How to Make Boxed Brownies

Brownie mixes go on sale periodically. You can typically pick up a mix for about $1 at Meijer, Kroger, or Walmart along with other local grocery stores. Try out a few to find one you and your family enjoy, but remember the tips on making good brownies will apply to any of the mixes.

Step 1: Get out all the ingredients required for the mix. This mix requires two eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 tablespoons of water.

Tip 1: Set your eggs on the counter for about 15 minutes before you begin making the brownies. They will cook up better in the mix if they are not cold when the baking process begins.

Step 2: Open the mix brownie package and pour powder in to a medium to large mixing bowl.

Tip 2: With a fork break up any large clumps of the dry mix before adding any of the wet ingredients. This will help when you are mixing and prevents over mixing. Remember, this particular brownie mix has chocolate chips in the mix and will naturally appear lumpy.

Step 3: Crack open the eggs in a separate bowl and whisk with a fork before adding to the mix.

Step 4: Add water, oil and eggs to the dry mixture and mix well using a fork.

Tip 3: Don’t over mix! This will make the brownies too hard and dry. Often the package will state “stir with spoon for twenty strokes”  or “mix well by hand for two minutes” follow this direction precisely. It will make better tasting brownies.

Step 5: Grease a pan using Crisco Shortening. You can use a paper towel to apply the grease to the pan to reduce cleanup.

Tip 4: I like using nonstick cooking spray for other things such as Banana Nut Bread, but it does not seem to work well with brownies in a pan. Reserve the nonstick spray when you are making brownie cup cakes.

Step 6: Pour all of the brownie mixture in the greased pan.

Step 7: Spread evenly using a spatula or spoon. Be sure to spread the mixture to the corners of the pan.

Step 8: Bake according to the directions on the box. This mix called for 350° F for 26-28 minutes.

Tip 5: Bake for the shortest time listed on the box and avoid opening the oven while the brownies are baking. Opening the oven lets heat escape from the oven and uneven baking may occur. When the timer goes off, check the brownies visually to see if they are done. Brownies will pull slightly away from the edges of the pan and the middle of the brownies have a slight raise to them (although not as much as a cake). If the brownies look done visually, check using a knife inserted in the middle. A little brownie will stick, but it should not appear like liquid brownie mix. Do not over bake the brownies or they will taste like burnt chocolate.

Step 9: Carefully remove brownies from the oven using pot holders. Place on cooling rack and allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes before you attempt to cut them.

Tip 6: Use a butter knife to loosen edges of brownies from the pan for easy removal. This step should be accomplished shortly after the brownies are removed from the oven.

Step 10: Serve warm brownies with a large glass of milk or create hot fudge brownie desserts for an extra special treat.

Making brownies from a mix can be an easy process, but people are still capable of messing them up. Store the brownies in an airtight container. For best results, enjoy the fresh brownies within three days of making them–if they last that long! Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite brownie mix or tips on making great brownies? Feel free to leave comments below for our readers.

Grilling a  Porterhouse

Finding the right cut of meat will not be difficult, but some can be quite pricy. You local butcher at Meijer or butcher shop can help you decide what cut will be best for your occasion. Grilling a Porterhouse takes great care so you do not overcook the steak and do not leave the center too raw depending on how well done you enjoy your meat. A Porterhouse is similar to a T-bone steak, but it is thicker and has more of the tenderloin section attached. If the butcher removed the steaks from the bone then you would have a New York Strip Steak and a Tenderloin. The steaks are large for a big appetite or you could cut it up to share. If you don’t want to purchase such a large steak you could look for New Your Strips at Meijer or simply go for the Tenderloin. The marinating techniques can be used with any of the steaks.

Step 1: The day before your grill out (or as early in the day as you can) you will need to marinate your steaks. Using olive oil and your favorite spices such as black pepper and garlic or a store-bought spice such as McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak cover the steaks with oil and spread the spice generously over the steak.

Step 2: Place your steaks in a large Ziploc bag and seal it.

Step 3: Place your steaks in the refrigerator overnight.

NOTE: If you have a FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealer you can use the Quick Marinator to help lock in the flavor and tenderize the meat at the same time. Place the meat covered in oil and spices in the container and follow the directions of your FoodSaver®.

