan to workout approximately a half an hour to an hour after you have consumed the supplement.

Adjust your diet when taking panax ginseng for weight loss. Cut out fatty and sweet menu options. Your meals should be made up of mostly fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

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Trace Mineral Nutrition

Trace Mineral Nutrition

Trace minerals are the minerals you need in your diet in very small amounts. While seafood is a great source, minerals also are found in many other types of foods.

Nine trace minerals are known to be essential to humans. Although they are classified separately from the "major" minerals, trace minerals are by no means minor players in human nutrition. The four most well known trace minerals are iron, zinc, iodine and selenium. Along with copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum and fluoride, these minerals play various roles in the maintenance of good health and prevention of disease.

Iron

Most of the body's iron is found in the red blood cells, where its job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to every cell. The rest of your body's iron stores are used for metabolizing energy, making DNA and protecting cells from damage that can occur from natural chemical reactions in the body.

Foods that are high in iron include red meats, dark meat chicken, oysters, shrimp, tuna, enriched cereals and other grain products, legumes such as beans and lentils, cashews and tofu.

Zinc

Zinc helps facilitate growth and reproduction, plays an important role in immunity and helps regulate a variety of natural reactions in the body involving genes and hormones.

In the diet, zinc can be found in shellfish (especially oysters), red meats, dark meat poultry, dairy products, nuts and legumes.

Iodine

Iodine is essential to the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which in turn regulate several body processes including metabolism, cell growth and reproduction.

Iodine in the diet comes from seafood (including seaweed), milk, legumes, turkey and eggs.

Selenium

Selenium helps with protein production in the body, regulates hormones, assists in enzyme reactions that affect metabolism, growth and reproduction and helps other vitamins and minerals do their jobs as antioxidants to protect body cells from damage and destruction from natural and environmental causes.

Selenium is well distributed throughout the food supply, but the selenium content of plant foods varies greatly, depending on the selenium content of the soil in which they grow. Some of the best sources of selenium are fish and shellfish, whole wheat products, brown rice and nuts (especially Brazil nuts).

Other Trace Minerals

Copper helps the body use iron to make blood and, along with manganese and chromium, is necessary for energy metabolism. Molybdenum helps the body use other nutrients and get rid of the byproducts of metabolism. The only known need for fluoride is to protect teeth from decay.

These nutrients are found in whole grain products, nuts, seafood, meats, legumes, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. If you eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, you will have no trouble getting enough of these trace minerals. Fluoride is also added to the water supply. All of these minerals are needed by the body in such small amounts that there's almost no chance of a dietary deficiency.

Supplements

Unless you are at risk of deficiency, individual mineral supplements are not recommended except on a doctor's advice because they can easily result in overload; at high levels, minerals can be toxic. If you feel you need minerals and are not getting enough in your diet, a multivitamin and mineral supplement with no more than 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient should cover your needs. These types of multivitamin and mineral supplements also provide a healthy balance of nutrients that can aid in the absorption and use of trace minerals. For instance, they contain vitamin C, which helps move iron through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.

Tags: body iron, growth reproduction, trace minerals, cells from, cells from damage

Ostrich Eggs Vs Chicken Eggs

Ostriches lay the biggest eggs in the world.

Ostriches have not only become a delicacy in recent years, but their meat has proved to be significantly lower in fat compared to chicken and other meats, and is regarded as a healthy eating option. While ostrich steaks and other meat products are widely available, ostrich eggs are not yet of commercial value. They can be compared to chicken eggs in various categories. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Habitat

Ostriches are native to Africa and even though they are increasingly bred for their meat outside their native continent, they are not regarded as common domesticated animals, and their eggs are not a produce native to countries outside Africa. Chicken are domesticated animals that are found all over the world. They can be kept and bred in urban backyards, or, less popular, in cages, while ostriches need large open spaces of between 1 to 3 acres to be able to lay eggs.

