Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Why Some People Are Good Cooks And Others Never Are

Most of us have a relative or friend that is middle to old age and has been cooking for a long time, but is a terrible cook. We dread going to dinner at this person's house because we know it will be awful. We ask ourselves how someone who has been cooking so long manages to put such dreadful food on the table. The answer? They probably do not know or care about the observations that follow.Good home cooking is a skill, indeed an art, learned from long experience and/or having a good teacher. Many good cooks learn from their mothers who happened to be a good cook. Typically, you must start with a good recipe, either written or in your memory. But a good recipe does not guarantee a good dish on your table. The secret is in what you do with the recipe.For example, a recipe may call for 1 cup of celery, chopped. Most people understand, "chopped" but how you chop the celery can make a difference in some dishes. Celery is slow to cook tender so if you are using celery in a recipe that includes other ingredients that are slow to cook (carrots), then you should chop the celery in bite size chunks. This aids in having everything cooked tender at the same time without overcooking. If the other ingredients in the dish cook quick (tomatoes), you would want to chop the celery fine (diced) so the celery will cook quicker. This is not as important if you add ingredients at timed intervals according to their cook rate. Recipes usually specify when to add ingredients but, as mentioned, good cooks often cook from memory without a recipe. Knowing when to add ingredients without a recipe requires some skill and experience.Good cooks rely on taste, feel and appearance to perform their magic in the kitchen. When making gravy they depend on the appearance to determine when it is thick enough. They understand that it will be thicker as it cools so they remove the gravy from the heat just before it is the desired thickness. When working with dough they use appearance and feel to gauge when the dough is just right. And in everything they cook, they taste, taste, taste.So, you just made this fabulous macaroni and cheese that you are very proud of, but you notice two people at the table ate very little, one person left half on their plate and no one asked for second helpings. A good cook would have warning signs flashing before their eyes with this scenario. This is a classic situation of "I like it but no one else does".People are usually reluctant to tell you what they did not like about something you cooked for fear of offending you. A good cook does not let their pride or hurt feelings stand in the way of finding out how to revise their recipe when needed. Simply ask! It may be something as simple as the dish having cooled too much before serving. Nothing is worse than cold mashed potatoes. Frequently it is too much or too little salt.Good cooks have learned to be careful with ingredients that can overpower a dish. Some of the culprits are salt, vinegar, hot peppers and strong spices such as cumin and oregano. The solution? Taste, taste, taste. And, of course, listen to others comments about the food.A common problem novice cooks have is how to have all dishes ready to serve at the same time. The baked potato is ready to serve but the pork chops are still not ready and the coleslaw is yet to be made. The solution is simply a matter of planning. Good cooks have learned to analyze the whole meal in their head before lifting a spoon. They understand the coleslaw can be made first and put in the fridge. They are aware that 2 large potatoes take 20-25 minutes in the microwave while the pork chops take 10 minutes to cook. So they start the potatoes cooking 10 minutes before starting the pork chops. Sounds simple but many long time cooks never learn this and continue to serve hot pork chops and cold potatoes.In summary, the proceeding reflects the personal views and experiences of the author. It is understood that others may have differing views. The goal here is to help understand why some home cooks are consistently good and why some long time cooks never are. The conclusion appears to be experience, meal planning and an openness to criticism from those that eat what you cook. And, a willingness to revise recipes in response to that criticism.A final note on how to become a good home cook. How do you obtain experience? It is obvious. COOK! Cut back on eating out and using processed packaged food from the store. Cook from scratch at every opportunity. Avoid prepared biscuit mixes...make your own biscuits. Skip the frozen lasagna dinner and make your own from scratch. Leave that chocolate cake with all the preservatives and ingredients you can not even pronounce on the store shelve and make your own. Learn from trial an error... then stand by for the compliments.

K.A. Miller is a freelance writer and webmaster for www.olsouthrecipes.com where you will find a wealth of authentic Southern recipes a

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Unusual Origins Of Barrier Cream

