Saturday, December 10, 2011

10 Basic Steps to Making Great Cookies

!: 10 Basic Steps to Making Great Cookies

Everyone likes cookies; kids, parents, grandparents, friends, and the list could go on. There is just nothing much better than warm cookies right out of the oven to kids of all ages. Baking cookies is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen even at an early age. Even the little ones are so impressed by cookies "they made themselves" even though they may have only stirred the dough, added an ingredient, or sprinkled on some colored sugar decorations. And homemade cookies are perfect for everything from welcome to the neighbor hood gifts, teacher gifts, holiday gifts, office treats, to just simply something to hand to daddy and say, "Look what I made for you".

Today we have some very good cookie dough in the dairy counters of our grocery stores to buckets of dough sold as fund raisers. But baking your own good cookies is still something special. Baking cookies with the kids is not only fun but it teaches them how to measure, a math skill they don't even realize they are learning. It is also a lesson in organization as ingredients are gathered before the baking begins, a lesson in working with others even if it is just the two of you, and a lesson in cleaning up as the kitchen has to be cleaned afterwards. Even if children aren't involved, becoming proficient with a certain cookie recipe gives one a sense of self and confidence as others come to expect and even request your "special" cookie.

Following are a few tips to help you bake great cookies from scratch, as the old-timers used to say:

Use good ingredients. It is impossible to produce a first-rate product with second-rate ingredients. For example, use butter instead of margarine. So many of today's margarine products contain a large amount of water. This will not produce a good cookie. Forget about counting fat and calories when baking cookies. Concentrate on a good product and don't over indulge on the finished product!

Use good utensils. For example, invest in a couple of good baking sheets. Good baking sheets will help you turn out a better cookie.

Use standard measuring cups and do measure the ingredients. Baking is not the place to "throw in a little of this or that". Use glass liquid measuring cups for measuring liquids. You will be able to see the lines easily and the ingredients won't slosh over the sides. Use nested measuring cups to measure dry ingredients. Dry ingredients should be measured to the rim of the cup. And use the right size. Don't measure what appears to be a half cup in a one cup measure. Get out the one-half cup measure. It is no more trouble to wash one extra cup!

Use standard measuring spoons. Do not grab a "teaspoon" from your silverware drawer to measure an ingredient. Get out a measuring spoon and do it right. The teaspoon that came with your silverware set will not measure an accurate teaspoon for a recipe. And as with the cups, use the right size. Do not guess at a half teaspoon in a one teaspoon size.

Use the proper baking sheets or pans. Shiny metal absorbs less heat than the dark metal. Dark metal may cause your cookies to over brown on the bottom, so the shiny metal is best if you want to produce a delicately browned cookie. When baking bar cookies, it is especially important to use the proper sized pan that is called for in the recipe. If you are on a limited budget and can only afford one or two quality pans, go for the cake or bar pans. They can be turned upside down and used as cookie sheets.

Other important utensils. To make your baking easier and more efficient, helping you to turn out a better finished product, there are some other utensils you should have on hand. If your budget is limited, buy the utensils you will use most often (for other uses as well) and add the remainder gradually. (Hint: When family and friends ask what you want as a gift for holidays or birthdays mention good quality items you still would like to have.) Some of these items are: a good set of wooden spoons for creaming butters and sugars together, slotted spoons for efficient blending of ingredients that need to be mixed by hand, a good set of rubber or silicone scrapers or spatulas, sharp knives, a good set of cookie cutters, a set of heavy mixing bowls with rounded bottoms, large glass pitcher-style mixing bowl, quality wire cooling racks, and a good rolling pin and pastry cloth for use when making cut-out cookies.

Read the recipe carefully before beginning the mixing process. You don't want to get started and realize you are out of a needed ingredient. This will also let you know the particular basic method of mixing this recipe so you can have the proper utensils laid out.

Preheat the oven. Before you place the cookies in the oven, the oven should be at the proper temperature.

Watch your baking time carefully to avoid over-baked or underbaked cookies. Always check your cookies at the minimum baking time given in the recipe, then you can bake them longer if needed, checking often. An overbaked cookie is just not a good cookie.

Never substitute ingredients unless the recipe gives directions for doing so or you are well acquainted with the recipe and know exactly what you are doing.

Following these guidelines will help you to produce a great finished cookie product. And most of all, have fun doing so!


