Dreamer's Library

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent! It's Easy! Save BIG & Have Fresh, Clean Laundry! |

2012-01-18T08:08:00.000+01:00

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent! It's Easy! Save BIG & Have Fresh, Clean Laundry! |:

"Why would I bother to make laundry detergent when I could just conveniently grab a bottle off the shelf at the store? Several reasons, the first of which is cold, hard cash. I have always purchased the large economy bottles of a name brand “he” (high efficiency) laundry detergent. It’s not the cheapest, nor is it the most common $14-a-bottle brand. I pay, on average, $8.00 for a 75-load bottle of my old detergent. I would have been happy to cut that price in half. Instead, I discovered that by making the recipe I am going to share with you, a 75-load bottle of DIY detergent saved me $7.79¾!!! That is a little more than a 97% savings! Hello! Making my own is no longer JUST an option. It’s ridiculous not to. It cost only 20¼¢ for the ingredients to make a 75-load bottle of detergent! Translate that savings over a year’s worth of laundry and that put’s a tidy sum back into our family’s budget."

How to Make Salad in a Jar

2012-01-17T23:59:00.000+01:00

How to Make Salad in a Jar:

"My number one secret for eating dessert without dieting is eating a large salad in a jar every day for lunch.

Here’s why I, a reformed salad-hater, now love salad:

1. Limitless variations of dressing and add-ons

2. Gives wiggle room for small indulgences the rest of the day

3. Adds fiber and bulk to your diet

4. Fills me up with few calories

5. Gives lots of chewing satisfaction

6. Easy lifestyle change to implement and adopt forever–this is not a diet!!!!

Does it sound like a lot of work to prepare a salad everyday? Especially on a busy workday morning? Hang on!

I have devised a way to make salad for 7-9 days — at one time. My method takes less than 30 minutes (with a little bit of practice). It will stay crisp and fresh for more than a week."

45 uses for vinegar - AllYou.com

2012-01-15T23:56:00.000+01:00

45 uses for vinegar - AllYou.com:

"Unleash the power of white vinegar―an all-purpose cleaner, brightener, herbicide and more. Just a bit of this multitasker, straight up or mixed with water, can replace many pricier products huddled under your sink. Try these tips to see how vinegar can make your life cheaper and easier.

1. Freshen up the fridge. Clean the shelves and walls with a solution of half water and half vinegar.

2. Brighten coffee cups and teacups. Gently scrub stains with equal parts vinegar and salt (or baking soda).

3. Eliminate odors. Swab plastic containers with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

4. Kill bathroom germs. Spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

5. Save a garment. To remove light scorch marks on fabrics, rub gently with vinegar. Wipe with a clean cloth. This technique also works on antiperspirant stains.

6. Tidy up a toilet. Pour a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar into the bowl. Let sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with a toilet brush and flush.

7. Lose the carpet stain. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and ¼ cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the stain and let dry. Vacuum the residue the next day. (Always test an out-of-sight part of the carpet first.)

8. Renew paint brushes. To remove old paint, place brushes in a pot with vinegar. Soak for an hour, then turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

9. Wipe off a dirty faucet. To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

10. Stop static cling. Add ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to your wash cycle. The acid reduces static and keeps dryer lint from sticking to your clothes."

Dr. Oz's 10 Weight-Loss Commandments | The Dr. Oz Show

2012-01-14T22:02:00.000+01:00

Dr. Oz's 10 Weight-Loss Commandments | The Dr. Oz Show:

"1. Thou Shalt Not Wear Pants that Stretch

Your clothing is an early-warning system for weight gain. When it's getting hard to snap your jeans, you know it's time to be vigilant. Wearing stretchy clothes allows you to live in ignorance of how your body is growing, making it easier to pack on pounds without knowing it.

2. Thou Shalt Not Keep Fat Clothes in Your Closet

When you keep the clothes you wore at an unhealthy weight, it gives you a back-up plan if the pounds don't come off. Instead, force yourself to stay on track by 86ing your "fat pants."

3. Thou Shalt Not Eat Meat That Walks on Four Legs More Than Once a Week

Meat that comes from an animal with 4 legs is higher in saturated fat (the unhealthy kind) than that which comes from 2-legged animals such as chickens, or animals with no legs, like fish. Plus: women who eat large amounts of red meat more than once a week have a 50% higher chance of dying from heart disease and have higher cancer rates.

4. Thou Shalt Not Graze

Plan your meal before you open the refrigerator, get what you need, and close the door. Opening it throughout the day leads to impulsive choices and overeating.

5. Thou Shalt Not Eat After 7:30pm

When you eat late at night you are more likely to be eating in front of the TV (when you won't pay attention to how much you're putting in your mouth) and you're more likely to pick high-calorie snacks.

6. Thou Shalt Not Pile Food More than 1 Inch High or Within 2 Inches of the Plate Edge
Larger portions equal more calories. 'Nuff said.

7. Thou Shalt Not Chew Food Less than 20 Times Per Bite
Chewing allows your body to realize that you are eating food, prompting it to create a sensation of fullness at the appropriate time. When you don't chew enough, you get ahead of that process, eating well past when you are actually satisfied.

8. Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Plate
Spend your day nibbling bites on someone else's sandwich or afternoon snack, and you will add on 1,000 calories easy.

9. Thou Shalt Not Carry Small Bills
Nothing loves a small bill better than a vending machine. When you have them at the ready, you are one step closer to an impulsive, calorie-loaded afternoon slip up.

10. Thou Shalt Not Eat While Standing Up
Eating sitting down enables you to be aware of what you're eating and eat it slowly so that your body can tell you your full before it's too late."

Seasonal Affective Disorder

2011-12-18T15:14:00.000+01:00

Seasonal Affective Disorder:

"Have you ever noticed how a gray, rainy day makes you feel gloomy and tired, but a sunny day can leave you feeling cheerful and energized? Well, there's a scientific reason for this. Insufficient exposure to sunlight has been associated with low levels of melatonin and serotonin, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, and sleep disturbance."

Spike - Stupid Hair

2011-12-05T02:58:00.001+01:00

It's Raining Men

2011-12-04T23:52:00.000+01:00

First Oprah Lifeclass

2011-11-19T18:04:00.001+01:00

Watch live streaming video from oprahslifeclass at livestream.com

Oprah's Lifeclass

2011-11-19T13:36:00.003+01:00

Watch live streaming video from oprahslifeclass at livestream.com

School Lunch Ideas

2011-09-07T10:19:00.000+02:00

School Lunch Ideas:

Need new school lunch ideas?

The secret to untradeable school lunches is to give kids lunches that are creative enough to get their attention, but not so unusual as to put them off.

Try these five simple lunch box rules:

1. Change the bread.
Sandwiches are great because they're portable, easy to prepare and easy to eat. To switch things up a bit, try changing the bread. Instead of using white or wheat bread, use zucchini bread to make zucchini bread cream cheese sandwiches.

Or use torillas to make turkey wraps with apricot jam and bacon. Try peanut butter and jelly on banana bread, toast frozen waffles, and make nutella waffle sandwiches or use rice cakes to make cream cheese and jelly sandwiches.

Light Stalking » 10 More Places for Free Photoshop and Lightroom Plugins

2011-06-17T09:48:00.000+02:00

Light Stalking » 10 More Places for Free Photoshop and Lightroom Plugins:

"Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are software programs that provide very robust editing capabilities for graphics, images, and photographs. But sometimes you want them to do just a little more. That’s why plugins were invented! Plugins are usually made by third-party developers and deliver even more graphical and photo management capabilities. We have covered some places that offer free Photoshop plugins before, but here are 10 more places that offer free plugins for both PS and LR users."

How to Start an Organic Vegetable Garden - How to Grow Organic Vegetables

2011-06-16T10:14:00.000+02:00

How to Start an Organic Vegetable Garden - How to Grow Organic Vegetables:

"Organic vegetable gardening is becoming more popular with each passing year, as home gardeners strive to grow gardens that are bountiful, healthy, and ecologically friendly. Starting an organic vegetable garden is fairly straightforward; here's what you need to know to get started.