Availability

Ostriches lay between 40 and 70 eggs annually, while a chicken might produce between 200 and 350 eggs, depending on breed. Chicken eggs can be bought in all supermarkets while ostrich eggs have to be ordered from specialist retailers of exotic food, or purchased directly from ostrich farms. In 2011, one grade A chicken egg cost approximately $0.17. A single ostrich egg in 2011 cost between $30 and $60, depending on size and supplier.

Size

The most obvious differences between a chicken egg and an ostrich egg are the size and weight. Ostrich eggs are the largest bird eggs in the world and weigh generally 3.3 pounds. They have an approximate length of 7 inches and a width of 5.5 inches. A large chicken egg weighs approximately 2 ounces, is circa 2.5 inches long, and 2 inches wide.

Nutritional Value

Chicken and ostrich eggs are similar in taste, but the birds have different feeding habits and produce eggs with different nutritional values. Based on a sample 6.8 fl oz of each, chicken and ostrich eggs have similar values in protein, fat and calcium. Chicken eggs are richer in vitamins A and E, while ostrich eggs produce higher values in folic acid. Ostrich eggs have a high iron content, but chicken eggs score more in zinc and copper.

Uses

Chicken eggs are the basic ingredient in most baking and many cooking recipes. In comparison, ostrich recipes are rare and usually restricted to omelets for the extended family, or industrial production of meringues and egg toddy. However, the large surface of the ostrich egg and the substantial structure of the shell has inspired artists to use it as an object for decoration. Ostrich eggs can be found with elaborate carvings or colorful paintings and are for sale all year round from specialist art dealers. Chicken eggs are generally decorated once a year just before Easter, and their brittle shell does not allow for carvings.

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The Best Tips On Managing A Food Business

Follow these tips to help manage your food business effectively.

Managing a successful food business entails much more than just knowing prepare delicious foods for customers. Good management should include setting and maintaining standards as well as running the business side of the operation with profitability in mind. Sometimes the balance of the two can be difficult to maintain, but following the best tips for managing a food business will set you on the right path.

Food Safety

Food safety is atop the priority list for any food business manager worth his salt. Serving or otherwise distributing food to customers that is unsafe and that may result in food-borne illnesses can be a nightmare. The success of the operation may depend on making sure serious violations of food safety never happen.

Make sure everyone on the staff knows the importance of keeping foods at proper temperatures. According to AllFoodBusiness.com, foods should be kept below 45 degrees F or held at 145 degrees F to remain free of bacteria that could cause someone to get sick. Keep properly working thermometers available at all times and regularly track temperatures of foods to minimize the risk.

Equal care should be taken to avoid cross-contamination of foods. Preparing raw meats in the same area as uncooked vegetables, for example, can lead to bacteria on the meat transferring to salad greens.

Employees should wash their hands regularly and always prior to handling food. Food contamination is commonly traced back to employees who do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom.

Cleanliness

Any business involved with food service or production should remain as clean and sanitary as possible. Cleanliness will make the business more enticing to customers.

Keeping all areas in a food business clean and sanitary will dramatically cut down on the chance of transmitting a disease from the source to the food or to the staff or customers. Even in times during the day when business is slow, there is likely to be something that can be cleaned by the staff. Instill the belief and expectation in the staff that "if there is time to lean, there is time to clean."

Labor Cost Control

Controlling labor costs in the food service business, especially in restaurants, is tricky. You may staff up for a big weekend only to find that few people made their way to your establishment. On the other hand, you may run with a skeleton crew on a Tuesday afternoon only to be swamped and wind up putting impatient guests out front on a half-hour wait. There are some ways to help control this problem, even though the unpredictable will continue to happen.

Create a database that tracks the trend of business you have on a given day and continue to track the trends each day throughout the year. Eventually it will become apparent how much labor you really need to handle expected business, according to FoodAndBeverageUnderground.com.

Another good tip is to figure out which employees can handle the most work. Schedule these people while cutting back on the ones that get the least done. Use fewer hours by scheduling people who simply get more done than others. Cross-training people for different positions is also a great idea for covering yourself during unexpected rushes.

