How to: tips and tricks

How to make Lamb Flatbreads

2009-09-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

LAMB FLATBREAD RECIPE
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour resting time)

Lamb Flatbread Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (225g) plain flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (125ml) hot water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 250g lamb mince
- 1/4 cup (45g) toasted pine nuts
- 100g feta, crumbled
- Natural yoghurt, to serve
- Mint leaves, to serve

Step 1
Place the flour and salt in a medium bowl; make a well in the centre. Add the water and 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil and stir until combined. Gently knead in the bowl until a soft dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 1 hour to rest.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 230°C. Place a pizza stone or baking tray in the oven to heat.
Step 3
Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Add the cumin, coriander, allspice, ginger and turmeric and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the lamb and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up any lumps, for 5 minutes or until lamb changes colour and is cooked through. Remove from heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Divide the dough into 4 even portions. Roll a dough portion out on a lightly floured surface to a 20cm diameter disc. Repeat with remaining dough portions. Remove the preheated tray from the oven. Place 2 discs on the tray. Spoon the lamb mixture over each fl atbread. Sprinkle with pine nuts and feta. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the bread is golden and crisp. Remove from oven. Repeat with remaining flatbreads, lamb, pine nuts and feta.
Step 5
Place the fl atbreads on serving plates. Drizzle with yoghurt and sprinkle with pomegranate and mint leaves. Serve immediately.

Photography: Ian Wallace
Styling: David Morgan
Published in Notebook Magazine
Issue: October 2009

How to make Fettuccine Carbonara

2009-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

FETTUCCINE CARBONARA RECIPE
Pasta alla carbonara (usually spaghetti, but also fettuccine, rigatoni or bucatini) is an Italian pasta dish based on eggs, pecorino romano, guanciale, and black pepper. The recipes vary, though all agree that cheese (parmesan, pecorino, or a combination), egg yolks (or whole eggs), cured fatty pork, and black pepper are basic. The pork is fried in fat (olive oil or lard); a mixture of eggs, cheese, and butter or olive oil is combined with the hot pasta, cooking the eggs; the pork/bacon is then added to the pasta. Other Anglo/Franco variations on carbonara may include peas, mushrooms, broccoli or other vegetables added for colour.

Carbonara Ingredients
- 375g fresh fettuccine
- 100g pancetta, coarsely chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (40g) finely grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup (125ml) thickened cream
- Shaved parmesan, extra, to serve

Step 1
Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat a medium frying pan over high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until just crisp. Remove from heat.
Step 3
Whisk the eggs, egg yolks, parmesan and cream in a medium bowl until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Return the hot pasta to the pan. Add the pancetta and pour over the egg mixture. Gently toss until just combined (the heat of the pasta should cook the eggs; do not overcook).
Step 5
Divide evenly among serving bowls. Top with shaved parmesan and serve immediately with mixed salad leaves, if desired.

Photography: Ben Dearnley
Styling: Michelle Noerianto
Published in Notebook Magazine
Issue: August 2009

How to make Pork & Onion Sausage Rolls

2009-09-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

PORK & ONION SAUSAGE ROLL: RECIPE
A sausage roll is a type of convenience food commonly served at parties. The basic formula for a sausage roll is generally a sheet of puff pastry sliced into two and wrapped into tubes around a filling based on sausage meat, blended with softer ingredients such as soaked bread, onion and egg, before being cooked. They can be served either hot or cold. Some variations on the basic recipe include chopped vegetables and other seasonings such as herbs and spices.

Preparation time: 20 minutes 
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes 8

Sausage Roll Ingredients
- 20g butter 
- 1 brown onion, thickly sliced
-  1 medium fennel, trimmed, thinly sliced 
- 500g pork sausage mince
-  1 cup (70g) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread)
-  1 tsp ground fennel 
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds
-  2 sheets (25cm) ready-rolled puff pastry 1 egg, lightly whisked 
- Fennel or caraway seeds, to sprinkle

Step 1
Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium-low heat until foaming. Add the onion and fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until onion and fennel are very soft and slightly caramelised. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 220°C. Place onion mixture, sausage mince, breadcrumbs, ground fennel and caraway seeds in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Line an oven tray with baking paper. Divide sausage mixture into 4 portions. Using wet hands, shape a portion into a 25cm-long log and place along the edge of a pastry sheet. Roll pastry to enclose filling. Use a small, sharp knife to score pastry. Cut log in half and place on the lined tray. Repeat with remaining sausage mixture and pastry. Brush rolls lightly with egg and sprinkle with fennel or caraway seeds.
Step 4
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and pastry is puffed and golden. Serve with chips, salad and tomato sauce, if desired.

Sausage Roll TIPS:
These rolls can be made ahead to the end of step 3 and frozen, or cut into pieces for a cocktail party. For a flavour twist, try adding fresh sage or using grated apple instead of fennel.

Photography: Scott Hawkins
Styling: Michelle Noerianto
Published in Notebook Magazine
Issue: August 2009

How to make Lentil and Chickpea Dhal

2009-09-21T00:26:00.000-07:00

LENTIL AND CHICKPEA DHAL: RECIPE
Dhal (also spelled dahl, dal, or daal) is a preparation of pulses (dried beans, lentils etc.) which have been stripped of their outer hulls and split. It also refers to the thick, spicy stew prepared therefrom, a mainstay of Nepali, Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine. It is regularly eaten with rice and vegetables in Southern India, and with both rice and roti (wheat-based flat bread) throughout Northern India. Dhal is a mainstay in Indian vegetarian cooking, since it provides the requisite proteins for a balanced diet.