Choosing the Right Site

Starting your organic vegetable garden in the right place will make a huge difference right from the start. There are a few things you want to keep in mind:"

Easiest Ever Christmas Dinner Menu - Simple Christmas Dinner Menu - Holiday Menu and Recipes

2010-12-25T11:23:00.000+01:00

Easiest Ever Christmas Dinner Menu - Simple Christmas Dinner Menu - Holiday Menu and Recipes:

"Christmas dinner is one of the big meals of the year, including Easter and Thanksgiving. They can all involve lots of preparation, lots of work, shopping, preparing foods, serving, cleaning up, and often end up with a frazzled host or hostess collapsing into his or her place at the dinner table.

If that doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, turn to this menu instead."

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30: Magazine: glamour.com

2010-12-12T11:21:00.000+01:00

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30: Magazine: glamour.com:

"This 1997 Glamour article has become a popular web chain letter, usually titled “Maya Angelou’s Best Poem Ever.” Glamour contributor Pamela Redmond Satran is flattered, but she wrote the list, updating it in 2005."

Holiday Stress - Understanding and Managing Holiday Stress

2010-12-11T20:42:00.000+01:00

Holiday Stress - Understanding and Managing Holiday Stress:

"Welcome to the holiday season -- that whirlwind of gift-giving holidays, marketing blitzes, holiday parties and activities galore that begins right after Halloween, builds to Thanksgiving, and continues gaining momentum through the end of the year."

How to Throw an Easy Yet Memorable Dinner Party

2010-12-08T15:11:00.000+01:00

Free Technology for Teachers: 12 Ways to Create Videos Without a Camera or Software

2010-12-08T11:58:00.001+01:00

Free Technology for Teachers: 12 Ways to Create Videos Without a Camera or Software:

"It wasn't that long ago that creating videos in your classroom meant that you had to have access to cameras and editing software. That is no longer the case. Now with nothing more than a reliable Internet connection you and your students can create all kinds of documentary, entertainment, and how-to videos."

5 Solutions to Thrive Under Stress - Prevention.com

2010-12-03T14:37:00.001+01:00

5 Solutions to Thrive Under Stress - Prevention.com:

"New research on soldiers shows how damaging stress can be—and reveals 5 powerful tools that can help us all build resilience"

Food Flips for Weight Loss - Prevention.com

2010-12-02T17:10:00.001+01:00

Food Flips for Weight Loss - Prevention.com:

"Calorie-conscious eating doesn't mean boring eating. And it definitely doesn't mean forgoing foods you love. In fact, with simple “food flips,” everything you already eat can have a place in a healthy lifestyle.

So don't ditch your favorite fare. Simply replace high-calorie and unhealthy ingredients with good-for-you items that taste just as delicious. Here's how to make over some of fall's most popular dishes. You'll be amazed how easy it is to lose weight without giving up taste or satisfaction--ever."

Spanish Food - Spanish Holidays and Feasts

2010-12-02T14:08:00.002+01:00

Spanish Food - Spanish Holidays and Feasts:

"Spanish holidays and feasts are filled with scrumptious, mouthwatering dishes. Learn to prepare a true Spanish feast with our menus. ¡Olé!"

Roasted Chicken by Dianne Linderman

2010-12-01T14:04:00.007+01:00

Perfect Roast Chicken

2010-11-30T13:29:00.004+01:00

Handsome Men's Club

2010-03-18T09:44:00.002+01:00

Jamie Oliver's TED award speech

2010-03-01T13:06:00.000+01:00

Jamie expresses his wish to teach every child about food and fight obesity.

Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus Recipe : Giada De Laurentiis : Food Network

2009-11-26T21:27:00.001+01:00

Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus Recipe : Giada De Laurentiis : Food Network:

"To make the turkey: Position the rack in the lowest third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a rack set inside a large roasting pan. Place the orange and lemon wedges, onion, and 2 sprigs of each fresh herb in the main turkey cavity. Tie the legs together to hold the shape of the turkey."

Low Fat Holiday and Seasonal Recipes

2009-11-18T15:20:00.000+01:00

Low Fat Holiday and Seasonal Recipes:

"Every season brings a delicious variety of foods. Find out how to prepare those foods with a lot less fat, whether you're barbecuing for July 4th or preparing a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast."

Twillionth

2009-11-15T17:16:00.001+01:00

Follow Stephen Fry - http://twitter.com/stephenfry

Low Fat Fall Harvest Soup - How to Make a Low Fat Fall Harvest Soup

2009-11-11T10:43:00.000+01:00

Low Fat Fall Harvest Soup - How to Make a Low Fat Fall Harvest Soup:

"Apples, pears, sweet potatoes and zucchini make up this delicious fall harvest soup. Experiment with other ingredients such as carrots, acorn squash or any other kind of squash.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:

* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 1 tbsp curry powder
* 1/2 pound carrots, sliced
* 1/2 pound zucchini sliced
* 1/2 pound sweet potatoes, chopped
* 1 medium Bartlett pear, peeled, cored and chopped
* 1 small Granny Smith, peeled, cored and chopped
* 3 1/2 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
* 1/2 cup fresh parsley

Preparation:
Heat oil on medium in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Sauté celery and onions until softened. Sprinkle curry powder over them. Add vegetables, fruit and parsley. Pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Working in batches, transfer soup to a blender and blend until smooth.

Serves 8

Per 1 cup serving: Calories 103, Calories from Fat 13, Total Fat 1.5g (sat 0.2g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 48mg, Carbohydrate 20.4g, Fiber 3.7g, Protein 2g"

Low Fat Thanksgiving - How to Enjoy a Low Fat Thanksgiving

2009-11-05T14:54:00.000+01:00

Low Fat Thanksgiving - How to Enjoy a Low Fat Thanksgiving:

"A Low Fat Thanksgiving - Tips for Low Fat Thanksgiving Feasting"

If the thought of all that Thanksgiving feasting leaves you worried about eating too much fat-laden food, or simply overeating, here are some tips to help you enjoy Thanksgiving without expanding your waistline. Remember, many of the traditional foods served during Thanksgiving are perfectly healthful. It’s what we do to them that loads them with extra calories and fat. Let's look at the basic foods at the center of the feast:
Turkey has little fat, is full of protein and is an important source of B vitamins. Your best bet is turkey breast, but be sure to remove the skin first. A three-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast has about 120 calories and 1 gram of fat. If you choose to eat dark meat instead, a three-ounce skinless serving delivers around 160 calories and six grams of fat (two grams of which are saturated). Here's a simple yet flavorful recipe for a low-fat Thanksgiving Turkey.

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and fiber. Leave out the butter and excess sugar. Use orange juice and a sprinkling of brown sugar for flavor instead. Try these low fat Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Limit your portion size to no more than half a cup.

Regular potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Lose the butter and heavy cream in Mashed Potatoes, and use either reduced sodium, fat-free chicken broth or fat-free milk and sour cream instead. Flavor with garlic, fresh herbs and ground black pepper. Again, keep your portion size small.

Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C, and contain compounds that are believed to block certain bacteria that cause infections. Add oranges to make Cranberry Orange Sauce and you add even more vitamin C. Or, for a slightly different cranberry sauce, try this delicious Cranberry Apple Sauce.

Pumpkin is a terrific source of beta-carotene and fiber. Enjoy a lighter crust Pumpkin Pie by using phyllo dough. Use egg whites, or egg substitute, and fat-free evaporated milk in the filling. Or try this light and flavorful Crustless Pumpkin Pie instead.

Vegetables should be steamed or roasted rather than slathered in butter or cheesy sauces. Skip the fried onion rings on top of the green beans (you could use toasted almonds or walnuts instead), and use vinaigrette dressings or herbs for flavor. Enjoy some sweet Glazed Acorn Squash Rings, some Sautéed Green Beans, some Roasted Carrots and Parsnips, or some Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts.

