Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

A Country Western themed menu is perfect for almost any type of party. Perfect for a great Sunday afternoon, try these country western menu options for your next after lazy afternoon party.

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

Select a terrific appetizer for a country western party like pigs in a blanket. There are many varieties of pigs in a blanket - you can wrap hot dogs in heat and eat croissants, or make a mixture of meat and onions to wrap in cabbage leaves. After guests devour the pigs in a blanket, sit down with a main course of slow cooked barbeque ribs and sour cream corn bread. Finish the meal off with sweet strawberry shortcake. Of course it wouldn't be a country western party without the guests' favorite beer to sip on.
To create the sour cream corn bread for the country western party start with 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 scant teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup sour cream, 1 can (approx. 15 ounces) cream-style corn, 3 eggs, and 6 tablespoons butter, melted. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the remaining ingredients. Combine mixtures, stirring until all ingredients are moistened. Spread in a greased and floured 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 375° for 35 to 40 minutes.

Hot Dog Cooker

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

A perfect Sunday afternoon is complete after eating this country western menu of pigs in a blanket, barbeque ribs, sour cream corn bread and strawberry shortcake. Try these dishes at your next gathering or any meal with loved ones. This will keep your guests trotting back for more.

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

Giddy Up for a Country Western Menu

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

Background information

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

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How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

Quinoa is often thought of as a grain but in fact seeds from a plant. These seeds are small and come in a range of varieties. The most common variety is white which has now become readily available in the uk being stocked by Tesco, Sainsbury's and numerous health Food shops. Red quinoa has recently become available in the uk although I understand that it has been on sale in the U.S. for quite some time.

The truth about rinsing

For most types you do not need to rinse it. This is because the large manufacturers realized that they would sell more if it was prewashed before going on sale. So I have not found quinoa on sale that has not been rinsed in the last few months. If it tastes bitter then you need to rinse it by running it under a cold tap for 2 - 3 minutes before Cooking.

What does it taste like?

This superFood has a unique flavour and feel to it. It is compared to rice but it has a definite crunch to it. If you overcook it, it will become soft and fluffy like rice but it will not become sticky and stodgy like overcooked rice does. The flavour is unique but is similar to other grains which is probably why it gets confused with other grains. The best description I can think of is like a mildly crunchy porridge.

How do you cook it?

The simplest method is to boil it. You take one part of quinoa to two parts of cold water. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 10 - 20 minutes. There are 2 factors that effect the Cooking time.

You can slightly under cook the grains for 8 - 10 minutes which gives a much nuttier and crunchy feel. This is the way I prefer it. When it is subsequently added to other ingredients for a bit more Cooking it is better to undercook it. In fact one method of Cooking (shown below) includes no pre-cooking at all.

How to microwave these grains

It can be cooked in a microwave quite simply. Using the same ratio of 1 part quinoa and 2 parts water place them in a microwave dish and cook for 3 minutes. Then leave to stand. Stir for a moMent and cook for a further 3 - 5 minutes. Allow to stand for 2 minutes. Any remaining liquid can be drained - it is important that the grains in a microwave are not allowed to go dry.

Cooking soups and casseroles

This method simply includes quinoa in soup recipes and casseroles. There is no need to pre-cook the grains in the ways shown above. In soups it can add substance and flavour just by adding it to a favourite recipe. It really is a matter of trying out different soup recipes to find out what you like. Casseroles are very similar.

How to sprout

Quinoa sprouts are the least impressive sprouts you will ever see.It takes only 2 - 3 days to sprout and must be eaten straight away as it does not keep well. The sprouts are tiny. The benefit of preparing the grains this way is that you can eat it raw. A huge boost for those on a restrictive diet demanding raw food. The protein content is almost legendary and raw it really packs a punch as it is full of nutrients and vitamins. It is best combined with other salad vegetables as it can be quite bland on its own.

How to Cook Quinoa - Four Different Methods For Preparing Quinoa

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

A hot dog is a classic American treat - much like Grandma's hot apple pie or a Sunday afternoon spent Watching a baseball game. When choosing your hot dog equipMent, it is important to know the difference between a grill, a Steamer, and a rotisserie. Once you are familiar with the most popular equipMent, it will be easy to choose which one is right for your concession stand.

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

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How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

The Convenience of a Steamer

A hot dog Steamer is a compact way to serve delicious hot dogs at any type of event or venue. A steamer is most often made from stainless steel, with pricing starting at 0. A mid-size hot dog steamer is capable of handling a quarter pound of hot dogs at one time.

However, the large steamer is actually a better buy then a smaller model; it has a separate water pan and heat control that makes it a more efficient product. With this type of steamer, there is more Cooking room and the sections easily come apart, making cleaning a breeze.

The Appeal of a Hot Dog Grill

A grill is one of the most popular pieces of hot dog equipMent that is currently available. A hot dog grill is highly popular because most of the population loves grilled Food, especially during the summertime. There are different types and sizes of grills that can handle a small or large volume of people.

A grill is more expensive then a steamer, but can service a greater volume of customers. For example, the Lil' Diggity Slanted Hot Dog Grill has dual heat and motor controls that make this hot dog grill easy to handle, even during peak times. The hot dog grill has a stainless steel cabinet and stainless steel roller tubes, which are guaranteed for life.

The one downside to having a hot dog grill, beyond the cost factor, is that it takes 20-30 minutes to cook each dog. You will have to have a staff member work the grill at all times and be ready to handle peak times. Nonetheless, a hot dog grill, whichever size, appeals to all of the senses of your customers, and it delivers a delicious merchandise every time.

The Volume Capabilities of a Hot Dog Rotisserie

A rotisserie is an easy way to cook over 50 hot dogs at one time. The visual appeal of a hotdog rotisserie makes it an excellent addition to any concession stand; the rotating rack attracts the attention of the consumer, therefore increasing the amount of traffic that your hot dog stand receives. Also, most rotisseries come with a bun warmer, holding up to 40 buns at once. You obtain the bonus of a two-in-one piece of equipMent, which minimizes both space needs and expense.