Dhal Ingredients
- 2 tsp peanut oil
-  1 brown onion, finely chopped 
- 2 tsp finely grated ginger 
- 1/4 cup mild curry paste 
- 400g can diced tomatoes 
- 400g can lentils, rinsed, drained 
- 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained 
- 250ml can coconut milk
-  Natural yoghurt, to serve
-  Cucumber ribbons, to serve
-  Baby pappadums, to serve

Step 1
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until aromatic.
Step 2
Add the tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and coconut milk and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Spoon the dhal evenly among serving bowls and serve immediately with yoghurt, cucumber and pappadums, if desired.

Photography: Ben Dearnely Styling: Jane Hann
Published in Notebook Magazine
Issue: September 2009

How to make Eggs Florentine with bacon

2009-04-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

EGGS FLORENTINE: RECIPE
This is a classic dish that is great as a starter or brunch dish. Eggs Benedict is a dish that consists of a half of an English muffin, topped with ham or bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. Eggs Florentine substitutes spinach for the ham/bacon. The recipe below is a combination of the two. For vegetarians, simply leave the bacon out. Hope you enjoy.

Eggs Florentine Ingredients (serves 4)
- 8 thin bacon rashers
- 20g butter
- 2 bunches of spinach, trimmed, washed, dried
- dash of white vinegar
- 4 fresh eggs, at room temperature
- 4 slices ciabatta, sourdough or English muffins, toasted

Hollandaise sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine vinegar
- 6 black peppercorns
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 egg yolks
- 200g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp lemon juice

Step 1
To make the hollandaise sauce, combine the vinegar, peppercorns and shallot in a small saucepan over low heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes or until mixture reduces to 2 tsp. Remove from heat and strain through a fine sieve.
Step 2
Place the vinegar reduction and egg yolks in a medium heatproof bowl over a saucepan that is half-filled with simmering water. Use a balloon whisk to whisk, while very gradually adding the melted butter in a thin, steady stream. Whisk until thick and creamy. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and ground white pepper. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine. Cover with foil and set aside.
Step 3
Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Add the bacon rashers and cook for 2 minutes each side or until crisp. Transfer to a plate. Melt the butter in the pan until foaming. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until spinach wilts. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Add vinegar to a deep frying pan filled with water and bring to the boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and bring to a gentle simmer. Crack 1 egg into a small cup. Use a large spoon to stir the water to create a whirlpool. Gently slide the egg into the water and poach for 1-2 minutes for a soft egg, or until cooked to your liking. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with aluminium foil to keep warm and repeat with the remaining eggs.
Step 5
Place the toast on the serving plates. Spoon the spinach and bacon over the toast slices. Top with the poached eggs and drizzle with hollandaise sauce. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

EGGS FLORENTINE TIPS:
– Vinegar added to the poaching egg water will immediately set the eggwhite, giving the final poached egg a better shape.

Source: Sarah Hobbs

How to make Spaghetti Bolognaise: recipe

2009-04-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE: RECIPE
Spaghetti Bolognaise consists of a meat sauce served on a bed of spaghetti with a good sprinkling of grated Parmigiano cheese. Although Spaghetti Bolognaise is very popular outside of Italy, it never existed in Bologna, where ragù is served always with the local egg pastas tagliatelle or lasagne. Spaghetti Bolognaise (Spag Bol) is by far my favourite meal – easy to prepare and delicious to eat!

Spaghetti Bolognaise Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1/2 tbs olive oil
- 1 large chopped onion
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
- 50g chopped pancetta
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 600g diced tomatoes
- 1/8 cup tomato paste
- 250g spaghetti

Step 1
Heat 1/2 tbs olive oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and cook 1 large chopped onion, 1 large garlic clove, crushed, and 50g chopped pancetta for 4-5 mins. Increase heat to high, gradually add 500g beef mince and cook until well browned.
Step 2
Add 1 cup beef stock, 1/2 cup red wine, 600g diced tomatoes and 1/8 cup tomato paste. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Cook 250g spaghetti in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain. Serve half the bolognaise with the pasta and freeze the remaining sauce for later. Serve with grated parmesan, if desired.

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE TIPS:
– Add mushrooms to the bolognaise sauce for extra flavour.
– Spag Bol is a great meal for children (especially if they do not enjoy eating their vegetables) – by grating vegetables into the bolognaise sauce you can disguise the fact that they are eating them.

Source:
Fresh Living - June 2005, Page 35
Recipe by Rebecca Truda

How to make Macaroni & Cheese: recipe

2009-04-02T15:43:00.001-07:00

MACARONI AND CHEESE: RECIPE
Macaroni and Cheese is a classic baked pasta dish which can either be served as an entrée or as a side dish. It is a very simple dish, sometimes referred to mac 'n' cheese. There are endless combinations with common additions like peas, corn, ham and even ground beef.

The key to a good Macaroni and Cheese is the cheese and ultimately the cheese sauce. Make sure you try to buy a block of aged cheddar cheese and grate it yourself.