So now you can see how to enjoy the basic foods at the center of the Thanksgiving celebration. That leaves us with gravy and stuffing, which are notorious sources of fat and calories. Make a lower fat gravy by straining the fat from the drippings (a fat separator makes the job easier), and using cornstarch or a sprinkling of flour as thickening agents rather than a butter and flour roux. Add extra flavor to your gravy by using herbs and wine. You can make a low fat stuffing by omitting butter, using fat-free broth and, say, lean turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. Omit sausage altogether if you like, and use meaty mushrooms and extra vegetables instead.
As for appetizers, have plenty of fresh vegetables on hand. Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and yogurt for dips. Delicious low-fat dips can include Spinach Dip or some salsas, including this Mango Black Bean Salsa. Have homemade baked pita chips or tortilla chips to go with them. Nuts and dried fruits make great snacks, too.
Finally, don’t starve yourself beforehand. You will likely eat more if you’re super-hungry. That means don’t skip breakfast; do fill up with whole-grain crackers, fruit and raw vegetables if hunger pangs strike before the big feast, and do drink plenty of water.
When the time comes to sit down to your Thanksgiving meal, you will be ready to enjoy it without overdoing it.

Beauty Before and After Writing Prompt - TeachHUB | Teacher Tips, Fun & Advice

2009-10-14T22:15:00.003+02:00

TeachHUB | Teacher Tips, Fun & Advice:

"Beauty Before and After Writing Prompt

K-2: What do you think makes someone beautiful?

3-5: Would you recognize the girl in the beginning from the final billboard photo? Would you ever want to change so much people didn't recognize you? Why or why not?

6-8: Is your image of your body and your looks affected by how models and stars look? Is that a good or bad thing?

9-12: Do you think the media should represent beauty more realistically or should they stick to these airbrushed models? What is their responsibility to the impressionable people (young or old) whom these images affect?"

Living Oprah

2009-10-14T20:55:00.001+02:00

Lunchbox Planner

2009-09-12T18:22:00.000+02:00

Lunchbox Planner:

"If you’re stuck in a lunch rut then try these ideas to escape it. Lunch time doesn’t have to mean the same curling sandwiches day after day. Pack up a filling and tasty midday meal that will ensure you stay satisfied and keep you on track with your weight loss goals.

These lunches are all 6 POINTS ® values but you may need to eat less or more depending on your daily POINTS allowance. If you’re unsure what your personal daily POINTS allowance is, subscribers can log in and take the POINTS Quiz."

Cook Once, Eat All Week: Weeknight Dinners

2009-09-11T13:54:00.000+02:00

Cook Once, Eat All Week: Weeknight Dinners:

"Be smart with your planning and your time and cook on a Sunday or the beginning of the week for meals to last all week long.

Here are five recipes you can prepare ahead that will eliminate the stress, effort and time of preparing a meal from scratch throughout the week. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, you and another or cooking for one, these tasty and easy recipes will leave you more time for other activities and for getting active."

I'm Too Busy to Date Your Avatar

2009-09-06T13:02:00.001+02:00

Time and budget items to consider - News - The Phoenix

2009-09-06T12:55:00.001+02:00

Time and budget items to consider - News - The Phoenix:

"First, are you organized? Taking the time to clean out your file drawers and junk closets is worth the precious minutes you spend doing it because if you have piles or drawers untouched for years, you may have resources right under your nose going to waste. I definitely struggle with piles because I can never decide what to throw away; but, I have to challenge myself daily with the reality that if I have too much I can't use the things I need efficiently.

Second, is your wardrobe up-to-date? While you are cleaning out, don't forget to look at your closet. Get rid of things you know shouldn't be seen in public any more. There are many good places to donate used clothing. Take a look in the latest magazines. There is a lot of advice on how to look good on a budget these days. Take advantage of the seasonal sales going on right now. Take advantage of others clearing out their closets. Check out the latest arrivals at your local thrift store. You never know when someone has grown out of your size (on the upswing or down) and is giving away items that are gently used but still presentable."

Elizabeth Gilbert on Nurturing Creativity

2009-08-14T11:51:00.003+02:00

Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.

About Elizabeth Gilbert

The author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert has thought long and hard about some large topics. Her next fascination: genius, and how we ruin it. Full bio and more links

Stages of Change - How to Keep a Resolution

2009-07-21T17:23:00.001+02:00

Stages of Change - How to Keep a Resolution:

"Anyone who has ever made and broken a New Year’s Resolution can appreciate the difficulty of behavior change. Making a lasting change in behavior is rarely a simple process, and usually involves a substantial commitment of time, effort, and emotion.

Whether you want to lose weight, stop smoking, or accomplish another goal, there is no single solution that works for everyone. You may have to try several different techniques, often through a process of trial-and-error, in order to achieve your goal. It is during this period that many people become discouraged and give up on their behavior change goals. The key to maintaining your goals is to try new techniques and find ways to stay motivated.

Psychologists have developed a number of ways to effectively help people change their behavior. Many of these techniques are used by therapists, physicians, and teachers. Researchers have also proposed theories to explain how change occurs. One of these theories, known as the ‘Stages of Change’ model, has been used to help people understand the change process. This model demonstrates that change is rarely easy and often requires a gradual progression of small steps toward a larger goal.

Understanding the elements of change, the stages of change, and ways to work through each stage can help you achieve your goals."

Start With - Rice Recipes - Recipes Starting with Rice - Brown Rice White Rice Basmati Rice Recipes

2009-06-29T14:17:00.000+02:00

Start With - Rice Recipes - Recipes Starting with Rice - Brown Rice White Rice Basmati Rice Recipes:

"Rice is a staple around the world that has nourished entire generations. Children love it because it's mildly flavored and easy to eat. It's recently been 'persona non grata' in the kitchen of many on low carb diets, but newer diets are extolling the virtues of brown rice and Wild Rice because these grains are full of fiber and nutrients. Surprisingly, parboiled or converted rice is a low GI food, while brown rice is a medium GI food. It turns out the key is the amount of amylose in the rice.
First read How to Cook Perfect Rice, then get started! Enjoy these recipes and make rice a part of your diet."

Busy Cooks - Cooking 101

2009-06-21T12:06:00.000+02:00

Busy Cooks - Cooking 101:

"Cooking and baking, like any other discipline, have their own language and specific rules. You need to know how to read a recipe, how to measure, doneness tests, and steps to take when cooking chicken under the broiler and baking chocolate cakes.
Learn to Cook
Learn to Bake
Step by Step Tutorials
How To ...
Food Safety
Email Classes
Appliances and Information
Videos
Nutrition"

Ground Beef Recipes - Easy Entree Recipes Using Ground Beef - Recipes Start With Ground Beef

2009-06-21T12:05:00.000+02:00

Start With Ground Beef Recipes - Easy Entree Recipes Using Ground Beef - Recipes Start With Ground Beef:

"Ground beef has been an American kitchen staple for decades. It's readily available, inexpensive, and as an extra bonus, children like it. You can dress it up or make simple burgers. It is at home in many cuisines, from Thai to Mexican. When you have a pound of ground beef in your freezer, dinner is only minutes away.

When you buy ground beef, make sure to respect the dates stamped on the package. If you're not planning to cook it within two days, take it out of the supermarket package and form several thin patties. Rewrap the patties in freezer wrap, mark with the date and freeze up to 1 year. The thin patties will thaw quickly so you'll be more likely to use them."

Cleaned Out the Fridge - Now Making Soup

2009-06-19T11:59:00.000+02:00

Cleaned Out the Fridge - Now Making Soup:

"One the jobs I always seem to put off is clearing out the refrigerator. I don't know why but part of the reason is I hate to find wasted food, it drives me crazy. I Couldn't put it off any longer so I made it my first job of the day today. I was actually quite pleased as not much to be discarded (thank goodness - no guilt trip today). The vegetable drawer was the biggest culprit with dribs and drabs of spinach, watercress, half carrots and onions and sweet potato. I have no guilt about these though as they are all now transformed into a delicious spicy soup for supper.

More Soup Recipes

* Vegetable and Bean Soup
* Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup
* Cock-a-Leekie Soup
* Pea and Mint Soup"

Pork Chops and Roasts - Easy Pork Recipes Pork Chops Pork Loin Roast

2009-06-18T14:01:00.000+02:00

Start With Pork Chops and Roasts - Easy Pork Recipes Pork Chops Pork Loin Roast:

"Pork chops and pork roast are delicious and relatively inexpensive cuts of meat that cook quickly and adapt to so many different flavors. What other meat combines as well with such diverse ingredients as cinnamon, apricots, or red chilies? (Not in the same recipe!)