A hot dog rotisserie is more expensive than the other options, but an attractive element for any concession stand to have.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Concession Stand

Your choice in concession equipment depends upon your budget, size restrictions, and volume needs. You should also keep in mind that there are several enhancements you can make to the equipment, such as bun warmers. In addition, you want to provide sufficient space for condiments, as a hot dog is naked without ketchup, mustard, and relish.

Whichever type of hot dog equipment you choose, the all-American classic Food will give you a surefire hit, regardless of the type of venue you are servicing.

How To Choose Between Hot Dog Grills, Steamers, And Rotisseries For Your Concession Stand

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

In deciding on whether you want to get a hot dog push cart or a trailer towed cart, here are some features that you should also consider:

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

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Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Hot Dog Broiler

A Food cart will often include a broiler for keeping those dogs toasty. The hot dog broiler is your classic "heat box" where the dogs rotate on sticks. As they rotate, they get close to the broiling area where they get heated through.

Hot Dog Steamer

A Steamer works on a different principle. It uses hot steam to cook the dogs. This will also be a common fixture on your cart.

Bun Warmer

A bun warmer is an important part of the cart setup for sellers who want to create the best experience for their patrons. It keeps the buns crisp and presentable. It is often attached to a larger commercial machine.

Continuous Welding

This is a welding method where the weld goes all along a seam to provide added strength. This is used on some street vending carts to make sure they stand up to the pressures of the road.

Hot dog carts should ideally be:

Built from durable materials that resist corrosion
Able to withstand constant use and abuse
Hygienic
Easy to clean

To achieve these qualities, most carts are made of stainless steel. But some carts also have parts made from plastic, wood or fiberglass. Vending carts may vary from a lightweight push cart at about 200 lbs (90 kg) to fully enclosed walk-in carts weighing half a ton or more.

Health code regulations are usually dictated by state and county health departMents and, as a result, they vary widely across the United States and Canada. In addition to determining the kind of Food to be served, these local codes often specify the types of equipMent that should be installed on a mobile Food cart.

These mandated health regulations also ensure that the Food cart has built-in facilities for appropriate hygiene standards, the equipMent and utensils being used, and the operator handling the food.

This may include hot and cold running water, an insulated ice box, and a number of separate sinks for washing hands and utensils. Some jurisdictions even clearly specify that a cart have as many as four sinks.

Local or state codes may also require that a food cart be approved by a quality assurance agency such as NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation). Local health codes may also require:

The cart to be physically inspected by the local health department; and
A cart operator should attend a training course in safe food handling and preparation.

Choosing between a push cart and tow cart as your next hot dog cart will basically depend on your space requirements and budget.

Features That You Should Have on Your Hot Dog Street Vending Cart

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Rice is one of those fantastic Foods which goes with just about anything and makes summertime meal preparation quick and easy. Who wants to spend hours in a hot kitchen when the sun is shining and there's laughter in the Air?

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

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Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Here are five great rice dishes to make summertime meals quick and delicious.

#1 Gallo Pinto
In Costa Rica rice is a staple, they even have it for breakFast. This tasty dish will help you start your day on the right foot.

Step One: Make one cup of white rice.

Step Two: You can make this ahead of time, the night before, and store it in your refrigerator. Sautee one small chopped onion in one tbsp of olive oil.

Step Three: Add one can of rinsed and drained black beans and one package of adobo sauce with cilantro and one tbsp of Lizano sauce. This is a salsa commonly found in Costa Rica. You can find it in your grocer or online.

Step Four: Refrigerate or set aside.

Step Five: Scramble two eggs in a nonstick pan. Add bean mixture and rice to egg mixture and serve.

#2 Chile-Cheese Burritos with Rice

Step One: Cook 1 cup of white rice.

Step Two: Sautee ½ cup shredded zucchini, ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, and 1 tbsp of canned chopped green chilies in a non-stick pan coated with Cooking spray.

Step Three: Add rice to sautéed vegetables, cook for one minute, remove from heat and add 3 tbsp sour cream.

Step Four: Warm flour tortillas according to package directions. Place rice mixture in the center of the tortilla, top with 1 oz of Monterey jack cheese and roll up.

Step Five: Serve with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a Dollop of salsa - enjoy!

#3 Fried Rice

This wonderfully easy recipe is great for leftover rice and makes a great quick and easy meal.

Step One: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium high heat in large skillet or wok.

Step Two: Add one or two eggs to pan (depending on how eggy you like your fried rice) and 1 teaspoon of dark sesame oil. Stir fry for two minutes.

Step Three: Add three cups of cold rice and stir fry for three minutes.

Step Four: Add vegetables of choice to rice. Common ingredients include ½ cup peas, ¼ cup diced carrot, and ¼ cup chopped onion.

Step Five: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with soy sauce - enjoy!

#4 Summertime Rice Salad

Cold rice? You betcha! This great salad is best served cold and jam packed with healthy seasonal vegetables.

Step One: Cook two cups of white rice.

Step Two: Chop and combine 2 green onions, 2 to 3 cloves of garlic, crushed and finely minced, 1 small summer squash, 1 large tomato, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1 cup spinach leaves, rolled together tightly and very thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 small carrot, grated or minced.

Step Three: In a small bowl combine: 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.

Step Four: Pour lemon juice and oil Dressing over vegetables. Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

Step Five: Add rice to vegetable mixture and refrigerate or serve immediately.

#5 Rice Pudding.

We've covered breakFast, lunch, dinner and a salad, it's time for dessert and what's better than rice pudding?

Step One: Cook ¾ cup of your favorite rice. Basmati makes the best pudding.

Step Two: Combine 6 egg yolks and ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl and beat until smooth.

Step Three: Add the rice to the egg mixture and place in a shallow baking dish or pie pan.

Step Four: Place dish containing egg and rice mixture in a larger dish and add boiling water until it reaches halfway up the side of the egg mixture dish.

Step Five: Bake in a 250 degree oven for about an hour. Insert a knife in the center of the pudding. If it is done the knife will come out clean.

Step Six: Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Step Seven: Before serving sprinkle pudding with brown sugar and place under a pre-heated broiler for about one minute. Watch closely so it doesn't burn! Serve warm or cold.