Step 4: When you are ready to grill, heat up your gas grill to around 350° F and place the steaks on the grill and close the cover.

Step 5: After about 10 minutes of cooking over medium heat, flip the steaks and reduce the heat to medium-low. This will allow the steaks to continue cooking without charring the outside of the steak.

Step 6: Use the remaining marinade to coat the steaks to prevent burning.

Step 7: For a medium-rare steak that is one inch thick, cook for a total of about 15-19 minutes.

NOTE: Smaller/thinner steaks will require less cooking time.

NOTE: It is recommended to cook steaks to 145° F (medium rare) or 160° F (medium) checked using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak.

Step 8: Remove the steaks from the grill and check for accurate doneness. If the center is still to red for your liking, simply place the steak back on the grill for a few more minutes with the lid is closed.

Grilling steak is a perfect way to celebrate on a holiday weekend or simply to enjoy life. Add grilled corn on the cob and watermelon to make it a perfect summer day.
Do you have any tips on grilling? Feel free to post comments or suggestions below.

Nance’s Creek Front Restaurant

Nance’s is known for their Local Oyster Roasts. Although seasonal, this is one of the favorites for locals and visitors alike. Clusters of oysters are served and guest open the shells and enjoy the savory flavor of the local oysters.

The creek front view actually shows where the local oysters are harvested and the restaurant participates in recycling oyster shells to provide new habitats for oysters to create new clusters in the creek beds.

Other Seafood and Steaks

The restaurant also serves delicious seafood offerings including crab legs, clams, shrimp, and lobster. Many of the specials offered include a variety of seafood and can be prepared several ways including deep fried or broiled.

The Inlet Shore Dinner includes a Shrimp Cocktail, Clam Chowder, and a side salad for starters. The shrimp cocktail was extremely fresh and delicious leaving you to want more.

Nance’s also offers a variety of steaks including a Filet Mignon, Ribeye steak or New York Strip along with a few chicken entrées.

Saving Money at Nance’s

The best way to save money at many of the restaurants in the area is to dine early. Nance’s offers a buy 1 adult entre get the second half off when you arrive before 5 pm.  A child’s menu is also offered and reduces the overall cost of the meal when you have little ones with you.

Fully Licensed Bar

Nance’s boast large flat screen televisions for view favorite sporting events. “If there is a ball game or race happening we have it playing in our bar,” (Nance’s, 2011). The full Sunday liquor license allows drinks to be served 7 days a week and the bar is stocked with plenty of variety to suite any customer’s needs.

Creek Side View

The entire back of the restaurant is fitted with large windows for optimal viewing of the creek. Waterfowl and other wildlife can be seen as you enjoy your meal. Seating is plentiful and the establishment can accommodate large groups for seating.

Finding a restaurant while traveling is a difficult task, but Nance’s is a favorite for locals and tourist alike. Have you been to Nance’s? Feel free to post comments about your experiences below.

Saving money on home improvements during a recession is difficult, but not impossible. Even if you are unable to complete an entire job by yourself, doing part of the job may save you some valuable cash in the end. One way to save money is by tearing out your own carpet before having new carpet installed. It is an easy process and it does not require very many tools. The following will provide simple steps to follow to help you remove your old carpet.

What You Will Need

• Face mask (to prevent inhalation of airborne particles)
• Wonder Tool
• Hammer
• Flat Head Shovel
• Stiff Bristled Broom
• Wood Block (to help remove trim)

Steps for Removing Carpet

Step 1: Before you begin, completely clear the room where you are tearing up the carpet–remove all furniture. You may also want to vacuum the carpet really well to help reduce the amount of dust and other grime released in to the air as you remove the carpet.

Step 2: Remove the baseboard and any extra nails in the room.

NOTE: Removing the baseboard is not always required. If you are not replacing the baseboard you can leave it in place, just take great care when pulling out the carpet so you do not tear up the baseboard.

Step 3: Put on your face mask and find an exposed edge usually near a register, around a door, or in a closet and begin pulling up the carpet using a Wonder Tool. You can expect the carpet to me nailed or tacked down and depending on how old the carpet is you may encounter glued surfaces.