Did you know that the pork you buy in your supermarket is more than 30% leaner than the pork sold 20 years ago? Because it is leaner, it adapts beautifully to crockpot cooking. And back then, your mother probably cooked pork to a crisp because of the threat of trichinosis. We know that this microscopic parasite is killed at 137 degrees F; cook your pork to an internal temperature of 155 degrees F (still slightly pink inside) and you will be perfectly safe."

One Pan Roasted Dinner Recipes - Dinner in One Pan - Roasted Meats Roasted Vegetables

2009-06-17T14:02:00.000+02:00

One Pan Roasted Dinner Recipes - Dinner in One Pan - Roasted Meats Roasted Vegetables:

"Roasting, or cooking in dry, relatively high heat, is a fabulous way to cook most meats and vegetables. The high heat concentrates the flavors of the food, caramelizes the sugars in meats and vegetables, and browns food beautifully.

I don't think there's an easier way to make dinner when you come home from work or school. Just plop the meats and vegetables, along with some seasonings and maybe a sauce, into a roasting pan, put it in the oven, and in about an hour you'll have a complete dinner ready for four to six people."

Low Fat Cooking Methods

2009-06-17T12:07:00.001+02:00

Low Fat Cooking Methods:

"# Broiling: A fast way to cook fish, meat and poultry, as the food is under a direct heat source. The fat from meat simply drains away into the bottom of the pan.

# Braising: This is where food is cooked slowly in a small amount of liquid at low heat in a tightly covered pot – usually in the oven. You can brown the food beforehand if you like. Wine, broth or water are good braising liquids. This is a great way to cook tougher cuts of meat.

# Grilling: Outdoors or indoors. The fat drains away from the food.

# Marinating: Adds flavor and tenderizes meat. Great for preparing food for the grill or broiler.

# Microwaving: Be sure to turn food at certain intervals to ensure even cooking.

# Pan-frying/searing: Another fast and efficient way to cook meat that seals in flavor.

# Poaching: A great way to cook fish or chicken, by gently simmering in a flavored liquid.

# Roasting: This can be done without using a great deal of oil, or by using broth to baste instead. Foil wrap can also be used to seal in moisture.

# Sauteing: This allows us to cook food quickly in a small amount of hot oil. Make sure the oil is actually hot before the food is added, otherwise the food will absorb oil and become soggy.

# Steaming: Great for fish and vegetables. Multi-level steamers allow a number foods to"

"Angel del pasado" by Natalino

2009-06-13T16:25:00.000+02:00

Tomatoes - Recipes Using Fresh Tomatoes - Tomato Pie Tomato Spaghetti Tomato Soup Stuffed Tomatoes

2009-06-11T14:03:00.000+02:00

Start With Tomatoes - Recipes Using Fresh Tomatoes - Tomato Pie Tomato Spaghetti Tomato Soup Stuffed Tomatoes:

"There are many things I love about August. The first hints of fall are in the air with a few cool mornings when dew glints off the spiderwebs that form overnight. The lush and heavy feel to the air, with the garden bursting at its seams. And fresh, juicy, plump tomatoes! These recipes use these gems in the best recipes.

You can also, of course, serve tomatoes the simplest way possible; slice them thick and drizzle with olive oil and a bit of salt and fresh pepper. Enjoy these tomato recipes, and savor the end of summer."

Start With - Fish Fillets - Recipes Using Fish Fillets Cod Snapper

2009-06-08T14:11:00.000+02:00

Start With - Fish Fillets - Recipes Using Fish Fillets Cod Snapper:

"Fish fillets are so easy to cook. The mild flavor is pleasing to most everyone, and can be adapted to any style of cooking. Whether you broil, fry, grill, poach, microwave, or bake fish fillets, you'll find delicious recipes here that will be ready in minutes. Keep a few fillets in your freezer for busy weeknights. Just thaw the frozen fillets in cold water for about 10 minutes and you'll be ready to cook.

Fish is naturally high in protein and B vitamins and low in fat. Fillets are usually sold frozen, but if you buy yours fresh, make sure to conduct the 'sniff test'. Fish should not smell 'fishy', but clean and slightly salty. The fillets should be smooth, moist, and translucent, and the flesh should be firm and evenly colored. Use fresh fish within a day or two of purchase, or freeze up to six months, making sure to wrap and mark well using freezer safe materials. Fish are categorized into 'freshwater' and 'saltwater' fish. Freshwater fish include trout, perch, walleye, and bass. Saltwater fish include cod, flounder, bluefish, and orange roughy. These recipes call for boneless and skinless fillets that are about 1/2' thick, each weighing about 6 ounces. One serving of boneless, skinless fish fillets should be about 5-8 ounces. You can use any variety of mild, white fish fillets in these"

Oxtail Stew

2009-06-07T00:04:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/homecooking/Oxtail-Stew.htm

Homemade Applesauce

2009-06-06T13:00:00.000+02:00

Transcript: Homemade Applesauce

Making applesauce at home gives it a fresh flavor that you can modify with a number of ingredients. Try these tips for homemade applesauce. Hi, I'm Rachel Edelman for About.com Food. Today I'm going to show you how to make homemade applesauce.

Wash the Apples

First wash and peel your apples. You will need 1 apple per serving of applesauce. You should use an apple that won't discolor easily, like Cortland, Golden Delicious, Ida Red and McIntosh. Today I'm using Golden Delicious.

Chop the Apples

Next we chop the apples. Start by coring the apples. Then cut the apple in half and remove any pieces that the corer missed. Now cut wedges, and then chop them. Try to cut so your pieces are roughly the same size.

Combine Applesauce Ingredients

Put the apples into a saucepan along with:

1 cup of water
1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of lemon juice

For additional flavor, you could use honey or cinnamon with or instead of sugar.

Cook the Applesauce

Cook mixture on medium high heat, bring to a boil, and then simmer until the apples are tender, this will take about 20 minutes.

Mash and Cool the Applesauce

Take your pan off the stove and mash the apples with a masher or blend with an electric mixer. I'll take some time to mash all the apples. Put the applesauce in an airtight container and let it cool in the refrigerator. When cool, serve with a little cinnamon on top and enjoy!

Start With - Chicken Drumsticks - Recipes Using Drumsticks

2009-06-03T14:11:00.000+02:00

Start With - Chicken Drumsticks - Recipes Using Drumsticks:

"I received a request last week for some quick and easy meal ideas starting with chicken drumsticks. Angela told me that chicken drumsticks were on sale at her supermarket for 59 cents a pound. And as a bonus, kids love drumsticks; they are the perfect finger food. There are usually about 4 drumsticks per pound.

This might not be news to most parents, but I have found that children love any kind of food they can eat with their fingers and dip into, well, a dip. Vegetables cut into small pieces and served with a dill dip are always a hit. Why not do the same thing with chicken drumsticks? Any of the savory dip recipes in my Appetizer Recipes would work really well. This is also a good way to get more nutrition in each bite, since you can use low fat yogurt and chopped vegetables to make a terrific dip.

You can leave the skin on the drumsticks for these recipes, or remove it, as you wish. The chicken will be more moist if cooked with the skin on. Also think about using any of my Chicken Coating recipes with the drumsticks. Just bake the coated drumsticks at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes until the meat is thoroughly cooked, the juices run clear, and the chicken is fork tender."

Start With Pasta Recipes - Quick Pasta Recipes - Quick and Easy Recipes with Pasta

2009-06-01T14:12:00.000+02:00

Start With Pasta Recipes - Quick Pasta Recipes - Quick and Easy Recipes with Pasta:

"If you have pasta in your pantry, dinner is only minutes away. Good pasta, properly cooked, needs very little else to make a delicious and filling meal. I like the Barilla brand of pasta, and buy it whenever I see it.

Whether you use dried pasta from your pantry, frozen from your freezer, or fresh pasta stored in the refrigerator, learn how to cook it properly. Al dente is an Italian term that means 'to the tooth'. When pasta is properly cooked, it is tender but with a slight chewiness. And the only way to test this is to taste the pasta.