Barrier creams and their various derivatives are taken for granted today. Few people realise that the foundations of these products dates back thousands of years.Evidence exists that show the Ancient Egyptians experimented with lotion mixtures that were intended to provide skin protection.It was not until 1872 that the traditional barrier cream that we know today was formulated.During 1859, Robert Augustus Chesebrough, a young, British born chemist, was in Titusville, Pennsylvania visiting the oil fields looking for useful by-products of this newly discovered fuel. Here, Chesebrough notice that the oil rig workers had an unconventional method of treating the cuts that they frequently suffered during the course of their hard manual work."Rod wax" collected around the pump rods on the oil wells. This sticky waste product had to be routinely removed as it hindered the efficient running of the equipment at the well head. What Chesebrough saw fascinated him. Oil workers often took a handful of the otherwise unwanted rod wax and used it for protecting fresh cuts and wounds. Such was their confidence in its abilities that they dispensed with using bandages at all. It was claimed that the rod wax not only protected the wound, but it halted any bleeding and also lead to quicker healing times.It is likely that the beneficial side effects of rod wax were stumbled upon by chance. Perhaps a worker responsible for removing the waste from the pump rod heads had suffered cuts and realised that the injuries on his hands, that were covered with this otherwise unwanted waste, healed quicker than the cuts he suffered on other parts of his body.The exact details of the original discovery may be uncertain but this did not impact Chesebrough's almost instant realisation of the commercial potential that was unfolding before him.Chesebrough's search for a valuable by-product of the oil industry was over, but his real work was just beginning.For over 10 years, Robert Chesebrough refined and perfected the new health care "petroleum jelly" as it was to become known.Using himself as a guinea pig, Chesebrough even cut and burnt his own body in order to test the various guises of the petroleum jelly that he was devising. Chesebrough's use of the oil-based jelly was not confined to rubbing it on the skin. He also took the, perhaps foolhardy, step of swallowing a teaspoonful a day to promote inner body health. Just imagine the taste of that. Indeed, Chesebrough was hopeful that he had stumbled upon a wonder, cure-all treatment.Working mostly from home, Chesebrough soon realised that he needed additional storage capacity to hold the increasing quantities of jelly substances that he was producing. This was a problem that the fledgling chemist solved with his usual practical, no nonsense approach. Flower vases, which were abundant in his typically Victorian household, were the obvious, if somewhat unconventional, choice.Emptied of foliage and water, the vases proved to be excellent vessels in which to hold the ever growing quantities of the petroleum jelly. In fact, so useful were these vases that Chesebrough devised the name Vaseline to refer to his fledgling medicinal product ("elaion" being the Greek word for oil).Vaseline was first patented in 1872. From that date, the barrier cream product that we are all familiar with become a permanent feature in the minds of consumers.1872 might have been a defining date, but in some respects the launching of the first patented barrier cream also proved to be a partial failure for the young British Chemist.Chesebrough's initial claims that the petroleum jelly was a miracle cure-all, stating that it had even aided his recovery from pleurisy, were not substantiated by scientific studies. However, Vaseline is today recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an approved, over-the-counter skin protectant.Petroleum jelly has many beneficial properties. In the sphere of skin protection, it is used mainly to prevent dust, grime, dirt and other skin irritants from coming in direct contact with the epidermis.In providing a protective covering for the skin, petroleum jelly also inhibits sources of infection from direct contact with the skin.Unfortunately, as beneficial as petroleum jelly is, today's modern lifestyles has impacted its usefulness.Traditional barrier creams have to be renewed every time your hands go near soap and water. Traditional barrier creams have a tendency to cover the skin with an enduring greasy, slippery and sticky film. This film can persist and lead to the blocking of the skin's pores and prevent the natural process of perspiration. Manual dexterity can also be impeded, especially if your hands are left feeling sticky or slippery. Wearing protective items such as gloves can be a problem if used in conjunction with many barrier creams. Often, a thick and greasy barrier cream can become clogged and feel uncomfortable when constrained by tight fitting clothing.Technological advancement and the need to find more cost effective solutions has lead to a new approach to skin protection.Today's skin care products have superseded traditional barrier creams and leave the skin feeling natural and clean - suddenly, you normal everyday work routine is not encumbered by greasy, slippery, tacky residues left on your hands.The modern mousse based applications are water resistant and remain effective for four to five hours - even after repeated washing. If you work where hygiene is of the utmost importance, or you just want to keep your home spotless, there is no need to reach for the barrier cream tube every time you wash your hands.As an additional property, the modern skin protectant not only inhibits contact with skin irritants but it also moisturises and aids recovery of any existing skin damage. Combined, these properties are of particular benefit for those people who are prone to suffer from contact dermatitis and/or dry skin conditions.The oil industry has advanced considerably since the early days of 1859. Likewise, skin protection products have similarly improved. The Egyptians, resplendent in their ancient society would have undoubtedly offered their blessings for the developments that has led to traditional barrier creams being superseded by more advanced products.

Peter Friswell has a long association with the skin care industry. With over more than twenty years experience he has gained a wealth of practical and useful information on skin care. He is the proprietor of the skin care Derma Shield website. Read exactly how other people have progressed their daily skin care routine beyond traditional barrier creams on the exclusive hand barrie