Rice makes a fine foundation for a wide range of meals, while it can certainly be enjoyed year around the simplicity makes it a great base for many summertime meals.

Five Great Summer Rice Dishes

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Choosing a used hot dog cart over a brand new one when starting a Food cart business is a wise move. Of course, that's because used carts are a lot cheaper than brand new ones. However, getting a used Food cart has its fAir share of pitfalls. Here is a list of these mistakes and how to avoid them:

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

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Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Hesitancy

Used hot dog carts are sold by former hot dog cart owners upon them upgrading their hot dog cart business. Vending cart manufacturers, more often than not, sell these used Food carts. Generally, they are sold at very affordable or under market value. In addition, they are refurbished to excellent condition. They sell rather quickly.

If you are having second thoughts or chose to live outgetting one, more likely you'll end up either having no other choice but to get the more expensive brand new cart or getting nothing at all.

Partial Research and Incomplete Examination

There are several online classified ads and sites that also advertise used hot dog carts such as eBay and craigslist. You can scout any of these websites. Specifications of these food carts will most likely be detailed on the site. However, there are physical features that you may need to actually see.

If you don't conduct thorough research about the unit you might end up getting a used hot dog cart in less then acceptable condition. So contact the trader and ask questions about the online shop. Take the time to personally inspect it.

Less DetailedInspection

Keep in mind that you have to painstakingly check the used cart you intend to buy. Other than the health inspection you have to inspect these three important features of a used cart:

1. the actual condition of the cart
2. inherent structural damages
3. possible hidden and unknown defects.

Getting an Non-inspected Used Cart

Does the used carts pass all health departMent requireMents? When was its last inspection? These are two basic and most important questions that you should be asking the seller or vending cart manufacturer when you decide to buy a used cart.

If the used food cart you're eying to buy hasn't been recently inspected or didn't pass a health inspection, you'll probably end up spending more money on upgrades in order to meethealth department regulations. Remember, you're just starting in the food cart business and you're still testing the waters. Save money where you can by buying equipment that needs minimal upgrading to operate and meets minimum code.

Impatience

Buying a used food cart that actually meets your ideal and fits your business plan can be arduous, tricky and quite difficult. Patience is what you need. However, this doesn't mean that you should dawdle.

So take your time to research but don't sit on your hands too long once you have all the information to make a purchase. Ask questions. Scout around. You'll see ... all your efforts and perseverance will all be worth it once you find the used hot dog cart that suits your business needs best.

Buying a Used Hot Dog Cart Pitfalls

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Summertime crock pot recipes, you may ask? But the crock pot is only used for "cold-weather meals" such as Catalan dishes, roasts, and other hearty stick-to-your-ribs type meals. Wrong! This fabulous kitchen appliance has truly received a seasonal stereotype and sits in many kitchen cupboards all summer long. Bring it back to your kitchen counter during the summer; there are so many benefits and fabulous light summertime meals that can be prepared in the slow cooker!

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

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Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Most people already know how wonderful crockpot Cooking is; throw a few ingredients in a pot, turn it on, and come back eight hours later to a wonderful home cooked meal. We also know that cheaper cuts of meat tender and juicy turn out because they're cooked with moist heat over long periods of time. It isperfect for the busy homemaker mom, the office, the busy dad, the work-at-home mom, anyone who has anything to do during the day and is Tired by dinnertime, not wanting to spend countless hours preparing dinner for their family. But crock pot Cooking is also perfect for the summertime.

Where I live, we have humid, hot, sticky summers where the last thing I want to do is turn on my oven or fire up my gas stove, much less spend time standing around them preparing meals! During the summer I don't crave meals like chicken and dumplings, lasagna, beef stew, or Pork roast. I want light meals with little or no preparation so I'm not standing in a hot kitchen getting even warmer and stickier. So, I use my crock pot! Out of any of the Cooking devices in your kitchen, it setsoff very little heat and can allow you to put everything into the slow cooker in the morning (when your kitchen is cool) and spoon it up at dinnertime (when your kitchen is not).

Sandwiches are among our favorite summertime meals, especially pAired with corn on the cob and a salad. Put a 3 pound beef or Pork roast in your crock pot with 1 cup of water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove roast and shred meat, replace to crock pot and add a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Stir, cover and cook on high an additional 15-20 minutes. Serve on sandwich buns--a great summertime meal.

Brats are also a huge summertime meal where I live, and many techniques have been created to prepare them properly. Many simmer their brats over a low flame on their stove in beerfor hours, heating up their kitchen as they do so. I use my crockpot! Place 12 brats in your crock pot, cover with 3-4 cans of beer (the cheaper the better), add one chopped onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cover and cook on high 7-8 hours. Remove brats and grill over a low flame until browned. Serve in hot dog or brat buns with ketchup, mustard, minced onion, and other desired toppings.

The crock pot is a wonderful kitchen appliance that should not be ignored during the summer. Here are more great summertime crockpot recipes!

Summertime Crockpot Recipes

Different Solar Oven Designs Pros and Cons

Most decisions in life require a balance of sorts and choosing to purchase or build a solar oven (solar cooker) is no exception. There are literally a handful of main solar oven design types and these are the solar box oven, the panel cooker, parabolic cooker, kettle, solar hybrid solar cooker and a funnel cooker.

Different Solar Oven Designs Pros and Cons

Different Solar Oven Designs Pros and Cons

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Different Solar Oven Designs Pros and Cons

Different Solar Oven Designs Pros and Cons

There are other solar oven designs in addition to these six categories that are used, for example in hot dog solar cooker, but by-and-large the majority of solar cookers fall into one of these categories.

The box cooker is probably one of the most basic solar oven designs and is literally a box concept that is designed to allow maximum sunshine to enter the insulated innerbox and heat the Food in an appropriate solar Cooking pot or pan. The heating effect is amplified by having the unit sealed with a transparent material, either buffered glass or a thick polyethylene-type plastic.

A very popular example is the Global Sun Oven, arguably the most widespread solar oven in the world. These cookers are generally good value for money, easy to use, commercially produced, effective and popular. On the downside is these cookers can be quite bulky and not as portable as some of the smaller designs. A smaller home-made variant is the solar pizza oven.