Tags: food business, clean sanitary, food service, their hands, there time

Chinese Restaurants In Reno Nevada

Incorporated in 1879, Reno, Nevada, is the third largest city in the state. Approximately one percent of the more than 217,000 residents that lived in the city as of July 2008 described themselves as originating from China, making Chinese the fifth largest racial group in the city, according to City-Data.com. As a result, a number of Chinese restaurants are located throughout Reno, ranging from traditional eating places to upscale establishments that present creative interpretations of classic dishes.

Two Guys from Hong Kong

Two Guys from Hong Kong is located in the southeast of downtown Reno approximately three miles from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The restaurant was previously included in the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants listing of the overall best Chinese restaurants in the United States. Traditional Chinese dishes are the restaurant's specialty and are included in the its family-style meals. With these meals, diners receive soup of the day, wonton soup or a green salad and a platter of egg rolls, paper-wrapped chicken, crab Rangoon and fried wontons. Then, guests may order one entree per person from the family meal menu, which features selections like sweet and sour pork, cashew chicken, beef with broccoli, chow mein and Mongolian beef. Two Guys from Hong Kong is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are not required. Casual dress is appropriate.

Two Guys From Hong Kong

6015 South Virginia Street, Suite B

Reno, NV 89502

775-851-3030

renochinesegourmet.com‎

Francis' Asian Bistro

Francis' Asian Bistro is located in the Caughlin Ranch Shopping Center in southwest downtown Reno in the city's Ward One section. The restaurant opened in 2007 and was awarded the Metromix "Best New Restaurant in Reno" award that year. A dinner specialty, the mapo tofu consists of bean curd, carrots, peas and green onions in a hot and spicy Szechuan sauce. Another highlight is the chef's special beef fried rice, which includes cilantro, green and yellow onions and sesame seeds. The bar serves three varieties of sake, plum wine, and a selection of domestic and imported wines. Ten Asian beers and a number of specialty cocktails are also featured, like the red pear martini and ginger cosmopolitan. The restaurant serves lunch Mondays through Fridays and dinner Mondays through Saturdays. On Sundays, the restaurant is closed. Reservations are suggested for dinner. Business casual attire is appropriate.

Francis' Asian Bistro

4796 Caughlin Parkway, #101

Reno, NV 89519

775-827-3111

francisasianbistro.com

CaiE's Oriental Cafe

Family-owned and operated, CaiE's Oriental Cafe is in Ward Two of southwest downtown Reno. The restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat yum cha dim sum, which it serves every Sunday. Selections include pork pot stickers, egg custard buns, pork buns and shrimp miu mai. One of the dinner specialties at the cafe is CaiE's chicken supreme, an original dish consisting of breast meat, garlic, diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and scallions. The Peking duck is also featured and is available as a half or whole bird, served alongside house-made buns, green onions and hoisin sauce. The restaurant has a full bar. CaiE's Oriental Cafe is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted. Casual attire is the norm when dining at the restaurant.

CaiE's Oriental Cafe

770 South Meadows Parkway, Suite 101

Reno, NV 89521

775-853-9668

caiesorientalcafe.com

Tags: CaiE Oriental, CaiE Oriental Cafe, Hong Kong, Oriental Cafe, Asian Bistro, downtown Reno, Francis Asian

Food Production & Population Growth

Food production will have to nearly double to feed the growing population over the next forty years.

Food production and population growth have always been important factors in the survival of any group of people. The current population growth is reaching ever greater numbers. However, there is concern among population researchers that food production will not be able to keep pace with the demand. Environmental issues like erosion and desertification factor into the probability of producing enough food for a rapidly growing population.

Population Growth

The global population is currently seeing an increase of 1 billion people every 12 years, according to the Population Reference Bureau's 2009 World Population Data Sheet. The majority of the population growth is occurring in Asia and Africa. Niger has the highest fertility rate, with an average of more than seven children being born per woman. The world's population is expected to reach 7 billion in 2011.