Macaroni Cheese Ingredients
- Melted margarine, to grease
- 145g (1 cup) dried macaroni pasta
- 40g (1/2 cup) grated cheddar
White Sauce Ingredients
- 375ml (1 1/2 cups) milk
- 20g (1 tbs) margarine
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbs cornflour
- 125ml (1/2 cup) water

Step 1
Preheat oven to 250°C. Brush a 1-litre (4-cup) ovenproof dish with the melted margarine to lightly grease.
Step 2
Cook the macaroni in a medium saucepan of salted boiling water following packet directions or until al dente.
Step 3
Meanwhile, to make sauce, heat milk and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Combine cornflour and water and stir in gradually. Bring to the boil, stirring. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring, for 5-7 minutes or until thick.
Step 4
Drain the macaroni. Add to the white sauce and stir to combine. Transfer to greased dish and sprinkle with cheddar. Cook in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Jessica Vanderwolf

How to make a Bellini cocktail

2009-03-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

BELLINI COCKTAIL RECIPE:
The Bellini is a peachy version of the Champagne Cocktail and makes a great brunch cocktail. It was created in the 1930's or 40's at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy by bartender Giuseppe Cipriani and was named after a favorite painter, Giovanni Bellini. Originally, the Bellini was intended to use sparkling Italian wine and is still made that way in Italy, elsewhere it is often made with Champagne.

Bellini Cocktail Ingredients
- 1 ounce peach puree
- 3 ounces champagne
- 1 peach slice for garnish

Step 1
Wash and peel the peaches.
Step 2
Remove the pits and blend peaches into a puree in either a food processor or a blender.
Step 3
Spoon one ounce of peach puree into a fluted champagne glass.
Step 4
Fill the glass with champagne or sparkling white wine.
Step 5
Garnish with a peach slice and serve.

Quick and Easy Bellini:
- 1 ounce peach schnapps
- 3 ounces dry sparkling white wine or champagne
- 1 dash grenadine

Combine ingredients in a champagne glass for a quick and easy bellini.

Bellini step by step video tutorial:

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Top 10 Nutrition and Fitness Tips and Tricks

2009-03-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

TOP 10 TIPS, TRICKS AND HINTS TO GET YOU FIT AND HEALTHY

1. Get real and be specific.
Write down three or four realistic goals that you can stick to. For example, "I will try to lose one pound of body fat every week. I will walk for 30 minutes minimum five days a week." Avoid fantasy-land goals that will only frustrate you.

2. Get prepared.
Throw away all the junk, the processed, and the "bingeable" foods now and replace them with fresh, whole foods like lots of water and veggies. Buy a new pair of walking shoes and find some clothes in your closet you feel comfortable to walk in. During a lifestyle change, if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail!

3. Get support.
Whether it's your best friend, spouse, or pet, it helps to have some nonjudgmental and nurturing support when trying to lose weight, especially during trying times.

4. Make daily notes.
Research has shown that keeping track of your daily exercise and food intake in a journal or notebook will increase the likelihood of success. Keep it simple, or if you're inspired, write a novel! The key is to hold yourself accountable.

5. Create a food-free reward system.
How about a new workout outfit, pair of jeans, shoes -- or what the heck, even a spa treatment, shopping spree, or weekend getaway? You deserve this kind of treatment when you reach your goals.

6. Buy a pedometer.
A pedometer keeps track of how many steps you take daily. Wear it every day, around home, work, and while exercising. Your National Body Challenge goal is to increase your steps by 10,000 or more daily! Remember this: You'll burn roughly 100 to 125 calories by taking 2,500 steps (about one mile). The goal during the challenge is to burn 300 extra calories and to eat roughly 200 calories less in a day. This 500-calorie deficit is equivalent to one pound of body fat per week and a healthy boost to your self-esteem.

7. Don't skip breakfast.
Research shows that the most successful "losers" never skip it. Try to keep it balanced with some protein, a healthy carb, and a small amount of fat. Here are some examples: an egg-white omelet with fresh berries and a piece of whole-wheat toast, or a skim milk shake with fruit and yogurt.

8. Stop the late-night eating.
If you eat a lot of excess calories after 8 p.m., you wear them the next morning. Put a stop to this by making sure you have a healthy dinner consisting of lean protein, veggies, and fruit.

9. Eliminate processed sugars.
Processed sugars are carbs that have been stripped of their valuable nutrients. How can you identify these sugars? They are all white: table sugar, pasta, rice, and bread, and they're nothing but trouble, since they kick up your appetite for more of the same.

10. Have a mid-afternoon snack.
This will curb your appetite and provide fuel for your after-work walk or workout at the gym. Some great snack ideas include: reduced-fat peanut butter on a multi-grain cracker, a couple of pieces of low-fat string cheese and an apple, cottage cheese with pineapple, or try a low-fat cheese microwaved in a whole-wheat pita.

article by Discovery Health Channel National Body Challenge medical advisor Dr. Pamela Peeke

30 Extraordinary uses for Lemons

2009-02-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

30 EXTRAORDINARY USES FOR LEMONS: TIPS & TRICKS
The lemon is the common name for Citrus limon. Lemons are used for culinary and nonculinary purposes throughout the world. The fruit is used primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, primarily in cooking and baking. Lemon juice is about 5% (approximately 0.3 mole per liter) citric acid, which gives lemons a tart taste; a pH of 2 to 3; and makes lemon juice an inexpensive, readily available acid. Below are 30 uses for this popular fruit.

Around the House
Eliminate fireplace odor
There's nothing cozier on a cold winter night than a warm fire burning in the fireplace -- unless the fire happens to smell horrible. Next time you have a fire that sends a stench into the room, try throwing a few lemon peels into the flames. Or simply burn some lemon peels along with your firewood as a preventive measure.

Neutralize cat-box odor
You don't have to use an aerosol spray to neutralize foul-smelling cat-box odors or freshen the air in your bathroom. Just cut a couple of lemons in half. Then place them, cut side up, in a dish in the room, and the air will soon smell lemon-fresh.