The panel cookers use flat, shiny, reflective panels to focus and concentrate sunlight onto a Cooking pot that is enclosed in a clear plastic bag. In essence it is similar to the boxcooker concept except in the majority of panel cooker designs there is no internal box. An example of a panel cooker is the CooKit solar oven. These cookers are very easy to use and light-weight, although do not quite achieve the same internal temperatures as the solar box oven peer.

Solar kettles are somewhat less conspicuous and less common compared to the other cooker designs. The solar kettle uses an evacuated due solar glass tube (solar vacuum glass tube) constructed from borosilicate glass glass to capture and store energy from the sun. This design is also referred to as a solar kettle-thermos flask. An advanTAGe is that these cookers can heat liquids to high temperatures and retain a relatively high temperatures for most of the eveningoutside of daylight hours. Whilst some Cooking of Food is possible, this is limited compared to the conventional solar cookers.

Parabolic cookers are a more sophisticated solar cooker design and while extremely effective in both domestic and industrial applications, these cookers do tend to be more pricey than their peers and as such are largely unaffordable for the entry-level solar user. These designs also tend to be quite large and not particularly portable.

Different Solar Oven Designs Pros and Cons

Football Party Menu Ideas for an Action Packed Game

It would not be wrong to say that the Party is a complete Football craze. It is not like the individuals would be sitting silently and Watching the football match but they would be booing and clapping and hollering at different times during the match. This is a ground reality. In such an environMent and atmosphere it would not be a good idea to think of a detailed Menu for your guests but it should be something that they are going to munch throughout the game and while eating they would not have to take their eyes off the game, which is the need of time.

Football Party Menu Ideas for an Action Packed Game

Football Party Menu Ideas for an Action Packed Game

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Football Party Menu Ideas for an Action Packed Game

Football Party Menu Ideas for an Action Packed Game Football Party Menu Ideas for an Action Packed Game

How To Control Stress

Research has shown that the stress hormone cortisol reduces to
person's ability to retrieve information and memory. Even
worse, this same stress hormone is linked to progressive
shrinking of the hippocampus-an important memory center in the
temporal region. High levels of stress also promote depression,
which severely impAirs memory and increases the risk for
deMentia.

How To Control Stress

How To Control Stress

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How To Control Stress

How To Control Stress

To reduce stress, try relaxation exercises. Sit quietly and
breathe deeply and slowly. Relax each part of your body,
starting with the top of your head and finishing with your toes.

Look for humor in tense situations and talk about your feelings
with family members, friends or a therapist, if necessary.

Try reducing stress and anxiety with fresh, naturalscents. In
general they induce a calming state. In one recent study,
volunteers became extremely anxious when they were confined in
coffin-like tubes, but then calmed down when the tubes were
infused with the smells of green apple and cucumber. These
odors seem to have an impact on the limbic systems, the
emotional center of the brain.

If you anticipate a situation where you will feel anxious, try to
shampoo with green-apple flavored shampoo. Here are a few tips
that will lower stress in five minutes or less:
* Move around.
* Walk rapidly around your workplace.
* Take a quick walk around the block.
* Climb rapidly up and down a flight of stAirs to really get the
heart pumping.
* Do jumping jacks in place 15.
* Stretchwhile seated at your desk. Link your fingers under a
knee and draw it to your chest. Repeat with your other knee.

This stretches the legs and the lower back.

* Stretch your arms above your head, palms up and fingers
linked. Dangle hands at your sides, then raise right shoulder
to right ear, keeping the head vertical. Repeat this with the
left shoulder. Finally, flex and bend back the fingers of each
hand. Hand stretches are especially important if you use a
Computer for long periods.

* Take 10 deep breaths long. Your belly should expand as you
inhale and contract as you exhale.

* Massage your eyes by placing your palms over them and apply
gentle pressure while spiraling your palms. Try the same
technique for your ears.Periodically, try to block out all
sight and sound for just a second or two. Researchers report
that this can be a refreshing experience from a psychological
standpoint.

* ExperiMent with aroma therapy. A drop of citrus essential oil
like lemon-lime or orange is refreshing for your office or home
and is not overbearing.

* Early morning sleep is really the most restful sleep you can
get. Men sent to bed at 2:15 am and awakened at 6:15 am
slept more soundly than ones sent to bed at 10:30 and awakened
at 2:30 am So, if you are stressed and can get only four
hours of sleep, stay up as late as possible to get the most
benefit from your limited sleep. This does not replace a full
night's sleep. Resume normal sleep pattern asquickly as
possible.

Meditation is a favorite stress buster for some people. Getting
away from the everyday hassles of the world and turning your
thoughts inward is a great stress buster. Meditation helps you
see the objectivity in your own life and thoughts in a detached
manner. Meditation is proven to reduce anxiety, work related
stress ... and blood pressure, too.
There are many meditation techniques, but here is a common one
that is simple:

* Sit quietly and comfortably in a place where you will not be
disturbed.

* Focus your attention on your breathing.

* Feel the breath as it comes into your nose .... and when it
goes out.

* Other thoughts will enter your mind. Just observe them and let
them go. Returnyour attention to your breath.
Start practicing meditation for five to 10 minutes a day,
gradually increasing it to 20 to 30 minutes. Keep a clock nearby
so you can keep track of the time but don't use an alarm that
might be jerk you back to full alertness too quickly.

Regular moderate exercise reverses much of the damage caused by
stress and can also improve immune system function, lower blood
pressure and improve your mood. The reason is because any
physical activity negates the fight-or-flight response and can
leave you feeling less tense, anxiety free and invigorated.
Aerobic exercise is an effective stress buster but you may be
more suited to relaxed walking.

Any exercise that suits you is fine. Just be sure to do it for
atleast 20 minutes each day. Don't overdoen it, however, because
more is not necessarily good for you.

Human beings have an inborn affinity for nature. The scientific
name for it is "biophilia." What that means is we enjoy things
having to do with nature. Having "natural" things around us is
psychologically beneficial. For example:

* Having an office with a view is not just prestigious. Studies
have shows that workers who have a view of grass and trees
exhibit less stress than who look at parking lots.