If you are cooking a thin and delicate pasta, make sure you remove the pot from the heat while you taste a strand. The pasta can easily overcook in the seconds it takes you to test for doneness."

Start With Shrimp - Recipes Using Shrimp - Main Dishes - Grilled Shrimp - Shrimp Salads Recipes

2009-05-31T14:13:00.000+02:00

Start With Shrimp - Recipes Using Shrimp - Main Dishes - Grilled Shrimp - Shrimp Salads Recipes:

"Shrimp has always been a luxurious, special treat for me. I love its sweet flavor, tender and bouncy texture, and the beautiful pink and salmon color. These recipes start with shrimp, add a few ingredients, and finish as delicious recipes perfect for family or company.

Most of the shrimp available in stores in my area (the landlocked Midwest) is frozen. Even shrimp sold as 'fresh' is frozen during shipping; since the shellfish is extremely perishable, it must be packed in ice while being transported. Fresh shrimp should smell fresh and sweet and not at all fishy. Shrimp is also sold canned; I use canned shrimp only in recipes like an appetizer dip."

Starting a Low Fat Diet - How to Eat a Low Fat Diet

2009-05-31T12:06:00.000+02:00

Starting a Low Fat Diet - How to Eat a Low Fat Diet:

"Whether it's the New Year, the start of spring or the thought of peeling off layers for the summer, you might be thinking about how to start or restart a healthy low fat diet. Or perhaps a medical condition requires you to follow a low fat diet.

Whatever your reasons or motivation, here are 10 things you can do to get started:

1. Be realistic. If weight loss is your goal, don't set yourself up for disappointment or, worse, health problems. Make this a positive experience and start with small, achievable goals. Sustainable weight loss means losing no more than two pounds a week. If you choose to go on a crash diet, your body will ultimately balk: your metabolism will slow down and it will become harder to shed pounds as your poor body goes into preservation mode."

Start With - Chicken Thighs Recipes - Main Dish Poultry Recipes - Chicken Thighs Soups Casseroles Chicken Recipes

2009-05-30T14:14:00.000+02:00

Start With - Chicken Thighs Recipes - Main Dish Poultry Recipes - Chicken Thighs Soups Casseroles Chicken Recipes:

"Chicken thighs are inexpensive, moist, tender, and juicy; here are quick and easy recipes that start with this ingredient. Remember we learned in How to Cook Beef those muscles which the animal uses more often have more myoglobin in them and are darker in color? Chicken thighs fall into this category, which is why they are called 'dark meat'. The meat has more flavor and more fat than chicken breasts, so they are an excellent choice for any chicken crockpot recipe. And you can buy thighs that are already boned and skinned, for super quick preparation.
Bone-in chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. Boneless chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. The flavor of chicken thighs, while more intense than breasts, is complemented by just about any ethnic cuisine."

Start With - Zucchini Recipes for Zucchini Using Up Zucchini Recipes Main Dishes Bars Breads Cakes Cookies Salads

2009-05-28T14:18:00.000+02:00

Start With - Zucchini Recipes for Zucchini Using Up Zucchini Recipes Main Dishes Bars Breads Cakes Cookies Salads:

"If you have a garden, you probably have zucchini stacked up around your kitchen! This ultra prolific plant can be a gardener's nemesis, or a cook's dream. There are so many wonderful recipes using zucchini that it was hard to choose!

Zucchini has a fairly thin green skin that is liable to bruise if not handled carefully. There are several varieties of zucchini available; the familiar long oval shape, fingerling zucchini, round or globe zucchini, and golden zucchini. Handle any variety carefully and store it well covered in the refrigerator up to a week.

Follow the preparation steps for the recipes carefully. Some of them call for grated zucchini; this must usually be dried. The easiest way to accomplish this is to place it in a dishtowel and wring it out over the sink. You can also dry grated or cut zucchini by sprinkling it with salt, letting it stand for 10-15 minutes, then wringing it out in the dish towel as described."

Top Ten Spaghetti Recipes - Recipes Using Spaghetti Pasta - Best Spaghetti Recipes

2009-05-27T19:02:00.000+02:00

Top Ten Spaghetti Recipes - Recipes Using Spaghetti Pasta - Best Spaghetti Recipes:

"There's really nothing quicker or easier to make than spaghetti. And with all of our watching our budgets, turning to pasta makes sense financially and nutritionally. Pasta is good for you; complex carbohydrates combined with vitamin-rich tomato sauces and lots of vegetables makes hearty and satisfying meals in just a few minutes. It's easy to cook pasta: just boil it in lots of salted water until al dente. This means that the there is still some firmness in the center of the pasta. Mix it with these delicious sauces to create wonderful meals for pennies."

Easy Low Fat Recipes

2009-05-18T15:19:00.000+02:00

Easy Low Fat Recipes:

"Far from being restrictive, eating low fat is easy. Enjoy many delicious and satisfying meals and snacks that are high in flavor and low in fat, including some favorite comfort foods made over."

Low Fat Carrot and Zucchini Soup - How to Make Low Fat Carrot and Zucchini Soup

2009-05-18T15:09:00.000+02:00

Low Fat Carrot and Zucchini Soup - How to Make Low Fat Carrot and Zucchini Soup:

"Why settle for canned soup when you make your own heartier fresh-tasting soup without all those additives? This carrot and zucchini soup is pureed to make a deliciously filling soup to warm you on cool Autumn days. Enjoy with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:

* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 1lb carrots, peeled and sliced
* 1lb zucchini, unpeeled and sliced
* 2 tsp curry powder
* 3 1/2 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
* 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

Preparation:
Sauté onions in a soup pot for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add carrots and zucchini, followed by curry powder. Stir for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add chopped parsley.

Transfer soup to a blender and blend until smooth, working in two batches.

Makes 6 servings.

Per Serving: Calories 81, Calories from Fat 16, Total Fat 1.8g (sat 0.2g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 65mg, Carbohydrate 13.4g, Fiber 4g, Protein 2.8g"

Jennifer Hudson Joins Ellen's Bathroom Concert Series!

2009-05-16T11:37:00.001+02:00

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson joined Ellen for an unbelievable bathroom performance! We think you'll agree that calling this the best and most hilarious entry in the series would be a huge understatement!

Turkey Chili

2009-05-12T10:47:00.000+02:00

Turkey Chili:

"This low fat turkey chili is an ideal family supper, and one of my favorites. It's hearty, healthy and easy to prepare. Serve with a dollop of fat-free yogurt or sour cream on top.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:

* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
* 1/2 stick of celery, chopped
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 3/4 pound 99% fat-free ground turkey
* 2 tbsp chili powder
* 2 tsp ground cumin
* 1/2 tsp oregano
* 1/2 tsp ground coriander
* 1 14 1/2-ounce can crushed tomatoes
* 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce, no salt added
* 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 4 tbsp fat-free sour cream or yogurt
* 4 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Preparation:
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven. Add onion, celery, chopped pepper and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Crumble the turkey into the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir in chili powder, cumin, coriander and oregano. Add in tomatoes and tomato sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans, mix well and cook on low heat for"

Vegetarian Cream of Asparagus Soup

2009-05-10T00:19:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/vegetarian/Vegetarian-Asparagus-Soup.htm

Vegetarian Veggie Burger

2009-05-07T14:42:00.000+02:00

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/maindishentreerecipes/r/vegveggieburger.htm

Looking for a healthier, low-fat veggie burger? This recipe uses just a bit of tofu and lots and lots of veggies to form a healthy and high-fiber vegetarian patty. This veggie burger recipe is both vegetarian and vegan.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup corn kernels
7 mushrooms, diced
3 scallions (green onions) diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 carrot, grated
1 small potato, grated
1/4 cup silken (soft) tofu
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Preparation:
In a blender or food processor, process tofu until creamy and set aside.
Sautee the corn, mushrooms, scallions and bell pepper in one tablespoon of oil for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and cook for one more minute.
Remove from heat and add the carrot, potato, tofu, salt and pepper. Add bread crumbs until the mixture holds together. You may need a little bit more or less than a half a cup.
Shape the mixture into patties and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Heat remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and cook each patty until the veggie burgers are done, about 3 minutes on each side.