Deodorize a humidifier
When your humidifier starts to smell funky, deodorize it with ease: Just pour 3 or 4 teaspoons lemon juice into the water. It will not only remove the off odor but will replace it with a lemon-fresh fragrance. Repeat every couple of weeks to keep the odor from returning.

Clean tarnished brass
Say good-bye to tarnish on brass, copper, or stainless steel. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt (or substitute baking soda or cream of tartar for the salt) and coat the affected area. Let it stay on for 5 minutes. Then wash in warm water, rinse, and polish dry. Use the same mixture to clean metal kitchen sinks too. Apply the paste, scrub gently, and rinse.

Polish chrome
Get rid of mineral deposits and polish chrome faucets and other tarnished chrome. Simply rub lemon rind over the chrome and watch it shine! Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

In the Kitchen
Prevent potatoes from turning brown
Potatoes and cauliflower tend to turn brown when boiling, especially when you're having company for dinner. You can make sure the white vegetables stay white by squeezing a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into the cooking water.

Freshen the fridge
Remove refrigerator odors with ease. Dab lemon juice on a cotton ball or sponge and leave it in the fridge for several hours. Make sure to toss out any malodorous items that might be causing the bad smell.

Brighten dull aluminum
Make those dull pots and pans sparkle, inside and out. Just rub the cut side of half a lemon all over them and buff with a soft cloth.

Keep rice from sticking
To keep your rice from sticking together in a gloppy mass, add a spoonful of lemon juice to the boiling water when cooking. When the rice is done, let it cool for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

Refresh cutting boards
No wonder your kitchen cutting board smells! After all, you use it to chop onions, crush garlic, cut raw and cooked meat and chicken, and pre-pare fish. To get rid of the smell and help sanitize the cutting board, rub it all over with the cut side of half a lemon or wash it in undiluted juice straight from the bottle.

Keep guacamole green
You've been making guacamole all day long for the big party, and you don't want it to turn brown on top before the guests arrive. The solution: Sprinkle a liberal amount of fresh lemon juice over it and it will stay fresh and green. The flavor of the lemon juice is a natural complement to the avocados in the guacamole. Make the fruit salad hours in advance too. Just squeeze some lemon juice onto the apple slices, and they'll stay snowy white.

Make soggy lettuce crisp
Don't toss that soggy lettuce into the garbage. With the help of a little lemon juice you can toss it in a salad instead. Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water. Then put the soggy lettuce in it and refrigerate for 1 hour. Make sure to dry the leaves completely before putting them into salads or sandwiches.

Keep insects out of the kitchen
You don't need insecticides or ant traps to ant-proof your kitchen. Just give it the lemon treatment. First squirt some lemon juice on door thresholds and windowsills. Then squeeze lemon juice into any holes or cracks where the ants are getting in. Finally, scatter small slices of lemon peel around the outdoor entrance. The ants will get the message that they aren't welcome. Lemons are also effective against roaches and fleas: Simply mix the juice of 4 lemons (along with the rinds) with 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water and wash your floors with it; then watch the fleas and roaches flee. They hate the smell.

Clean your microwave
Is the inside of your microwave caked with bits of hardened food? You can give it a good cleaning without scratching the surface with harsh cleansers or using a lot of elbow grease. Just mix 3 tablespoons lemon juice into 1 1/2 cups water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense on the inside walls and ceiling of the oven. Then just wipe away the softened food with a dishrag.

In the Laundry
Bleach delicate fabrics
Ordinary household chlorine bleach can cause the iron in water to precipitate out into fabrics, leaving additional stains. For a mild, stain-free bleach, soak your delicates in a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda for at least half an hour before washing.

Remove unsightly underarm stains
Avoid expensive dry-cleaning bills. You can remove unsightly underarm stains from shirts and blouses simply by scrubbing them with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice (or white vinegar) and water.

Boost laundry detergent
To remove rust and mineral discolorations from cotton T-shirts and briefs, pour 1 cup lemon juice into the washer during the wash cycle. The natural bleaching action of the juice will zap the stains and leave the clothes smelling fresh.

Rid clothes of mildew
You unpack the clothes you've stored for the season and discover that some of the garments are stained with mildew. To get rid of mildew on clothes, make a paste of lemon juice and salt and rub it on the affected area, then dry the clothes in sunlight. Repeat the process until the stain is gone. This works well for rust stains on clothes too.

Whiten clothes
Diluted or straight, lemon juice is a safe and effective fabric whitener when added to your wash water. Your clothes will also come out smelling lemon-fresh.

For Health and Beauty
Lighten age spots
Before buying expensive medicated creams to lighten unsightly liver spots and freckles, try this: Apply lemon juice directly to the area, let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse your skin clean. Lemon juice is a safe and effective skin-lightening agent.

Create blond highlights
For blond highlights worthy of the finest beauty salon, add 1/4 cup lemon juice to 3/4 cup water and rinse your hair with the mixture. Then sit in the sun until your hair dries. Lemon juice is a natural bleach. Don't forget to put on plenty of sunscreen before you sit out in the sun. To maximize the effect, repeat once daily for up to a week.

Clean and whiten nails
Pamper your fingernails without the help of a manicurist. Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to 1 cup warm water and soak your fingertips in the mixture for 5 minutes. After pushing back the cuticles, rub some lemon peel back and forth against the nail.

Cleanse your face
Clean and exfoliate your face by washing it with lemon juice. You can also dab lemon juice on blackheads to draw them out during the day. Your skin should improve after several days of treatment.