* Dentists who have an aquarium in their waiting room report
that their patients are less anxious.

* Eating lunch on a park bench will relax your body.

* To reduce stress, try spending time in the garden and
your troubles willseem unimportant.

* Living in the city has its own stress factors. When it
comes to a vacation, try planning it in a totally different
environMent like the mountains or seaside.

* Research studies show that people who have pets are
generally healthier and have better methods of coping with
stress. Consider obtaining a cat, dog or even a bird.

Humor is a great stress buster. Keeping a sense of humor and
learning not to take yourself so seriously definately helps.
It's hard to remain stressed when you are laughing at yourself.
Try looking for the lighter side of every situation. Indulge
your taste for entertaining books and movies.
If you have a favorite cartoon or saying, cut it out and put it
on your bathroom mirror orrefrigerator.
Try Silly antics. Things that you would normally not even
consider like walking in the rain or feeding birds in the park.

Cultivate friendships. Having close ties with others can make
you feel warm inside. Having someone to talk to about your
problems makes the problems much easier to deal with.

Just having a friend helps reduce your blood pressure and
research has shown that those who have lots of friends tend to
have a lower level of cholesterol and strong immune systems.
Following a high carb, low protein diet can help with reducing
stress for a short period of time, but should not be undertaken
on a long term basis as the carbs represent just a short term
energy boost.

Other Foods are Foods that fight stressthat are rich in
vitamins C and A like raw carrots peppers and broccoli. There's
a bonus as well, chewing crunchy Foods helps to dissipate the
tension.

How about some natural therapies for stress? Here are a few:

* Lavender-Use the flowers. This is a beautiful herb
and is widely used. Many do not realize that it is an effective
treatment for headaches related to stress. Also good for
depression.

* St. Johns Wort-Taken internally, has a sedative and
pain reducing effect. Use in treatment of neuralgia, anxiety,
tension and similar problems.

* Vervain-Also known as Wild Hyssop. Will strengthen
the nervous system while easing depression and melancholia.
Good for fever and best for colds, and formenopausal
irritations.
Here are more tips to consider for reducing stress:

* This one is a "no-brainer" and we won't go into detail
here, but if you are a smoker-STOP!

* Try to avoid tight deadlines, keep your schedule looser.

* Ask for help instead of insisting on doing it all
yourself.

TAKE A STRESS TEST

The standard tests that doctors use to tell whether you are an
easily stressed "hot reactor" (and at greater risk for disease)
are pretty simple, so take your pick, says Frank Barry, M.D.,
family practice physician in Colorado Springs and author of Make
the Change for a Healthy Heart. For the first two tests, you'll
want to take a blood pressure reading twice "once before the
test and once during thetest "for comparison.

Test 1: Chill out. In Test 1, put your hand into a bucket of
cold water for one minute and have someone measure your blood
pressure right after you have done it. If it goes up into the
high range in response to physical stress, you are a "hot
reactor. "

Test 2: Do some math. Test 2 is a little more cerebral. Start
with the number 100 and mentally subtract 7, then continue to
subtract 7 until you get to 2. In the midst of your figuring,
have your blood pressure taken. "There's no exercise, no threat
to your life, but a lot of people still feel mental stress and
their blood pressure shoot up, "says Dr. Barry.

Test 3: Talk to yourself. You can also test yourself without
the shock of cold wateror the mental anguish of math. As
yourself: "Are you working toward your own true goals or
someone else 's? "If you are busy trying to keep up with the
Joneses, you're still in the rat race, even if you have reTired.
You're much more likely to feel the effects of stress regardless
of whether you're a "hot reactor," says Dr. Barry.

CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM

The greatest challenges to your confidence as when you're
facing a situation that looks impossible. When this happens, you
must tap in to the unseen force of self-assurance so that you
can press beyond supposed limits. It's not a matter of what
things look like on the outside-the key is to recognize what
you have working on the inside.
Confidence is often themissing link to seeing yourself
accomplish the impossible. You just have to believe that you
have what it takes to be successful, and don't back down from
your capable stance.

You are in control of your thoughts. If you choose to believe
you have confidence that you're energized-then you will be.
The next time you face a big challenge, take a deep breath and
fill your heart with the belief that you have unlimited energy
running through your veins. Build your confidence by reflecting
on those things you've already accomplished. If you did it once,
you can certainly do it again.

Today, receive the confidence you deserve-and you'll find that
you always had it within you.

Don't confuse self-esteem with arrogance: Arrogance is anover
evaluation of your worth, while self-esteem is a healthy opinion
of yourself-it's valuing yourself to the point that you don't
allow other people or negative situations and circumstance to
influence the way you feel about yourself. Until you value
yourself, you won't value anything, and other people won't value
you either. After all, your relationship with yourself is the
most important one you'll ever have.

When you're filled with self-doubt, give yourself a little pep
talk. Repeat

"[Your name], you are great! You are a unique individual, a new
kind of person the world has never known. You were born to do
well. You were born to succeed. You were born to bless the lives
of others. You were born to be great, and you have whatit takes
to be great. You are enthusiastic, optimistic, and a change-
embracer. You are a giver, rather than a taker. You are
organized. You are a hard worker. You are happy. You are a
master over yourself, you are a leader. You are a big thinker.
As blessed as you are with all these talents, there isn't one
thing in the world you can't do. You will never fail. [Your
name], go out and make today an ' attitude is everything "G'day!"
By making this profession every day, you'll experience an
awesome self-esteem boost! Remember, you are priceless-your
past is history, and your future is now!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Let's review some of what you have learned about stress. Steel
will snap from it and a pressure cooker will blow itslid.

Stress, pressure, tension is a fact of everyday life for most of
GE.

Remember that it puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke,
backache, headache, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, sports
injuries and infertility.

Stress can trigger serious illness like Graves ' and
fibromyalgia. Stress makes us even more susceptible to the
common cold.

With your health at stake, it is essential to use some of the
methods we have discussed. Also, it's important that you
remember that stress is a physiological response. It isn't all
in your head! You owe it to yourself to take the time to use
the stress-reducing techniques on a daily basis.