Nutrition Facts:
One veggie burger patty provides approximately:
Calories: 153, Calories from Fat: 73
Total Fat: 8.1g, 12%, Saturated Fat: 1.1g, 6%
Cholesterol: 0mg, 0%
Sodium: 129mg, 5%
Total Carbohydrates: 17.5g, 6%
Dietary Fiber: 2.4g, 10%
Sugars: 2.7g
Protein: 4.1g
Vitamin A 33%, Vitamin C 47%, Calcium 5%, Iron 8%, Based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Vegan Cauliflower and Potato Soup

2009-05-07T12:31:00.000+02:00

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/soupsstewsandchili/r/cauliflowersoup.htm

This vegetarian and vegan recipe for cauliflower and potato soup is very low in fat and is a low-calorie vegetarian recipe. Using vegetable broth, vegan margarine and bay leaves to add flavor instead of butter gives this low-fat vegetarian soup recipe just two grams of fat per serving.

Ingredients:

* 1 tbsp vegan margarine
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 onion, diced
* 1 potato, diced
* 1 head cauliflower, chopped
* 3 cups vegetable broth
* 2 bay leaves
* salt and pepper to taste
* dash nutmeg
* grated soy cheese (optional)

Preparation:
In a large soup or stock pot, sautee the onion and garlic in the vegan margarine for 3 to 5 minutes, or until onions are soft.

Add the potato and cauliflower and cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the vegetable broth and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Cover and allow to cook for 25 - 30 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves, then transfer soup to a blender and puree. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and re-heat if needed. Top with grated vegan cheese, if desired.

Makes four servings.

Nutrition Facts:
Without soy cheese, this recipe provides approximately:
Calories: 100, Calories from Fat: 19
Total Fat: 2.1g, 3%, Saturated Fat: 1.7g, 8%
Cholesterol: 0mg, 0%
Sodium: 607mg, 25%
Total Carbohydrates: 14.7g, 13%
Dietary Fiber: 3.1g, 12%
Sugars: 3.6g
Protein: 6.2g
Vitamin A 1%, Vitamin C 69%, Calcium 4%, Iron 6%, Based on a 2000 calorie diet.

How to Make "Rice" from Cauliflower

2009-05-05T12:31:00.000+02:00

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbsidedishes/r/caulirice.htm

This is my method for making "rice" from cauliflower. If you haven't tried it, you must! It tastes very mild. It can be used under a sauce, such as crab imperial or chicken ala king, or as the base for a dish such as fried "rice" or a "rice" salad. It does not work well as a substitute for rice in casseroles where the function of the rice is to absorb liquid.

Watch the Demonstration Video of How to Make Cauliflower "Rice"

1 head cauliflower (or however much you want)

Preparation:
To make this dish the most easily and to have it come out the best, three pieces of equipment are very helpful:

- A food processor
- A microwave
- A covered (or fairly tightly coverable) microwave-safe dish

1) Process fresh cauliflower until it is the size of rice, either using the plain steel blade or the shredder blade. Alternatively, you can shred it with a hand-held grater, or even use a knife, if you have the dexterity to chop it up VERY finely.

2) Microwave it in a covered dish. DO NOT ADD WATER. Cauliflower absorbs water like crazy, and the "granules" will become gummy. To keep it fluffy, just let the moisture in the cauliflower do its work.

Carb Count: Each cup contains 5 grams of carbohydrate, about half of which is fiber, for a ECC of 2.5 grams.

One Pan Roasted Dinner Recipes - Dinner in One Pan - Roasted Meats Roasted Vegetables

2009-05-05T12:06:00.000+02:00

One Pan Roasted Dinner Recipes - Dinner in One Pan - Roasted Meats Roasted Vegetables:

"Roasting, or cooking in dry, relatively high heat, is a fabulous way to cook most meats and vegetables. The high heat concentrates the flavors of the food, caramelizes the sugars in meats and vegetables, and browns food beautifully.

I don't think there's an easier way to make dinner when you come home from work or school. Just plop the meats and vegetables, along with some seasonings and maybe a sauce, into a roasting pan, put it in the oven, and in about an hour you'll have a complete dinner ready for four to six people."

Overnight Casserole Recipes - Make Ahead Main Dish Casserole Recipes

2009-05-04T15:04:00.000+02:00

Overnight Casserole Recipes - Make Ahead Main Dish Casserole Recipes:

"Casseroles are the perfect choice for cold winter nights. When it's snowing or raining outside with the wind howling around the chimney, tuck into a comforting casserole to warm you up inside and out. And these casseroles have an additional bonus: you can make them the day before and refrigerate them until it's time to eat.

Any of the casseroles in my Freeze Ahead Casserole Recipes article can be made the day ahead and chilled instead of freezing. The baking time will be the same if, in the frozen casserole recipe, the dish is thawed in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

I like entertaining with these casseroles, because you do all of the work ahead of time. Your kitchen will be spotless, and you can still pull a bubbling, savory casserole out of the oven. Add a bagged salad with a special dressing, and some garlic toast and you've got quite a meal."

Once a Month Cooking and Freezing Recipes Tips Lessons - OAMC - Cook and Freeze Meals Ahead of Time Meals for a Month

2009-05-03T15:04:00.000+02:00

Once a Month Cooking and Freezing Recipes Tips Lessons - OAMC - Cook and Freeze Meals Ahead of Time Meals for a Month:

"Once a month cooking is a very popular topic. There are entire web sites devoted to recipes, hints, and rules (and my first cookbook, Everything Meals for a Month now available). If you have an reliable, large freezer and want to devote one weekend a month to a marathon cooking session, OAMC is an excellent way to save time.

There are a few ways to tackle OAMC. You can cook double batches of your favorite recipes and freeze them in smaller containers; you can cook 20 individual recipes and freeze them; or you can buy a large quantity of meats and ingredients, cook a large batch of starter foods (meats, spaghetti sauce or chili) and then make lots of different casseroles and entrees from the starter.

You have to be very organized to cook such a large amount of food at one time, keep it safe and package and label well. These plans are called 'meal plans'. I like to triple five to ten recipes at a time; that way, we eat the same meal three times a month, which is very acceptable."

Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Cooking - Easy Cooking Tips

2009-04-30T15:54:00.000+02:00

Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Cooking - Easy Cooking Tips:

"Do your tried and true recipes suddenly seem a bit dull? Are you looking for ways to bring a little extra pizazz to your cooking? Here are five simple tips to help you become a better cook instantly!
1. Season Boldly
'Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Cooking'Photo © Jeremy Keith
When we speak of 'seasoning,' we're usually talking about salt. It's the main seasoning agent in the culinary arts and something many beginning cooks don't use enough of.

Don't be afraid to salt aggressively. And by the way, that means Kosher salt, not ordinary table salt. Before grilling meats and roasting poultry, sprinkle on the Kosher salt and see what a difference it makes.

But don't stop there. When cooking pasta, be sure to salt the pasta water before heating it. Use about a handful of Kosher salt for each six quarts of water — depending on the size of your hands. The same goes for the water you use to boil potatoes for mashed potatoes. The water should taste salty — almost like sea water. Which brings us to our next tip..."

How to Make Quick Tomato Sauce

2009-04-29T17:14:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/busycooks/Tomato-Sauce.--20.htm

Steaming - Cooking With Steam - Steaming Food

2009-04-29T15:55:00.001+02:00

Steaming - Cooking With Steam - Steaming Food:

"Cooking With Steam
Steaming can be done on a stovetop, with a pot containing a small amount of liquid that is brought to a simmer. The item to be cooked is then placed in a basket suspended above the liquid and the pot covered.

The hot steam circulates through the pot and cooks the food very quickly. This technique is known as 'compartment steaming.' The bamboo steamers used in Asian cuisine are an example of a compartment steamer."

Angels

2009-04-29T13:07:00.001+02:00

Bea Arthur: A Golden Girl

2009-04-28T09:55:00.002+02:00

Farewell, Dorothy. A tribute to Bea Arthur.