Step 4: Pull back the carpet exposing the carpet pad. Use care when handling the old carpet pad because it may break apart creating a mess. Plan on pulling up the carpet and then going back to pull up the carpet pad.

NOTE: The best way to pull up the carpet is to roll it up. You can compact it and place in your trash for disposal.

Step 5: Once the carpet is removed, begin removing the carpet pad using the flat head shovel. This will help to release the glue used to hold the carpet pad in place during instillation.

NOTE:  The best way to dispose of the carpet pad is to place it in and industrial sized garbage bag. The carpet pad contains dust, dirt, dander and other items such as mold. To reduce the spread of these particulates in the home place the old carpet padding in the plastic bad and tie shut before removing it from the room.

Step 6: Using the Wonder Tool and a hammer, carefully remove the carpet tack strips (small boards with tons of tiny nails along the walls) and discard.

Step 7: After the carpet and carpet pad have been removed from the room, remove any extra nails from the floor and use a sturdy brush to remove as much of the old glue and dirt from the floor.

Step 8: Vacuum and clean the floor before installing new carpet.

Removing the carpet yourself can reduce the overall labor cost when having new carpet installed. Check with your service provider to find out how the cost of installation is calculated and if you will save money by removing and disposing of the old carpet yourself.

Do you have any home improvement tips to save money?

Using JELL-O® gelatin to make a cool Halloween treat is easy and relatively inexpensive. The following will give you directions and tips for making pumpkin shaped Jigglers® for Halloween. This is great for class parties, Halloween parties, or an after trick-or-treat snack.

What You Will Need

• 2-8 serving packages of Orange JELL-O Gelatin (the big boxes or four small boxes)
• 2 1/2 cups boiling water (do not use cold water)
• 1 tube Black Decorating Gel
• Pumpkin Shaped Cookie Cutters
• Metal Spatula
• Serving Plate

How to Make Pumpkin JELL-O® Jigglers®

Step 1: Following the directions on the box of JELL-O®, boil the water. This takes approximately 6 minutes in a microwave oven using a microwave safe bowl.

Step 2: Empty the contents of the JELL-O packages into a 9″x13″ cake pan.

Step 3: Carefully pour the boiling water over the powder.

NOTE: The package directions say to mix in a bowl and pour into the cake pan. I find it easier to only pour the boiling water one time directly into the cake pan.

Step 4: Use a large mixing spoon to stir the powder and water to help dissolve the gelatin.

Step 5: Once all the gelatin is dissolved (the color turns from cloudy to clear), carefully place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to cool for 3 hours.

Step 6: Remove the pan from the refrigerator and place bottom of pan in warm water to release the Jigglers from the pan.

Step 7: Remove the JELL-O pan from the water and begin cutting out pumpkins.

NOTE: Using different sizes of cookie cutters will allow you to maximize the number of pumpkins you can get out of the JELL-O. Cut each pumpkin as close to the other as possible.

Step 8: Scoop up the pumpkins and remove the excess JELL-O. Place each pumpkin on the serving plate.

Step 9: Use the black decorating gel to create jack-o-lantern faces on each Jiggler.

Variation: Black Cherry JELL-O or other dark flavors can be used as bats, cats, or witches.

This is a simple idea to make a great treat your family will love to enjoy during Halloween. Simply store any leftover Jigglers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Happy Halloween!

What You Need for a Balloon Pumpkin

• 4 Balloon Animal Balloons (3 Orange, 1 Green or Brown)
• One Balloon Pumper

Making a Balloon Pumpkin

Step 1: Blow up the three orange balloons nearly all the way leaving about 3 inches from the end not blown up.

NOTE: Leaving space in the end of the balloon will allow the creator to safely twist and bend the balloon reducing the chance the balloon will pop. There is always the possibility the balloon will pop, so use caution to avoid injury.

Step 2: Tie a knot in the end of each orange balloon after blowing them up.

NOTE: After you blow up the balloon allow a small amount of air to escape to make tying easier.

Step 3: Blow the green balloon up 1/3 of the way and tie. This balloon will act as a pumpkin leaf and vine.

NOTE: If you only have a brown balloon you can blow up about 2 inches of the balloon and tie off both ends. It can be used as the stem of a Jack-O-Lantern.