We've already given you a great selection, but we want to make
certain that you have awide range of coping skills to use at
home, work and other places. So here are an additional 12 keys
to stress reduction to help you open the door to a more relaxing
life. They contain dozens of additional helpful hints. Choose
those are best suited for you.

Breathe deeply. Relax your muscles, expanding your stomach and
chest. Exhale slowly. Repeat several times.

Follow your breath as it flows in and out. Do not try to
control it. This is a good way to relax in the midst of any
activity. This technique allows you to find a breathing pattern
that is natural and relaxing to you.
Use this yoga technique: Inhale slowly, counting to eight.
Exhale through your mouth, even more slowly, counting to
sixteen. Make a sighing sound as youexhale, and feel tension
dissolves. Repeat 10 times.

Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise, such as walking and
swimming, produces brain chemicals that uplift your mood and
mental well-being. Exercise also improves sleep and gives you
time to think and focus on other things. Beware of compulsive
exercise, however.

Yoga is an age old system for stretching and strengthening the
muscles. Take a class or learn at home with a good book or
video.

Neck and shoulder exercises are useful for the desk-bound and
arthritis sufferers.

Neck roll: Look to the right, then roll your head forward, as
if you are trying to touch your chin to your chest. Keep
rolling until you are looking over your left shoulder. Repeat
in the otherdirection.

Shoulder lift: Relieve tension in the neck by lifting the
shoulders toward the ears, then dropping them as low as they
will go. Repeat 10 times.
Eat healthy Foods. You should never skip meals. Take time out
for lunch no matter how busy you are.

Carry nutritious snacks to the office, or even the shopping
mall. A nutritionally balanced diet is important. For example,
researchers have found that even small deficiencies of thiamine,
a B-complex vitamin, can cause anxiety symptoms. Pantothenic
acid, another B-complex vitamin, is critical during times of
stress.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sweets, which can
aggravated symptoms of stress.

Don't let others get you down. Choose positive friends whoare
not worriers. Friends who constantly put you down or talk
gloomily about life will increase your anxiety.
Ask a good friend to help you talk out a problem and get it off
your chest. A long-distance call to an old pal can be great
therapy.

Forgive others instead of holding grudges. Relax your standards
-for yourself and others. Perfectionism is not the way to
happiness. Become more flexible.

Communicate clearly with your co-workers and boss. Ask
questions. Repeat instructions that you are given. Pmc
directions at the start of a project can save hours later
straightening out misunderstandings.

Be truthful with others. Lies and deception lead to stress that
always takes it toll.

Be optimistic. Countyour blessings, especially when everything
seems to go wrong. Believe that most people are doing the best
that they can.

Don't blow out of proportion problems. Live by a philosophy of
life that whittles problems down to size. The maxim, "Live one
day at a time, "has helped millions.

Plan your time wisely. And realistically. For example, don't
schedule back-to-back meetings with tight travel time. Remember
to leave room for unanticipated events "both negative and
positive. Be flexible about rearranging your agenda.

Get up 15 minutes early in the morning. Allow an extra 15
minutes to get to all appointments.

Avoid procrastination. Whatever needs doing, do it now.
Schedule unpleasant tasks early, so that you won't have toworry
about them for the rest of the day.
Keep an appointment book. Don't rely on your memory.
Do one thing at a time. Focus your attention on the person
talking to you or the Job at hand, instead of worrying about
other things. This also reduces mistakes---which lead to
more anxiety.

Be prepared to wait. Carry a book to read in case of delays.
Say "no" to requests that stretch to the limits.

Delegate. You don't have to do it all yourself. Break a Job
into separate tasks and assign them to people with the
appropriate skills. Then leave them alone to do their work.
Prevent problems before they occur. This takes some planning.

If you are flying to another city for an important meeting,
carry your presentationmaterials and Dress suit on board the
plane. Baggage does get lost.

Buy gas for the car before the tank is empty. Get regular oil
changes and checkups.
Keep food staples on hand so you can fix a Fast meal without
going to the store.

Keep food, toilet paper and toiletries on hand so you never run
out. The same goes for posTAGe stamps, paper and envelopes.
Keep duplicate keys for home, car and office secure
locations.

Retreat to recharge your spirit. Schedule private time every
day. You deserve it. UnPlug the telephone and enjoy a quiet
evening alone or with your family, or even 15 uninterrupted
minutes in the shower or bathtub.

You may want to spend a few minutes writing your feelings out in
a journal. It canhelp you find a new perspective and relieve
hidden conflicts.

Here are more spirit rechargers:

Wear earPlugs for instant peace anytime, anyplace.
Learn a meditation technique. Two methods: Observe your
thoughts as they pass through your mind. Or, repeat a word or
phrase with an uplifting meaning.

Practice progressive relaxation for 20 minutes twice a day to
relive high blood pressure and other physiological responses to
stress. Tighten and release each muscle group in turn, starting
with the soles of the feet and slowly working up to the scalp.
Plan a weekend activity that is a change of pace. If your week
is heavily scheduled, relax and enjoy noncompetitive activities.
If you are never able to finish anything during the week,choose
a project that you can complete in a few hours on Saturday or
Sunday.

Take time out for a diversion in the middle of your workday.

When the pressures of completing a project are too great, your
productivity can drop. Take a walk or stop for lunch.
Savor life's little delights. Give yourself some physical
pleasure to help your stress slip away.

Treat yourself to a professional Massage, or trade Massages with
a loved one.

Give yourself permission to enjoy a movie, Watch a sports event,
listen to music or read a book.
Savor a soothing cup of chamomile herb tea with a Dollop of
honey. Chamomile has long been used to relieve nervous tension.

Plan a day of beauty with a friend. Do each other's hAir, or
paint yournails and chat.

Create a simple steam facial at home by boiling water. Partitioncollection.remove
the pan from the stove. Cover your head with a large towel so
that it creates a tent over the pot. Steam your face for five
or 10 minutes. Add aromatic herbs to the water for a sensual
touch.

Focus completely on any of the senses "hearing, seeing, eating
or body movements "for a few minutes. Even washing your hands
can become a sensual experience.