Freshen your breath
Make an impromptu mouthwash using lemon juice straight from the bottle. Rinse with the juice and then swallow it for longer-lasting fresh breath. The citric acid in the juice alters the pH level in your mouth, killing the bacteria that cause bad breath. Rinse after a few minutes, because long-term exposure to the acid in the lemon can harm tooth enamel.

Treat flaky dandruff
If itchy, scaly dandruff has you scratching your head, relief may be no farther away than your refrigerator. Just massage 2 tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice into 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff disappears. No more itchy scalp, and your hair will smell lemon-fresh.

Soften dry, scaly elbows
It's bad enough that your elbows are dry and itchy, but they look terrible too. Your elbows will look and feel better after a few treatments with this regimen: Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make an abrasive paste. Then rub the paste into your elbows for a soothing, smoothing, and exfoliating treatment.

Remove berry stains
Sure it was fun to pick your own berries, but now your fingers are stained with berry juice that won't come off with soap and water. Try washing your hands with undiluted lemon juice. Wait a few minutes and wash with warm, soapy water. Repeat if necessary until the stain is completely gone.

Disinfect cuts and scrapes
Stop bleeding and disinfect minor cuts and scrapes. Pour a few drops of lemon juice directly on the cut or apply the juice with a cotton ball and hold firmly in place for one minute.

Soothe poison ivy rash
You won't need an ocean of calamine lotion the next time poison ivy comes a-creeping around. Just apply lemon juice full-strength directly to the affected area to soothe itching and alleviate the rash.

Remove warts
You've tried countless remedies to get rid of your warts, and nothing seems to work. Next time, try this: Apply a dab of lemon juice directly to the wart, using a cotton swab. Repeat for several days until the acids in the lemon juice dissolve the wart completely.

These 30 extraordinary uses for a lemon have been extracted from the book: Extraordinary uses for ordinary things - 2,317 ways to save money and time. This book is full of uses for ordinary things and makes a wonderful gift!!!

How to make Fortune Cookies

2009-02-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

FORTUNE COOKIE RECIPE
A fortune cookie is a crisp cookie made from flour, sugar, vanilla, and oil containing a 'fortune' on a slip of paper. The 'fortune' is a piece of paper with words of wisdom or a vague prophecy. The message inside may also include a list of lucky numbers (used by some as lottery numbers) and a Chinese phrase with translation. Fortune cookies in their current form were first served in California by immigrants who based the cookie on a traditional Japanese cracker. Below is a step by step guide to help you make your own fortune cookies.

Fortune Cookie Ingredients (makes 15 cookies)
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.2g) of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.2g) of almond extract
- 3 tablespoons (41g) of vegetable oil
- 8 tablespoons (62.5g) of flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (4g) of cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) of salt
- 8 tablespoons (100g) of sugar
- 3 teaspoons (15g) of water

Step 1
Measure out strips for your fortunes on a piece of paper. The strips should be about 3" (7.6cm) long and 1/2" (1.25cm) wide. Write your fortunes out and then cut the strips. You'll need about 10 fortunes.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease baking sheets.
Step 3
Beat the egg white in a bowl. Add vanilla extract, almond extract and vegetable oil.
Step 4
Put flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt into a separate bowl. Stir in the water.
Step 5
Add the flour; cornstarch; sugar; salt mixture into the egg; vanilla; and almond mixture. Stir until you have a smooth batter.
Step 6
Place tablespoons of batter onto the cookie sheet, spacing them around 2 or 3 inches (5 - 7.5cm) apart. Tilt the baking sheet back and forth, side to side, until each tablespoon of batter forms into a circle 4 inches (10cm) in diameter.
Step 7
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the outer half turns to a golden brown color, and they are easy to remove from the baking sheet.
Step 8
Remove the cookie with a spatula, and flip it over in your hand. Place the fortune in the middle of the cookie.
Step 9
Form the fortune cookie shape: fold the cookie in half, then gently pull the edges downward over the rim of a glass or wooden spoon.
Step 10
Place the finished cookie in the cup of a muffin tin or teacup or whatever you think will work best so that it keeps its shape. Continue with the rest of the cookies.

Fortune Cookie Tips
- Use a baking mat on a cold cookie sheet. If you do not have a baking mat, grease the cookie sheet very well. Do not put batter on a warm cookie sheet.
- Start by making only one or two cookies.
- Work quickly with the hot cookies. They harden as they cool.
- After removing the cookie, give it a couple (and only a couple) seconds to cool before putting the fortune in. Putting it in immediately will cause it to sink into the batter and make it very difficult to remove.

Please view the video below for a quick guide on how to make Fortune Cookies.

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How to make a Tequila Sunrise: cocktail recipe

2009-02-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

TEQUILA SUNRISE COCKTAIL RECIPE
Want to feel like you are on holiday off the coast of Mexico - then this is the drink for you.

The Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail made in two different ways, the original ingredients included: tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice and soda water, while the more popular version includes tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The Tequila Sunrise cocktail is named for the way it looks after it has been poured into a glass. The denser ingredients (cassis or grenadine) settle at the bottom, creating gradations in colour that resemble a sunrise.

Tequila Sunrise Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 125ml (1/2 cup) gold tequila
- 500ml (2 cups) chilled orange juice
- 1 1/2 tbs grenadine
- cherry
- orange slice

Step 1
Pour tequila in a highball glass with ice and top with orange juice.
Step 2
Stir. Add grenadine by tilting glass and pouring grenadine down side by flipping the bottle vertically very quickly. The grenadine should go straight to the bottom and then rise up slowly through the drink.
Step 3
Garnish with straw, cherry & orange.