Step 4: Take the first orange balloon and twist it about one third of the length from the balloon at the end with the knot.

Step 5: Fold at the twist and make a second twist.

Step 6: Twist the sections together at the twist and then tie of the third section to form the basis of the pumpkin.

Step 7: Repeat steps 4 though 6 with the second and third balloons, but incorporate them in the first balloon twisting together at the twist points for each balloon.

Step 8: Gently shape the balloons to form a pumpkin by “smashing” them down towards the ground to round out the shape.

NOTE: You can also gently pinch the balloons to help them keep the pumpkin shape.

Step 9: Take the green balloon and fold it in half and tie the ends together.

Step 10: Tie the green leaf to the top of the pumpkin.

Making balloon creations is a great deal of fun and encourages creativity. You can create glowing pumpkins using glow in the dark balloons, add faces using markers, or keep them simple as shown here. Have fun with your project.

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Feel free to post comments below.

Bananas are the world’s most popular fruit. What better way to eat one than frozen and covered in chocolate? To add special enjoyment to any occasion you can serve frozen chocolate covered bananas. The following demonstrates how you can make this for Halloween, but you can simply change the types of sprinkles and use this as a treat any time of the year.

What You Will Need

• 4 Peeled Bananas
• 8-10 Popsicle Sticks
• 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• Cooking pan or double boiler
• Mixing Spoon
• Tray
• Foil or wax paper
• Pie Plate
• Festive Sprinkles, Nuts, or other small candies

Making Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas

Step 1: Peel the bananas and break into small parts about 3 inches long.

Step 2: Place a Popsicle stick in one end of each banana piece

Step 3: Cover tray with foil and place bananas on the tray.

Step 4: Freeze the plain bananas for at least 10 min or more.

Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips and oil over medium heat stirring constantly until smooth.

Step 6: Remove bananas from freezer.

Step 7: Dip each banana in the hot chocolate.

NOTE: If your pan isn’t deep enough to dip, you can simply spoon the chocolate over the bananas coating all sides.

Step 8: Pour a small amount of festive sprinkles, Halloween in this example, in a pie dish.

Step 9: Roll the chocolate covered banana in the sprinkles.

Step 10: Place on the tray with the rest of the chocolate covered bananas and refreeze for 30 minutes or until firm.

This treat is ready to eat and is a healthier choice than most ice cream bars. Your kids will enjoy the rich chocolate and festive sprinkles on this after-school snack or as a party treat. Enjoy!

Harvest festivals, Halloween parties, hay rides, corn mazes, and apple picking are just a few activities available during the Autumn. The change of the weather creates the need to do more before winter arrives and often crops are harvested and communities come together to celebrate. Taking time to enjoy the cool, fall weather, the community activities, and the lasting memories can make childhood seem to last forever. Here are few ideas to get you started on weekend ideas for the coming months.

Tips for Enjoying Autumn

Tip 1: Look at your local newspaper or search online to find events and happenings in your area. These are often published on Thursday to encourage greater attendance. Look for:

• Apple Picking
• Boo at the Zoo
• City Ghost Tours
• Corn Mazes
• Costume Contest
• Dinners and Socials
• Farmers Market Special Events
• Free Church Harvest Festivals
• Haunted Houses
• Hay Rides
• Local Food Festivals
• Music Events
• Parades
• Pumpkin Patch
• School Functions
• Trick-or-Treat at the Children’s Museum

Tip 2: Call in advance to confirm times and if special reservations are required. During the week many operations may close down for public events and only offer group sessions. This may be true for hay rides, corn mazes, haunted houses, and other events where the majority of customers attend on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Tip 3: Look for free events to attend. If your family is strapped don’t miss out on the fun of the season. Attending free events can be just as fun and you can meet many new people. Churches, schools, and other community organizations will provide free harvest festivals and socials to encourage people in the community to check out their organization or as a way to fulfill their service goals for the community.

Tip 4: Dress appropriately and remain flexible. Many areas of the country are prone to colder nights and rain during the fall season. Don’t let your evening events get spoiled because you were too cold. You may have to reschedule an event if the weather is to wet for the rides or party to commence.