Use visualization and affirmation techniques. You can inoculate
yourself against a situation you fear by going over the event in
your mind. Imagine the scene in vivid detail and picture the
the best possible outcome.

You can also shrink an imagined fear down to size by picturing
the worst possibleresults. Imagine describing this worst case
to your best friend the next day and the sympathy you receive.
Imagine telling a group of friends the next month, who share
their similar experiences. Finally, imagine joking about your
unpleasant experience with a complete stranger a year later. If
you carry this exercise through to the end, your stress will
become something to laugh about.

Replace negative self talk with affirmations. The chatterbox in
your mind is filled with gloom: You're too fat ... you're too
old ... you'll never amount to anything. Like the little engine
that could, nourish your mind with a constant stream of "I know
"I can."

Get enough sleep. Determine how much sleep you require for
optimum performance.Sleep deprivation aggravates the body's
responses to stress. Consider setting an alarm clock to remind
yourself that it is time to go to bed.

Strive for your dreams. Plan ahead to meet your most cherished
goals in life.

Time management experts emphasize the importance of writing down
your important goals.

Break big projects down into a series of small steps that you
can work on every day. Want to change Jobs? Make one phone
call contact today. Is writing a book your dream? Commit to
writing one page a day.

Knowing that you are striving toward your dreams relieves
frustrations that mount when you feel stuck in a rut of endless
responsibilities that seem to lead nowhere.

How To Control Stress

Cooking Chili in a Crock Pot Chili know-how Should Be Done!

The slow cooker, or crock-pot, is one of the most convenient ways to cook Food. And Cooking chili in a crock pot is no different. Seriously, how convenient is it to just throw all the ingredients in one Cooking device and let it sit for several hours, or even overnight? Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze. Besides my rice cooker, crock-pot is one of the easiest to use appliances I own, and pretty much makes perfect Food every time I use it.

Cooking Chili in a Crock Pot Chili know-how Should Be Done!

Cooking Chili in a Crock Pot Chili know-how Should Be Done!

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Cooking Chili in a Crock Pot Chili know-how Should Be Done!

Cooking Chili in a Crock Pot Chili know-how Should Be Done!

When I'm planning on having people over, I can use my crock-pot to make a stew, or throw in some meat to cook overnight, and it's preparation I can do hours in advance. Letting me enjoy my friend and not be tied to the kitchen. Many times I can just prepare what I'm going to make the night before and just let it cookovernight. That way the next day, I can prepare whatever other dishes I'm making and concentrate on getting the house or backyard ready for company.

Chili is one of those classic "All American" dishes that everybody seems to love. You can add many different kinds of meat, like chicken, sausage, ground beef or ground turkey. You can even make it vegetarian style for those health conscious folks. It's perfect for weekend barbecues and goes great with everything. And did someone Mention hot dogs? Oh yeah, great on those too!

I've personally never been to a chili cook off, but I understand the competition can be pretty fierce. Recipes are closely guarded secrets usually handed down from the generations. My recipe is pretty simple, but that's just how I like things.Sometimes simpler is better!

Basic chili (cooked in crock-pot)

Ingredients:
3 one-pound cans kidney beans, drained
2 one-pound cans whole tomatoes, cut up
2 lbs. ground beef
2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
1 cup celery, diced
1 clove garlic, finely minced
6 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Brown the ground beef in large skillet on medium high heat. Drain and cut the tomatoes into large bite sized pieces. Gather all the ingredients in and put in the Crock pot in the order listed. Give it a good stir. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours.

Cooking Chili in a Crock Pot Chili know-how Should Be Done!

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How to Make Jerky-step-by-step Instructions

Before the invention of refrigeration and preservatives, the only way to preserve meat for long periods of time was to dry it into jerky. Drying meat into jerky is possibly the oldest way of preserving meat and jerky dates back to the earliest civilizations.

How to Make Jerky-step-by-step Instructions

How to Make Jerky-step-by-step Instructions

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How to Make Jerky-step-by-step Instructions

How to Make Jerky-step-by-step Instructions

Traditionally, jerky was made from long, thin strips of meat that was salted and dried in the sun or over a small smokey fire. Although jerky can still be made in this way, techniques have become more sophisticated in our day. Jerky is still an extremely popular Food and millions of people still enjoy jerky as a delicious, convenient, and healthy source of protein. Jerky is perfect for hikers, campers, or just an easy, non-messy snack.

Today, jerky is most commonly made from beef, but jerky can also be made from poultry, Fish, and wild game such as deer (venison), elk, buffalo, bison, moose, caribou, antelope, and other game. Many varieties of seasonings can be used to make different flavors of jerky. Salt is traditionally used as the main preservative for jerky, but acids such as vinegar and citrus juice in marinades can also help to kill bacteria. Jerky can be made without salt, but its shelf life will be drastically reduced.

Store-bought jerky comes in many flavors with any number of chemicals, additives, and preservatives and can be surprisingly expensive. However, you can make your own jerky at home very easily. Most people are surprised at just how easy it is to make delicious jerky that is much cheaper and healthier than mass-produced jerky available in stores. So by making your own jerky, you not only control the ingredients, you also save money.