How to make Roti - Indian flatbread recipe

2009-01-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

ROTI - INDIAN FLATBREAD RECIPE
Roti is a type of Indian flatbread and is a delicious and essential component of any Indian meal. Roti is simple to make, can be served plain or stuffed and is great with curry or other Indian dish. They are made from small balls of dough that are rolled out and then partially cooked on a hot griddle. They are then lightly coated with ghee or butter to keep them pliable until serving time.

Roti Ingredients
- 4 cups whole wheat flour or chapatti flour
- 1 1/4 cup water
- Ghee or butter

Step 1
Reserve enough flour for dusting your work surface and put the rest of the flour in a large bowl. Gradually add the water and mix the flour and water with your hands until it forms a stiff dough.
Step 2
Put the dough on the floured surface and knead it until it is smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3
Return the dough to the floured surface and divide it into 8 equal parts. Roll each into balls approximately the size of a small peach.
Step 4
Flatten each ball using the palms of your hands. Add a little more flour to the work surface and rolling pin, and use the rolling pin to roll the flattened ball into a circle. Continue rolling the dough until it is about 6-8 inches in diameter.
Step 5
Heat some butter in a cast iron skillet, on medium heat, and place the dough in the pan. Cook it for about a minute, or until it is golden brown and bubbles begin to appear. Turn it over and cook the other side.
Step 6
To keep the rotis warm as they are cooked, place them in a towel-lined bowl and fold over the sides of the towel. Serve hot, either completely dry or topped with a small amount of ghee or butter.

Did you know:
Rotis are excellent for those with a yeast allergy.

How to make the perfect Omelette

2009-01-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

THE PERFECT OMELETTE RECIPE
An omelette or omelet is a combination of beaten egg cooked with butter or oil in a frying pan, usually folded around a filling such as cheese, vegetables, meat (often ham), or some combination of the above. Traditionally, omelettes are partially cooked on the top side and not flipped prior to folding. To obtain a fluffy texture, whole eggs or egg whites are usually beaten with a small amount of milk or cream, or even water. Below is my favourite omelette recipe.

Omelette Ingredients (serves 1)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbs milk or water
- The fillings of your choice (I like to use 50g mushrooms, thinly sliced; 1 rasher bacon or ham, finely chopped; 1/2 tomato, finely chopped and a small amount of red bell pepper and onion)
- Salt & freshly ground pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 5g butter
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar

Step 1
Use a fork to whisk eggs and milk together. Season well with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2
Heat oil in a small (16cm base) non-stick frying pan over medium high heat. Add onion, red pepper, mushrooms and bacon or ham. Cook for 3 mins or until mushrooms soften. Stir in tomato. Cook 1 min. Remove from pan and set aside. Wipe pan with paper towel.
Step 3
Melt 5g butter in the frying pan over medium-high heat. Add eggs to the pan. Use a fork to quickly draw the cooked egg back from edge of pan to allow uncooked egg to run to the edge. Continue until egg is almost set. Cook for a further 30-45 seconds or until egg is just set.
Step 4
Spoon mushroom mixture over half the omelette. Sprinkle over cheese. Use a fork to lift one side of the omelette over to enclose filling. Carefully slide onto serving plate.
Step 5
Serve immediately with salad.

Did you know?
On March 19, 1994, the largest omelette or omelet (128.5 m³; 1,383 ft²) in the world at the time was made with 160,000 eggs in Yokohama, Japan,[2] but it was subsequently overtaken by an omelette made by the Lung Association in Brockville Memorial Centre, Ontario, Canada on May 11, 2002 — it weighed 2.95 tons.

How to make sangria: Sangria recipe

2008-12-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

SANGRIA RECIPE AND TIPS:
Sangria is a red wine sweetened from fresh, seasonal fruit. It makes for a pleasant drinking experience as you can eat the alcohol-filled fruits once the drink is finished. While its traditional heritage is well rooted in Spain, countries all over the globe have adapted the recipe to make a fruit-filled wine beverage that is refreshing and easy to drink. Sangria is easy to make, easy to drink and a huge hit at summer time. While the recipe below calls for oranges, lemons and limes, you can add almost any type of fruit to your Sangria recipe and it will taste good.

Sangria Ingredients
- Red wine
- ½ cup of sugar
- 2 oranges
- 2 lemons
- 2 limes

Step 1
Pour the wine in a pitcher
Step 2
Add the sugar
Step 3
Squeeze the juice of a lime, lemon, and orange
Step 4
Slice up the rest of fruit into wedges and add it to the drink
Step 5
Put it in the refrigerator for an hour

View our cocktail measurements conversion table for oz, ml, shots, cups etc.

HOW TO MAKE SANGRIA: VIDEO TUTORIAL

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Sangria can be experimented with a different combination of fruits and wines. Addition ideas: Apples, grapes, mangos, sliced strawberries, peaches, handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, a shot or two of gin, brandy or rum, a cup of ginger ale, citrus soda pop or lime juice. Let your imagination run wild!!!

SANGRIA TIPS:
If you leave your sangria in the refrigerator for a long time before serving, the fruit will begin to soak up some of the alcohol and will be a tasty boozy treat after you finish your drink.

There is no need to use an expensive bottle of wine in order to make good Sangria. The qualities of a good bottle of wine may go unnoticed with so many other flavours competing for your attention.

Be careful. Sangria is a drink that is so good you almost forget there is alcohol in it. Too many Sangrias may result in a nasty hangover.