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Top Ten Travel Gadgets

Millions of Americans are truly vacation deprived. So, when you decide to take the plunge and head to one of Bluegreen's exotic resort destinations, what tools do you need? No need to worry yourself with research, because we have done it for you! Here's our list of the "Top 10 Travel Gadgets" that are useful must-haves for a successful Bluegreen vacation.First on our list is Twisted Speakers from Proporta. Powered by USB or 3 Triple A Batteries, these mini-speakers conveniently connect to your iPod to provide splendid sound while you sit on the beach or relax on the deck overlooking the lake. An LED light indicates how much life your batteries have left. Next is the traditional Swiss Army Knife, which can be purchased from the Swiss Knife Shop. The all-in-one traditional tool is perfect for those campouts with the kids in the Smoky Mountains or the Ozarks. You have your spoon, fork, knife, corkscrew, screwdriver and bottle opener at your immediate disposal.With the BeachBuoy, also by our friends at Proporta, your iPhone, keys, cash and/or digital camera will be safe from the outdoor elements. The waterproof case keeps your valuables just that, valuable, and not ruined. Now that your valuables will be safe, you can focus on your intellectual stimulation. Paperback books are on their way to being obsolete with the invention of the Kindle from Amazon. The electronic book reader has revolutionized how travelers read these days. With thinness similar to an US Weekly magazine, it won't take up much space. The 10.2-ounce device stores over 1,500 books, and has no glare when reading. Not even sunlight will prevent you from moving through chapter by chapter.Outlets. Sometimes you just need more than is provided in your resort room. With the Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger from Belkin, you can add up three AC outlets and two powered USB outlets to cover all of your electronic needs. Sticking with electronic advancements, we have on our list a Digital Compass from Coleman on our list. The compass, thermometer, stopwatch, auto calendar and alarm clock serve a host of functions for your trip. Get lost on a hike through one of Aruba's national parks? This nifty device will come in handy as your traverse back through the wilderness to our Caribbean resort.Have the need to drown out the noise around you while listening to your favorite tunes? Try the QuietComfort Acoustic Headphones from Bose. The sound around you is expertly drowned out and the lightweight fit is a blessing to your ears and head. Also a must-have on your trip is a Keychain Flashlight from Fenix. The portable mini LED flashlight can fit in small spaces and help you out when darkness ensues. The water-resistant device can also be added to your key ring for easy access.The last two items on our list of "Top 10 Travel Gadgets" may not technically be considered gadgets, but we feel they are truly important. The perfect food companion is a bag of Combos. The cheesy, crunchy snack bites are perfect for the car ride or plane ride. We challenge you to become a "Combivore" on your next travel excursion. Soft bread-like dough hollowed into tube-shaped goodness and distributed in bite size perfection. There's nothing like it!And, finally, we recommend that you have a Good Attitude when you embark on your vacation. This comes only from inside your head and heart. There's nothing worse than a "Negative Nelly" or a "Debbie Downer." Don't worry about the flight, condition of the room (which in the case of Bluegreen Resorts is always good!), money woes, food choices, etc... Go into your vacation with your head held high and we guarantee that you will have a rockin' t

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Monday, December 2, 2013

Celestron Omni XLT 150 R Telescope - The Professional Telescope For The Amateur Astronomer

These days few manufacturers go for innovation rather than following market trends. Celestron is one of them and are recognised as true pioneers in astronomical products. Since launching its first telescope in 1960, Celestron haven't looked back and are now one of the world's leading telescope makers.All over the world Celestron is turning ordinary backyards into suburban observatories with their AstroMaster and Omni XLT series of non-computerized telescopes. These telescopes are designed to satisfy the demands of both beginning astronomers and more serious astronomers. They are easy to set-up, nearly maintenance free and utilize Celestron's superior optics to deliver stunning views of a wide range of celestial objects, from Jupiter's moons and the rings around Saturn, to deep-space objects like the Whirlpool Galaxy.The Celestron Omni XLT 150 R has been manufactured with amateur astronomers in mind. It has a 6 inch refractor optical pipe body, with a purely manual mounting. Although designed for shorter distances it is a straightforward process to adapt the telescope for long range use with the addition of a motor drive and polar axis finder.The refractor allows users to see broader and clearer images which often take people by surprise when they first use the telescope. The "Celestron Omni XLT 150 R" includes a CG-4 German type mounting that makes operating of telescope simple by providing the right support required to move the XLT 150 R. A DC-operated motor for automatic movement of the scope is available separately.The telescope comes with adjustable tripod 1.75" stand in an off-white colour for mounting of telescope upright. In all the telescope weighs only 45.5 lbs and is 34 inches in length, making is extremely portable.The Celestron Omni XLT 150 R is an elegant telescope coming in a metallic blue colour scheme with off-white touch patches. However it's the optical quality of this scope that really takes people by surprise, expecting much less from a product that is targeted at the amateur astronomer.Owning an Omni XLT 150 R comes with many benefits;
6 inch refractor for better focusing
StarBright XLT coatings provide maximized light transmission
CG-4 German Type Manual mounting with setting circles and slow motion controls that give great accuracy
Heavy-duty pre-assembled stainless steel tripod featuring 1.75" legs, accessory tray and bubble level
25 mm multi-coated eyepiece - 20 mm eye relief, 50� FOV.
"The SkyX" planetarium software with 10,000 object database and enhanced images.
High quality optics start with each lens and(or) mirror being hand selected so only the finest grade of optical glass is used.
The Celestron Omni XLT 150 R" is a delight with unexpectedly better performance and portability due making it ideal for those new and seasoned astronomers alike and at a very affordable cost.

Author: Cliff GarlandWebsite: http://www.celestrontelescopereviews.com/ Celestron Telescope Reviews - Informative Reviews of a range of Celestron Telescopes.For peace of mind and value for money buy your Celestron Telescopes here. http://celestrontelescopereviews.com/omni-xlt-series/celestron-omni-xlt-150-r-great-for-a

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