Food Production

Supplying the world's population with food may require farmers to produce twice the amount of food in 2050 as they do now, according to Samuel Myers, a teacher for Harvard Medical School, in the Feb. 24, 2010, Harvard Gazette article "Time to Change the Menu," by Alvin Powell. This is partially due to the increasing desire for Western-style food across the world. However, global food production is already failing to meet the needs of 1 billion hungry people despite the agricultural advances in fertilizers and farming equipment during the last century.

Environmental Factors

Food production causes environmental degradation that limits the sustainability of farmland. The amount of usable farmland is decreasing each year due to farming practices that cause desertification, increased soil salinity and erosion. Currently, almost half of the world's land that is not covered in sand or ice, is being used to grow food for humans. New techniques in farming and raising livestock may help to increase agricultural yield and farmland, according to Myers.

Fresh Water

Crops need copious amounts of fresh water to grow. Unfortunately, much of the fresh water currently used is drained from aquifers and melting glaciers. These sources of water are nonrenewable and depleting them may lead to an inadequate water supply for billions of people. Fresh water is also being contaminated by agricultural pollutants like pesticides and fertilizers.

Climate Change

Changes in climate can greatly affect agricultural production. In 2003, a heat wave in Europe reduced food production more than 35 percent in some areas. Other factors of climate change that potentially could affect food production include melting glaciers, severe storms, drought and changes in rainfall. Climate change may limit the amount of food produced for the increasing global population.

Tags: population growth, amount food, fresh water, global population, growing population, melting glaciers, more than

Health Advantages Of Oil & Vinegar Dressing

Oil and vinegar

Understanding why oil and vinegar is a healthier choice is an important part of learning about nutrition and being able to make healthier choices that can help you accomplish your health goals. Choosing an oil and vinegar-based dressing offers some health advantages and can be a great first step in making positive changes to your health.

More Good Fats

Good fats, also known as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, are normally found in the "oil" part of oil and vinegar dressings. Oils such as olive, canola and other plant-based oils are loaded with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which can improve blood cholesterol levels, increase circulation and help decrease your risk of heart disease, according to the Harvard School of Public Health (Reference 1). These types of fats are high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats, making them very important to people looking to eat healthier. Most people do not consume enough of these good fats, according to researchers at Harvard, and diets high in good fats can lower blood pressure and improve lipid levels. Choose oil and vinegars made from canola and olive oil to get heart healthy monounsaturated fats and oil and vinegar dressings made from corn, safflower and sunflower oils to get healthy polyunsaturated fats.

Less Bad Fats

Many dressings, such as ranch, thousand island and blue cheese dressings, are very high in unhealthy saturated fats and low in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Saturated fats have been shown to raise blood cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Saturated fats should make up no more than 7 percent of your daily calorie intake, and many dressings that are not oil and vinegar-based may have upwards up 5 grams per servings, which is around a quarter of the daily recommended intake for most people. Saturated fats are found in cream-based dairy products, which are the base in many different types of salad dressings. Oils such as palm and coconut oil are also high in saturated fat.

Less Calories

In a February, 2009 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, diets in 811 overweight adults consuming different levels of protein, fats and carbohydrates were analyzed to see which diets produced the greatest weight loss effects. The conclusion from the researchers was that regardless of the macronutrient make-up of the diet, the number of calories consumed was the most important factor when it comes to weight loss, not the amount of fat, carbohydrates and protein consumed. Since oil & vinegar dressings are generally lower in calories, consuming these types of dressings rather than cream-based dressings can lead to weight loss. Two-thirds of the U.S. population are either overweight or obese, so eating oil and vinegar dressings is a great way to cut calories and lose weight.

Tags: vinegar dressings, monounsaturated fats, weight loss, your risk heart, blood cholesterol, blood cholesterol levels, cholesterol levels