Red wine stains!!!, so be careful that you don't spill your Sangria on white carpets, furniture, or other lightly colored upholstery. Enjoy!

AMAZON has a collection of informative books on this subject which make for great gift ideas.

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How to make a Blow Job shot

2008-11-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

HOW TO MAKE A BLOW JOB: SHOT RECIPE
A Blow Job is one of the more famous alcoholic shots. This shot is very easy to make once you learn how to properly layer the liquids.

Blow Job Shot Ingredients
- 1 part whipped cream
- 1 part Kahlua
- 1 part Baileys Irish Cream

Step 1
Pour the Kahlua into a shot glass
Step 2
Gently pour the Baileys over the back of a teaspoon to form a layer on top of the Kahlua
Step 3
Top with whipped cream
Step 4
Do not touch with your hands, pick up with your mouth and take the shot

How to make a Slippery Nipple shot

2008-11-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

HOW TO MAKE A SLIPPERY NIPPLE: SHOT RECIPE
This shot is very easy to make once you learn how to properly layer the liquids.

Slippery Nipple Shot Ingredients
- 25ml Sambuca
- 25ml Baileys Irish Cream

Step 1
Pour Sambucca into double shot glass
Step 2
Gently pour the Baileys over the back of a teaspoon to form a layer on top of the Sambuca
Step 3
To create the nipple, add a drop of grenadine to the centre
Step 4
Serve immediately

How to make a Strawberry Daiquiri

2008-10-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI COCKTAIL RECIPE
A Daiquiri is a lightly sweetened, rum based drink that incorporates lime and sometimes other fruit flavours. The fact that we can enjoy a Strawberry Daiquiri on hot summer days is thanks to the Cuban bartenders who created this thirst quenching cocktail. Create your own classic Strawberry Daiquiris based on this classic recipe below:

Strawberry Daiquiri Ingredients
- 50ml of white rum
- 10ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 5 or so ripe strawberries
- Sugar syrup to taste (Stir 500g sugar into 250ml water and bring to boil, stirring constantly. Cool and refrigerate.)

Step 1
Pour all the ingredients into a blender
Step 2
Whiz it up with four ice cubes
Step 3
Pour into a chilled margarita glass and garnish with a strawberry

How to make a Sex on the Beach cocktail

2008-09-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

HOW TO MAKE A SEX ON THE BEACH COCKTAIL
One of the more popular cocktails, a Sex on the Beach is a delicious fruity drink that almost anyone will like. It is a great tropical highball that is wonderful on hot summer nights or afternoons at the beach. Juices such as grapefruit and pineapple are often substituted for the orange juice. The step by step guide below will prepare you to enjoy this cleverly named concoction whenever the mood strikes!

Sex on the Beach Ingredients
- 1.5 oz (45ml) peach schnapps
- 1.5 oz (45ml) vodka
- 2 oz. (60ml) cranberry juice
- 2 oz. (60ml) orange juice
- 2 oz. (60ml) pineapple juice
- orange slice for garnish
- maraschino cherry for garnish

Step 1
Add vodka, peach schnapps, juice and ice blocks to the cocktail shaker
Step 2
Shake it well
Step 3
Strain the mixture into a highball glass
Step 4
Garnish the drink with the orange slice and maraschino cherry

View our cocktail measurements conversion table for oz, ml, shots, cups etc.

How to make a Flaming B52 Shot

2008-09-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

HOW TO MAKE A FLAMING B52: SHOT RECIPE
A B52 is a great shooter to drink on a winters afternoon - it warms the belly and puts fire in your heart! This shot is very easy to make once you learn how to properly layer the liquids.

B52 Shot Ingredients
- 10 ml Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 10 ml Irish cream liqueur
- 10 ml Grand Marnier
- Layer in the order given in shot glass.

Step 1
Pour the Kahlua into a shot glass
Step 2
Gently pour the Baileys over the back of a teaspoon to form a layer on top of the Kahlua - this is your classic B52
Step 3
To make a Flaming B52, add to the shot by pouring Grand Marnier over the back of a teaspoon to form a layer on top of the Baileys
Step 4
Turn off the lights and light the shot
Step 5
Serve immediately

How to make a Sloe Comfortable Screw

2008-08-06T15:38:00.001-07:00

SLOE COMFORTABLE SCREW COCKTAIL RECIPE
Customers love ordering this drink at a bar because of its sexual innuendo. With the Screwdriver as the point of origin, a range of drinks emerged with the ‘screw’ moniker. The Sloe in ‘Sloe Gin’ and the ‘Comfort’ in Southern Comfort also lend their names to this retro cocktail. NB!!! Do not confuse Sloe Gin with ordinary gin. Sloe Gin is a specific type of liqueur that is made from sloe berries and is essential to this recipe.

There are countless recipe variants to this amazing cocktail:
A 'Sloe Fuzzy Comfortable Screw' means less than a shot of Peach Schnapps is added to the original recipe.
A 'Sloe Comfortable Screw, At Sunrise' means a shot of tequila is added to the drink recipe.
A 'Sloe Comfortable Screw, Against The Wall' means Galliano is added after the orange juice is poured. Galliano is an herbal liqueur that has a licorice flavour. Splashing Galliano in to any recipe makes it 'Against The Wall'. Adding Amaretto after the Galliano makes it 'Against The Wall, With A Kiss.' Adding Frangelico and whiskey after the Galliano makes it 'Against The Wall, With Satin Pillows The Hard Way'.
A 'Sloe Comfortable Screw Against A Red Wall' has a shot of RedRum, a brand of fruit flavoured rum, added on top of the Galliano.