Tip 5: Have fun! If you have children remind yourself that you can have more fun by watching their delighted faces as they choose the perfect pumpkin, eat a sweet treat, or watch a creative Halloween parade.

Take time to enjoy Autumn with your family and friends. Many communities offer free or inexpensive activities encouraging people to have fun. Winter will be here before you know it and the weather may not be conducive to outdoor fun.

Do you have any tips or suggestions? Feel free to list your local community event below. Please include date, time, location, and cost.

What You Will Need

• Scrambled Eggs (2)
• Pre-sliced Begal
• Toaster
• Slice of Cheese (American, Cheddar, Colby, etc.)
• Pepper (optional)
• Ketchup or Salsa (optional)

Making a Scrambled Egg Sandwich

Step 1: Scramble the eggs and form into a shape small enough to fit on your bagel.

NOTE: If you aren’t sure how to scramble the eggs click here to find out in seven easy steps.

NOTE: If you want to add vegetables to your scramble such as finely chopped spinach, red peppers, or mushrooms, do so before the eggs are completely cooked. This will help hold everything together on the sandwich.

Step 2: Lightly toast your bagel while the eggs are cooking.

Step 3: Using a spatula, all at once scoop up the scrambled eggs and gently place on the bottom half of the toasted bagel.

Step 4: Top with a slice of cheese.

NOTE: If you don’t have sliced cheese you can add shredded cheese to the scrambled eggs in the last stages of cooking to melt the cheese into the eggs then place the egg and cheese mixture on the bagel.

Step 5: Top with bagel and slightly “smash” to hold the sandwich together.

Step 6: Serve with bacon or sausage as an added treat.

NOTE: You can microwave bacon or a single serve sausage patty to save time.

Making a bagel sandwich is a quick and easy breakfast before work or school. In ten minutes you can have a healthy, delicious alternative to a drive-thru and save money at the same time. Add a piece of fruit, a glass of milk, or green tea for a balance meal. You can also substitute an English Muffin or Whole Wheat toast for the bagel.

Do you have any ideas for a quick start to any morning? What is your favorite way to eat eggs? Feel free to share your ideas with our readers.

Dantanna’s Downtown Location

Dantanna’s Downtown is located at One CNN Center, Suite 269, Atlanta, GA. Or if you want to put it in your GPS it is 190 Marietta St. NW #1, Atlanta, GA. The restaurant is a short walk from many of the downtown attractions and provides a great before and after game experience.

Dantanna’s Menu

The restaurant boast high quality in all dishes prepared by the expert kitchen staff and nothing we tried was below that standard. Many of the items on the menu include aged steaks and chops, fish, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.

Although the menu changes to accommodate seasonal flavors, many of the main dishes remain the same.  The restaurant also provides challenges such as The Longest Yard (a 3 foot long Boar’s Head hot dog) during football season.

“All American” Wine List and Beers

Dantanna’s is a great place to unwind or to gear up for the game. The restaurant’s wine list features more than 100 selections with 50 available by the glass. Choose from your favorites from Blackstone to Silver Oak. All wines featured are from wine regions in the United States.

Dantanna’s also provides an extensive list of beers available to customers–50 to be exact. Customers can enjoy draft beer or bottled beer; domestic or imports from Budweiser to  Aspell Organic Cider.

Dining Areas at Dantanna’s

Guest can dine indoors or on the patios. Each area offers a unique feel in a comfortable setting. Flat screen televisions with DirectTV allow customers access to pregame shows, games, and other venues. Wine lockers and dinning at the bar along with carry out options help to provide people on the go or frequent guest to enjoy their time at Dantanna’s.

The Longest Yard

During football season the restaurant offers an eating challenge called “The Longest Yard”. This Falcons Game Day Special is “three feet of all-beef, locally made hot dog on an extra long bun; topped with your choice of: all beef chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and sauerkraut” served with fries.  This is one I don’t think even Adam Richman could finish (Man v. Food on the Travel Channel). Adam, are you up for the challenge?

Finding a restaurant worth trying is a difficult task. Being satisfied with the quality may be even more difficult. With Dantanna’s you can rest easy that you will receive great food, great service, in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Have you been to Dantanna’s in Atlanta? What are your thoughts and recommendations? Feel free to post questions or comments below.