Jerky Making: Step-by-Step Instructions
Select a cut of meat. Choosing a lean cut will save time later. For beef jerky, cuts like like sirloin, top round, eye of round, etc. are good choices. You can also use venison or virtually any other type of meat to make jerky. Trim all of the noticeable fat from your cut of meat because any fat will cause the jerky to spoil much Faster. Slice your meat into very thin strips from 1/8" to 1/4" thick. Cutting the meat into thin slices dramatically shortens drying time. You can cut jerky with just a knife and cutting board, but there are some convenient tools you can use for slicing meat, such as a Jerky Slicing Tray, a Hand-Crank Manual Jerky Slicer, or an electric meat slicer. Tip: Slicing meat is easier if you freeze the meat for about 30 to 60 minutes before slicing. You can cut with or against the grain, but some find that strips cut against the grain are easier to chew. Marinate the meat in a marinade or solution of your choice. You can follow a recipe to make your own marinade or purchase any number of ready-made marinades. Marinating is optional because the additional moisture can make dehydration take longer, and the resulting jerky might be stickier. Soaking in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce is a favorite. Place in the refrigerator for 4 - 24 hours to allow the meat absorb the flavor. Season the meat with the dry seasonings of your choice. You can follow a jerky recipe or choose from a wide variety of available dry jerky seasoning mixes. A mixture of salt, pepper, oregano, marjoram, basil and thyme is tasty. You will find that many seasonings work well and it is a personal preference. I personally enjoy jerky with a lot of pepper. You will need to experiMent to find your favorites. Just sprinkle and rub the dry seasonings onto both sides of the sliced meat. Dehydrate the meat. Meat is dehydrated by applying heat and continuous Air flow. The control of both the temperature and the Airflow is very important. If the humidity is too high and the temperature is too low, the jerky will dry too slowly and it could spoil. If the temperature is too high, the jerky will cook too Fast, harden on the outside but still be too moist on the inside, and once again, it could spoil. There are two common methods for drying jerky; in a conventional oven or in a Food dehydrator. Whichever method you use, be sure to leave enough room between pieces to allow Air to flow around the meat. Avoid letting the meat touch if possible. Making Jerky in a Conventional Oven Preheat your oven to 140 degrees. Remember you are not Cooking the meat; you are simply removing the moisture. Spray all the racks you will use with a non stick Cooking spray. Without this non-stick spray, you will be left with jerky that cannot be removed from the racks and that will essentially be inedible. Spread the meat evenly on wire racks in the oven. You can also use metal racks other than the oven racks with a drip pan underneath to make cleanup much Faster. Leave the oven door open slightly to permit moisture to escape. Since temperatures, humidity levels, and slice thickness will vary, there can be no set time for the process to complete. Usually jerky takes from 6 to 12 hours. Check the consistency of the jerky regularly after 6 hours until it meets your satisfaction. You might have to cut into the jerky to ensure that it is not raw inside. You want the jerky to be a deep brown or burgundy color and still be flexible. As jerky cools, it will get more stiff and brittle so you don't want to over dry. Making Jerky in a Food Dehydrator Food Dehydrators are excellent for making jerky. Dehydrators are inexpensive to buy and are safer and cheaper to use than the kitchen oven. Additionally dehydrators make less of a mess and are easier to clean up. Spray the dehydrator trays with a non-stick cooking spray before placing on the strips of meat. This keeps the meat from sticking and helps in the clean up of the trays. Season the jerky strips just as above and drain them well before placing them on the dehydrator trays. A full dehydrator can usually process a large batch of jerky in 6 to 12 hours. Just like with drying in a conventional oven, temperatures, humidity levels, and slice thickness will vary, so the drying time will vary. You will want to check the jerky regularly after 6 hours to see if its done. You want the jerky to be a deep brown or burgundy color and still be flexible. As jerky cools, it will get more stiff and brittle so you don't want to over dry. The thicker cuts will take more time, know as the thin pieces are done, just remove them. Tip: A rule of thumb is that 4 pounds of raw meat makes about one pound of jerky. Store the finished jerky in plastic bags and store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to eat. To be safe, it's best to enjoy the fresh homemade jerky within one week of its preparation. If you make it right, it's delicious!Tip: If you wish to store your jerky for longer, use a vacuum sealer to store the jerky in vacuum bags. Other storage methods allow exposure to oxygen and moisture, which encourages the growth of bacteria. In vacuum sealed bags, jerky can be kept for months. Vacuum sealed jerky stored in a freezer can last evenlonger.
Alternative: Jerky Snack Strips & Sticks
Instead of making jerky from sliced meat, a popular form of jerky is the jerky snack stick or snack strip, which is made from seasoned ground meat formed into strips or round sticks. To make this jerky snack, you first need to purchase extra lean ground meat or grind lean cuts of meat with a meat grinder. The next step is to mix the seasonings into the ground meat by hand or with a meat mixer. The seasoned ground meat can then be extruded into the snack sticks or strips using a Jerky Gun or Jerky Cannon. Finally, these jerky snacks are dehydrated on trays in a conventional oven or food dehydrator as described above.

Who knew it was so easy to make your own jerky? Enjoy!

How to Make Jerky-step-by-step Instructions

How to Cook Cod Fish

Learning how to cook cod Fish is simple. Cod is a flaky Fish and is good fried, baked, and poached. Slow Cooking also works well to coax out the delicate flavors. Traditionally, it is served with lemon wedges and a light sauce composed of parsley. You can easily add it to stews, risottos and soups as well. One simple pan-fried recipe calls for lightly frying the cod in oil and serving it with a creamy mix of potatoes, green onions, and butter.

Other recipes add an Asian accent broiling cod with ginger and soy sauce for example, gives the Fish a Japanese touch. Cod roe is actually a delicacy in Japan. For those trying to eat healthier, cod makes a great low-fat, low calorie meal. For an easy, no fuss, diet dinner, try baking cod in foil and seasoning with lemon, salt, pepper and olive oil. Accompany it with a large, leafy green salad. Another healthy diet option is to grill the cod seasoned with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon and garlic powder. You might also simply brush a couple cod filets with BBQ sauce and broil it.

Cod is also the main ingredient in fish in chips; simply batter the fish with a mixture of egg, bread crumbs and some cream, and fry it in a frying pan. Or for healthier version, bake it in the oven with Japanese panko crumbs. Additionally, you can roll the cod in a cornmeal mix and fry them in oil or bake them. As you can see, mastering how to cook cod fish is actually quite uncomplicated.

No matter how you decide to prepare your fish by poaching, broiling, grilling, stewing, etc. -- make sure not to overcook it. Think 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness, i.e. if you have 2 pieces of 1-1/2 inch thickness and weighing about 16-20 ounces, do not cook it for any more than 20-30 minutes. Your oven should be set no high than 350 F or 160 C. Grilled cod fish is done once it starts to flake.

Cod fish is extremely versatile and healthy; once you learn how to cook cod fish, the sky's the limit. Incorporate it into your diet for a healthier lifestyle.

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