10 Basic Steps to Making Great Cookies

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Celtic 3-Drawer Bakers Rack

!: Brand new Celtic 3-Drawer Bakers Rack discount

Brand : Southern Enterprises
Rate :
Price : $0.00
Post Date : Dec 06, 2011 00:01:24
Usually ships in 2-3 business days



Celtic 3-Drawer Bakers Rack. Three hand stained rattan baskets offer beauty AND flexibility. Leave them in as stationary organizers, remove them for use elsewhere, or carry them as handy totes! The two upper shelves also provide ample and convenient storage, making this unit perfect for any room. Dimensions: 40.25" W x 11" D x 32" H; Baskets: 10" W x 10.5" D x 8" H; Upper shelves: 38.5" W x 10" D x 10" H

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Friday, December 2, 2011

SEI Iron/Wicker Baker's Rack

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Rate : | Price : $173.04 | Post Date : Dec 02, 2011 22:45:24
Usually ships in 2 to 3 days

Simple and stylish, this baker's rack solves the storage issues of the kitchen. Take advantage of the spacious four wicker drawers to store your dish towels, pots and pans, cookbooks, and more. The shelves are perfect for showing off fancy plates and cups.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

SEI Manilla 3-Drawer Rattan Baker's Rack

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Brand : Southern Enterprises, Inc.
Rate :
Price : $139.12
Post Date : Nov 17, 2011 02:42:03
Usually ships in 1 to 2 days



Elegant and beautiful, this three-drawer kitchen rack will help with storage, display and organization all in one. Three lower brown stained rattan baskets function as removable drawers while three open shelves on top provide versatility. Decorative scrollwork laces the top for a classic touch.

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Friday, November 11, 2011

What Spices To Use Instead of Salt

!: What Spices To Use Instead of Salt

Believe it or not I very seldom add salt to anything. The only time I think it is necessary is when I'm making a stew. Since I use fresh carrots, potatoes or other vegetables I can easily avoid the salt often used in canned equivalents. It also allows me to salt to my own particular needs and tastes. If you do use canned items like beans, try to buy the salt free or reduced salt versions. Remember that most of us need a teaspoon of salt (2400 milligrams) every day.

If you are totally new to the world of spices, don't be discouraged. Just rummage around your spice rack or drawer and see what you have. Many bakers keep cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg at their disposal. These are not just for sweets. I like to use a few shakes of cloves in my crock-pot stew or a teaspoon of nutmeg for a large pot of gumbo.

Many people ask whether the spices that have been tucked away in your drawer are still all right to use. The way to find out is to grind a little of the spice with a spoon and cutting board or, better yet, a mortar and pestle, if you have it. This solves two concerns. Take a sniff. If the spice has an aroma after grinding it, then you can still use it to flavor your food. It is still good.

Secondly, the smell can help you determine if you actually like the spice. If it smells good to you, then chances are you will enjoy the flavor of it as well. If you don't like the smell, then put it aside for now and pick up the next spice until you find three or four that smell appealing. Now you are ready to cook.

The great thing about spices is that they contain a lot of vitamins and minerals that are good for you. But that does not mean that more is necessarily better. As a beginner start small. Try using ¼ teaspoon of one to two spices for every two-person helping or for each pound. If you feel the flavor is still too bland, go up to ½ teaspoon. It is normal for folks over the age of forty-five to need a little more to boost the declining number of taste buds as we age.

So far we have spoken of spices and often that includes herbs or the leaf part of a plant. However, herbs should be treated a little differently. First of all decide whether you want to use fresh or dried. That will help you figure out how much to use. The ratio is four times as much fresh as dried. Cut the fresh leaves of the herbs to help release the flavor and add them at the very end of the cooking cycle. Herbs are more delicate and should not be cooked at length. If using dry, begin as you did with the spices and use ¼ teaspoon for every pound.

If you are familiar with a spice and its flavor than be as generous with it as you like. But if you are a beginner and don't know that basil has a more potent flavor than marjoram, then once again start small and work your way up to your own particular level of enjoyment.

Assuming you have been cooking long enough to have a few favorite recipes, you can now add different spices to your old favorites. In other words, you don't have to reinvent the wheel or change your grocery buying habits. Buy the same meat, starches or vegetables and surprise your family with something old and something new!


What Spices To Use Instead of Salt

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Etagere - A Functional Furnishing For Your Space

!: Etagere - A Functional Furnishing For Your Space

If you are not familiar with the term Étagère it is very similar to what the English call a "what-not" that was made in France at the end of the 18th century. They usually have a series of shelves that you can use to showcase your knick-knacks, collectibles or anything else that you want to display.