Bea Arthur: The Golden Girl who didn't disappoint.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/apr/27/bea-arthur-golden-girls

How to Roast a Red Pepper

2009-04-22T15:33:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/italianfood/Roasted-Red-Pepper.htm

Cutting an Onion

2009-04-21T11:49:00.000+02:00

I love Alton Brown

Rosemary Salt

2009-04-18T00:13:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/herbsspices/Homemade-Rosemary-Salt.htm

Organizing for Weight Loss

2009-04-16T15:51:00.000+02:00

Organizing for Weight Loss:

"Good organization and good health go hand in hand, Peter says. Do you schedule time for grocery shopping and physical activity? Are your kitchen, pantry and refrigerator organized for efficient and healthy cooking?

Rather than focusing on the latest fad diet or workout plan to lose weight, Peter says to focus on getting organized and making small lifestyle changes that will make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. 'If you focus on the food, you will never lose weight,' he says."

How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

2009-04-16T00:01:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/americanfood/Clean-a-Butcher-Block.htm

Beginner's Guide to Exercise

2009-04-12T11:48:00.000+02:00

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=M7fwAOS__wc

How to Chop an Onion Without Crying

2009-04-12T01:18:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/southernfood/No-Cry-Onion-Chopping.htm

How To Make Puréed Soups - Puréed Soup Basic Procedure - Making Puréed Soup

2009-04-11T16:01:00.000+02:00

How To Make Puréed Soups - Puréed Soup Basic Procedure - Making Puréed Soup:

"How To Make Puréed Soups
Though there are many variations and exceptions to the following procedure, these are the general steps for making basic pureed soups from fresh vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, celery, asparagus and so on.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 30 min"

El cocinero fiel

2009-04-11T11:38:00.000+02:00

http://es.youtube.com/user/elcocinerofiel

http://elcocinerofiel.blogspot.com/

Arroz con pollo (sin caldo):

Eat Slowly

2009-04-11T02:51:00.000+02:00

Eat slowly, it's healthier and you'll feel fuller in less time.

http://www.slowfood.com/

Healthy Sweet Potatoes Fries

2009-04-10T13:19:00.000+02:00

How to Clean Fresh Leeks

2009-04-08T13:12:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/frenchfood/Cleaning-Fresh-Leeks.htm

Learning to Make Your Own Reality

2009-04-03T09:15:00.002+02:00

Learning to Make Your Own Reality - IGDA Education Keynote 2009

View more presentations from avantgame.

Jane Graves - Authors - Random House

2009-04-02T20:00:00.000+02:00

Jane Graves - Authors - Random House:

"Jane Graves had been writing her whole life but turned her attentions to romance just a few years ago. She was a finalist in the 1999 Romance Writers Association Golden Heart contest. She lives with her husband and sixteen-year-old daughter, where she is at work on her next book."

http://www.janegraves.com/index.html

Pick Me Up Soup - Spinach Soup Recipe

2009-03-31T11:51:00.000+02:00

Pick Me Up Soup - Spinach Soup Recipe:

"This Pick Me Up Soup is my favorite soup when I feel I need a boost of healthy vegetables. It is basically a spinach soup with added vitamin packed vegetables blended together into a creamy soup. This spinach soup is also great if you are on a detox program or watching your weight.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:

* 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* 1 large red onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1lb fresh, baby spinach, washed
* 1lb fresh watercress, washed
* ¼ lb ruccola/rocket, washed
* 35 fl oz/1 liter vegetable stock (if not fresh use a good stock cube)
* 1 large potato, peeled and cut into 8
* Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
Serves 4

* Heat the olive oil in a stock pot or large saucepan. Sauté the onion for five minutes, then add the garlic cook for a further 2 minutes.
* Add the spinach, watercress and rocket to the onion and stir.
* Add the vegetable stock and potato.
* Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until the potato is soft but not broken up.
* Blend the soup using a hand blender or food processor. Season to taste and serve or"

How to Make Guacamole

2009-03-30T17:17:00.000+02:00

http://video.about.com/mexicanfood/Guacamole.htm

Daphne Miller on her book "The Jungle Effect"

2009-03-24T13:23:00.000+01:00

Doctor Daphne Miller visits Google's Mountain View, CA headquarters to discuss her book, "The Jungle Effect." This event took place on May 23, 2008, as part of the Authors@Google series. For more information about Dr. Miller, please visit http://www.drdaphne.com/

Dr. Daphne Miller undertook a worldwide quest to find diets that are both delicious and healthy. Written in a style reminiscent of Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver, The Jungle Effect is filled with inspiring stories from Dr. Miller's patients, quirky travel adventures, interviews with world-renowned food experts, delicious (yet authentic) indigenous recipes, and valuable diet secrets that will stick with you for a lifetime.

Daphne Miller, MD, is a board-certified family physician in private practice in San Francisco. She is an associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco, where she teaches nutrition and integrative medicine. A graduate of Brown University and Harvard Medical School, she did her residency at UCSF and an Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, the architect Ross Levy, and her two children, Arlen and Emet.

More Zumba

2009-03-23T15:34:00.000+01:00

Zumba

2009-03-23T15:30:00.000+01:00

Zumba class by Tanya Beardsley:

Elizabeth Gilbert on "Eat, Pray, Love"

2009-03-22T11:28:00.002+01:00

The Authors@Google program presents Elizabeth Gilbert author of "Eat, Pray Love":
A New York Times bestseller, Eat, Pray, Love is the story of the author, in her early 30s, dividing a year equally among three dissimilar countries - Italy, India, and Bali, exploring her competing urges for earthly delights and divine transcendence. Sustaining a chatty, conspiratorial tone, Gilbert fully engages readers in the year's cultural and emotional tapestry as she details her exotic tableau with history, anecdote and impression.

"Gilbert's prose is fueled by a mix of intelligence, wit and colloquial exuberance that is close to irresistible, and makes the reader only too glad to join the posse of friends and devotees who have the pleasure of listening in." JENNIFER EGAN, NY Times, Feb 2006

99 Brilliant Writing and Book Links | The Creative Penn

2009-03-19T14:34:00.002+01:00

Read the whole article. It's very interesting.

99 Brilliant Writing and Book Links | The Creative Penn:

"1) The best book blogs http://books.alltop.com

2) 7 Keys to Being a Good Writer http://short.to/2j0h

3) Writing lessons from Olympic speed-skater, Steven Bradbury http://tinyurl.com/deb4u

4) 25 Million Chinese Readers for Online Novels http://short.to/2j0e #writers - get your book translated

5) The power of 1-page proposals http://tinyurl.com/ccuxem

6) Creating Characters that Jump Off the Page http://short.to/2h2j

7) Literary agents: do I need one and how do I get one? http://jijr.com/JF2

8) Ten Words That Will Ruin Your Book Title http://snipr.com/e212h

9) Easy-to-Fix Dialogue Mistakes http://short.to/2h2a"

How to Prepare Roasted Garlic

2009-03-19T13:16:00.000+01:00

Low Fat on a Budget - Healthy Eating on a Budget

2009-03-18T15:14:00.000+01:00

Low Fat on a Budget - Healthy Eating on a Budget:

"With food prices soaring, even staples such as bread, milk and eggs are causing shoppers to dig deeper. How can we shop for nutritious, low-fat foods without breaking the bank?

Realistically, it's just not feasible for most people to spend upwards of $10 on a bottle of cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil to take advantage of its purported heart-healthy benefits, or to shell out $15 for a pound of fresh halibut. Organic arugula? Just not a priority.

Before we stock up on ramen noodles and boxed mac and cheese, or eat off the dollar menu at our local burger joint, we can shave dollars off our weekly grocery bill in other ways--yet still eat healthy, nutritious, low-fat food. It mostly boils down to:

1. Meal planning
2. Sticking to a shopping list
3. Keeping an eye out for special offers
4. Shopping by yourself if possible
5. Not setting out with an empty stomach.

How to Begin:

* Decide ahead of time what you plan to eat for the week. Make a list of the ingredients. Check which ones you have on hand, and which ones you'll need to buy. I'll often throw a package of something in my cart only to find I had three or four them hidden at the back of my pantry. If I'd checked my supplies, I could have avoided unnecessary.