The Sloe Comfortable Screw is a fun cocktail to make, but it's also easily ruined with too much alcohol.

Sloe Comfortable Screw Ingredients
- 15ml (1 oz) Smirnoff Vodka
- 15ml (1 oz) Gordon’s Sloe Gin
- 15ml (1 oz) Southern Comfort
- Fresh orange juice

Step 1
Pour the Vodka, Gin and Southern Comfort over ice in a highball glass
Step 2
Fill the glass with orange juice almost to the top
Step 3
Stir
Step 4
Garnish with an orange slice

View our cocktail measurements conversion table for oz, ml, shots, cups etc.

How to make a Harvey Wallbanger

2008-08-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

HARVEY WALLBANGER COCKTAIL RECIPE
The Harvey Wallbanger is pretty much a Screwdriver with a Galliano float. Created in the 1960’s the Harvey Wallbanger is said to take its name and recipe from a Californian surfer called ‘Harvey’. He would enjoy his Screwdrivers with a top up of Galliano. After drinking a substantial amount of these Galliano charged Screwdrivers he would wander out of the bar, walking into furniture and bumping into walls. He was nicknamed the Wallbanger and his special drink took his name.

Another popular theory is that drinks using Galliano are so called because the only place the tall Galliano bottle fits on a bar is up agains the wall…

Harvey Wallbanger Ingredients
- 45ml (1 1/2 oz) Smirnoff Vodka
- 15ml (1/2 oz) Galliano
- Orange Juice

Step 1
Pour the vodka over ice in a highball glass
Step 2
Fill the glass with orange juice almost to the top
Step 3
Use a bar spoon to float the Galliano on top
Step 4
Garnish with an orange slice

View our cocktail measurements conversion table for oz, ml, shots, cups etc.

HOW TO MAKE A HARVEY WALLBANGER: VIDEO TUTORIAL

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How to make a Screwdriver cocktail

2008-08-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

SCREWDRIVER COCKTAIL RECIPE
The orange juice in a Screwdriver makes this drink the perfect cocktail for brunch. As for the origins of this drink the most popular opinion is that it acquired its name from a US oilman who was allegedly seen stirring a vodka & orange juice with his screwdriver. Another less heard theory claims the name is linked to N.E. Beveridge’s account in Cups of Valor where US marines attempted to make their own gin whilst stationed at Tientsin in 1945. They used an 18inch screwdriver to stir their brew, which soon became known as screwdriver gin…

The Screwdriver is still a popular drink today and has also formed the base of a range of other creative interpretations such as: The Harvey Wallbanger and the Sloe Comfortable Screw.

Screwdriver Ingredients
- 60ml (2 oz) vodka
- 150ml (5 oz) orange juice

Step 1
Build the ingredients in a highball glass with ice
Step 2
Stir well (with a clean screwdriver?) before serving
Step 3
Garnish with an orange slice

Screwdriver Tip:
To make your Screwdriver even better, use freshly squeezed orange juice

View our cocktail measurements conversion table for oz, ml, shots, cups etc.

How to make a White Russian cocktail

2008-07-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

HOW TO MAKE A WHITE RUSSIAN
A White Russian is a sweet cocktail made from vodka, coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa or Tia Maria), and cream served in an old-fashioned glass with ice. It is basically a black russian with cream (milk is often used as a substitute for the cream). To make this cocktail taste a little less like a treat, just add a smaller splash of cream.

Ingredients
- 60ml (2oz) vodka
- 30ml (1oz) coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
- light cream (the more cream you add, the sweeter this cocktail will taste)

Step 1
Pour the vodka and the coffee liqueur over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass
Step 2
Fill with light cream and serve

View our cocktail measurements conversion table for oz, ml, shots, cups etc.

How to make a Black Russian cocktail

2008-07-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

BLACK RUSSIAN COCKTAIL RECIPE
The Black Russian is a simple vodka and coffee liqueur drink (usually two parts vodka to one part coffee liqueur). This popular lowball is known throughout the world and is so popular that it (and the White Russian) should be one of the first that every aspiring bartender should memorize. Experiment beyond the common coffee liqueurs like Kahlua to create different tastes.

Ingredients
- 1 shot (45ml) vodka
- 1/2 shot coffee liqueur (I find that Tia Maria works best)

Step 1
Build the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice
Step 2
Stir well

A variation is the Tall Black Russian, prepared in the same manner as a Black Russian, except that it is served in a taller glass and topped up with Cola.

TALL BLACK RUSSIAN COCKTAIL RECIPE
The Black Russian is a simple vodka and coffee liqueur drink (usually two parts vodka to one part coffee liqueur). This popular lowball is known throughout the world and is so popular that it (and the White Russian) should be one of the first that every aspiring bartender should memorize. Experiment beyond the common coffee liqueurs like Kahlua to create different tastes.

Ingredients
serves 2
- 1 lime, quartered
- 2 shots (90ml) coffee liqueur
- 1 shot (45ml) vodka
- Ice cubes, to serve
- Cola, chilled, to serve

Step 1
Squeeze half the lime wedges into a serving glass. Repeat with another serving glass and the remaining lime wedges. Divide the squeezed lime wedges between glasses
Step 2
Divide the Tia Maria and vodka among the glasses and combine
Step 3
Add ice cubes
Step 4
Top with cola and serve immediately

View our cocktail measurements conversion table for oz, ml, shots, cups etc.