What to Buy

Meat: Eat red meat only occasionally. Unfortunately, lean and extra-lean varieties tend to be more expensive than fattier cuts. Filet mignon is probably not going to be on your menu, but extra-lean or lean ground beef might be. In this case, consider buying larger packs, so the unit cost of the meat is lower. Use what you need for your planned meal, then freeze the rest. Plus, if a recipe calls for a pound of lean ground beef, consider using only 3/4 of a pound instead. Your meat will stretch further, and you'll reduce the amount of fat in your meals.
Lean cuts of meat like the round also tend to be tough cuts. These cook beautifully in the slow cooker, so you can still enjoy relatively inexpensive, fork-tender meat. Again, use meat sparingly so that it accents your meal rather than dominates it.
Poultry: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be very expensive. These would be a good item to buy in larger quantities if you have space. The unit cost of buying chicken in a larger package will be less than choosing a package with just two chicken breasts or selecting them piece by piece from the meat counter. Buy plain chicken breasts rather than pre-seasoned or marinated chicken.
Occasionally a whole chicken is cheaper than buying a pound pack of chicken breasts. Roast the chicken and remove the skin before eating it. Use leftovers in soups or sandwiches.
Chicken thighs are cheaper than chicken breasts, and so long as you opt for the skinless variety, you won't consume a significant amount of extra fat. Thigh meat is rich, so you don't need as much of it.
Fish: Some fish can be expensive, so see if there are any good deals on fresh varieties. Tilapia and sole are relatively cheap. If the cost is prohibitive, choose frozen fish fillets or fish steaks. Opt for plain fillets rather than breaded or marinated fish. Plain fillets are lower in fat, sodium and other additives. If fresh fish happens to be on sale, buy some for today and some for your freezer.

Beans: Beans are a cheap and wonderful alternative source of protein. Canned beans may seem reasonably cheap, but you can get more bang for your buck if you buy dried beans and cook them yourself. Plus, canned beans are usually high in sodium. Bags of lentils are also relatively inexpensive.

Dairy: If money is tight, then you won't want to pay extra for organic low-fat milk. Buy what you can afford for drinking, and consider buying milk powder for baking. Nonfat and low-fat milk should be no more expensive than whole milk or 2 percent milk.
Buy blocks of reduced-fat cheese and grate it yourself rather than buying packs of pre-shredded cheese. Again, reduced-fat cheese shouldn't be more expensive than regular cheese.
Buy stronger flavor cheeses over milder ones, and use smaller amounts. You'll get the flavor for fewer calories, and your cheese supply will last longer. Pre-sliced cheese is more expensive than blocks. Slice your own!
Light ice cream, which shouldn't be more expensive than regular ice cream, should still be an occasional treat, not an everyday dessert, so buy as large a container as you can fit in your freezer, and enjoy it once a week. Stick to a half cup serving size, and the tub will stretch further!
Fruits and Vegetables: Yes, fresh produce can be expensive, but if you're cutting back on processed snacks and non-essential packaged foods, you can afford some fresh fruit and veggies. Snacking on carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli rather than salty fat-filled crackers and chips is so much better for you.
Buy whole carrots and cut them into pieces or shred them yourself. Pre-cut veggies, while convenient, are an expensive way to buy them.
Same goes for fruit. Cut cantaloupe or pineapple are much more expensive than buying the whole fruit. Plus, some of the vitamins may be lost if the cut items have been sitting around for a while.
Buy in season. Asparagus in November is going to be expensive, but much less so in April and May. Cherries in February are not even worth considering, but much more affordable in June. Don't buy packaged salad mixes or even bagged pre-washed lettuce. Buy lettuce by the head. Check out farmers markets for some good deals on fresh, local produce.
When it comes to apples and oranges, it actually does pay to buy the bagged version rather than the loose variety.
Eat frozen fruit and veggies. Frozen vegetables can be a very economical way of getting some of your 5-9 servings. Stock up on peas, green beans, chopped frozen spinach, sweet corn and squash.
Consider growing your own veggies. Growing some tomatoes, zucchini and a few herbs here and there can make a difference.
Canned and Packaged Goods: Store brands are cheaper than named brands, from pasta to cereal.
Choose low-sodium canned goods, water-packed meat or tuna, and water-packed or low-sugar canned fruit. Canned tomatoes are a great bargain, as they can be used in so many recipes. Buy whole-grain rice and pasta in large packages instead of small boxes. It helps, too, if you stick to serving sizes, then your pasta and rice will last much longer.
Condiments: These tend to be more occasional purchases. Buy as large a bottle as you can use/afford.

Beverages: Do you really need bottled water? Skip the soda and sugary juice drinks. Spend your money on nutritious drinks like milk."

"Witch Fire" by Anya Bast

2009-03-17T18:02:00.000+01:00

Book Trailers: 11 steps to make your own | The Creative Penn

2009-03-16T21:48:00.001+01:00

Book Trailers: 11 steps to make your own | The Creative Penn:

"Book trailers are videos posted online and distributed via video networking sites like YouTube. These can be big budget blockbuster movie clips, or budget MovieMaker slides to music. You can make it an advert or a social media fun clip that people want to watch. It can be a human interest story made more like a documentary. It can be a cartoon. Essentially, it is anything you want it to be. Anything that catches people’s attention. You can get a professional to make you one or you can make your own for little or no money."

San Francisco - SFoodie - The Obama Diet: The First Foodie Family

2009-03-14T09:13:00.000+01:00

San Francisco - SFoodie - The Obama Diet: The First Foodie Family:

"Alice Waters, who has been trying for years to get Presidents from Clinton to Obama to get on board with her vision of fresh, local, seasonal, organic food for all (read her letters to Clinton and Obama here), should be happy: it seems like her efforts are finally bearing fruit. (Pun intended.)

It turns out that, although Clinton did not sow an organic vegetable garden on the White House lawn, as Alice requested, ex-White House chef (for Clinton and Bush) Walter Scheib wrote in a letter to the New York Times that, indeed, not only was there 'a small garden on the roof of the White House where produce was grown,' but also 'nearly all the product used [in the White House kitchen] was obtained from local growers and suppliers,' including the frequently-used 'wagyu and grass-fed beef,' one of Waters' main concerns.
And Mchelle Obama, who declined Waters' offer (along with Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl and New York restaurateur Danny Meyer) to choose a new White House chef, in order to stick with Cristeta Comerford, a Filipino who is both the first woman and the first member of a minority to hold that position, continues to up the ante on the food front."

The Best Life Challenge Weigh In

2009-03-13T14:59:00.000+01:00

The Best Life Challenge Weigh In:

"When Oprah and fitness trainer Bob Greene issued a challenge to millions of viewers in January 2007, thousands asked to take part to lose weight. The six who were chosen represent the diverse backgrounds of everyone who struggles with their weight.

Barbara from Orlando is a 50-year-old divorced mother who used food and cigarettes to hide her pain.

Melissa from Salt Lake City is a former beauty queen turned stay-at-home mom who felt checked out from her own life.

LaToya from New York City is a PhD student who felt self-conscious about her weight.

Tracy from Chicago couldn't get any diet to stick.

Bill from Boston owns four health clubs, but he has gained more than 100 pounds since his wedding day.

Tori from Washington, D.C., is an artist and mother of two who puts so much emphasis on her family that she didn't take care of herself.

Bob says if you've been on fad diets before, his Best Life Diet might shock you at how slow the weight comes off. 'You're used to maybe the first week on a very restrictive diet losing a lot of water weight, which is not what you want,' he says. 'You want to lose fat, and a pound or two a week is really what's perfect.'

That, he says, is because it's a realistic way to lose weight and keep it off."

Cocinar sin grasa - AOL Latino Tu Vida

2009-03-12T12:43:00.000+01:00

Cocinar sin grasa - AOL Latino Tu Vida:

"Cocinar: con gracia pero sin grasa
Por Daniel Galilea/ EFE,
Tu salud no depende sólo de lo que ingieres, sino de cómo lo cocinas. Cuánto menos contenido graso tengan los alimentos cuando lleguen a tu estómago, menor será el daño que sufran tus arterias. Conoce las técnicas de cocción más eficaces para mantener el sabor y las propiedades de las comidas, sin que se perjudiquen tus vasos sanguíneos ni tu corazón."