While the original ones were mainly made of wood and tended to fit into corners, times have changed and the improvements are vast. There is an étagère for pretty much every conceivable decorating theme from those that are very antique in appearance, to others that are on the traditional side, and believe it or not, you can even get ones that have a very modern theme to them.

For example, you can get one that is crafted out of a combination of wood and metal featuring a metal frame with looping, detailing accents covered in a pewter finish that is beautifully finished by rich cherry stained shelves. One of this nature would be generally be classified as an antique selection. Or, you could get one that is also made from a combination of metal and wood, but this time around the metal frame is brushed and has a very straight, clean appearance that is again beautifully complemented by shelves with the same type of sleek appearance.

With so many different styles of Étagère's available, you won't have to worry about it looking like your grandmother's house when you use an étagère in your decorating theme. Those just mentioned are just a few of the style options that are available because there are actually many, many more to choose from as well including those that have a contemporary style, some that are more on the traditional side, others that are art deco in appearance, and ones that even combine styles.

In addition to being pleasing to the eye and adding some style to your living space, an étagère will also add some practicality to your space as well, which was touched upon earlier. Its shelves are ideal for setting down and displaying a wide variety of things. Plus, you can even get ones that have additional storage features as well including ones that come with drawers, ideal for stowing away a wide variety of things.

Interested in bringing an étagère into your home? Then, a great way to look into the many choices that you could get is by hitting the Internet for some online shopping. In a matter of minutes you can check out all the choices that are available and when you do decide on something, it generally will be at a pretty reasonable price compared to what you would purchase at a regular furniture store. Plus, it will be shipped right to you so you don't have to worry about how you will have to get it home.

So, if you want to add some function and beauty to your home, a great way to do it is with an étagère. Make sure to get one today.


Etagere - A Functional Furnishing For Your Space

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Dirty Oak Finish Metal & Wood Baker's Kitchen Rack w/Drawers

!: Low Cost Dirty Oak Finish Metal & Wood Baker's Kitchen Rack w/Drawers discounted

Brand : AtHomeMart
Rate :
Price : $240.11
Post Date : Nov 05, 2011 00:36:04
Usually ships in 4-5 business days



Dirty Oak Finish Metal & Wood Baker's Kitchen Rack w/Drawers This is a brand new dirty oak finish metal and wood baker's kitchen rack with two drawers and wine rack built in. Item will make a great addition to your home decor furniture setting. Item may require some simple assembly. Item Dimensions Measure: 37"W 14 1/2"D 74"H

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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Choosing Young Men's Bedroom Furniture

!: Choosing Young Men's Bedroom Furniture

A little boy's room isn't necessarily going to work for a tween, teen or young man who increasingly distances himself from the world of toys as he enters a world of music, pop culture and girls.

The cute little pirate ship bed or cowboy bedspread may no longer cut it, as your young man seeks a room that is a little cooler and hipper, something that he wouldn't mind letting his friends see.

When thinking about young men's bedroom furniture and décor, you need to resist the temptation to know what's best. Young adults spend a lot of time in their room, and it really should reflect their personality and needs, not yours. Remember, paint is cheap and so is spackle. After your son heads off to college you can always redecorate the room the way you want for very little money.

In the meantime, your son can have the room of his dreams. If you're thinking about transforming your young man's bedroom, start by talking to him about his interests, likes and dislikes.

A theme for the room is always a good idea. For instance, if your son is really into music, you can turn the room into a pseudo recording studio, complete with posters of his favorite bands. A lot of kids are into gaming and your hard core gamer could fall in love with a room that celebrates his passion for Call of Duty or World of Warcraft.

When renovating the room, start off by selecting a color for the walls. Take your son with you to shop for paint and get him involved in the color choice. You can always exercise ultimate veto power. If your son suggests black, you may be able to guide him instead to doing a section of wall that is covered with "blackboard paint," a special paint where he can express his creativity with chalk. For other new products and for painting ideas in general, talk to the paint specialist at your local store.

When coming up with a color scheme for the room, ask your son about his favorite color. Use it as the basis of a palette of colors, so everything matches. A lot of parents will try to wing it, ending up with colors that are either blah or a little too feminine.

Before you get to the painting stage, get some buy-in from your teen. Tell them that you'll be happy to purchase the materials, but they have to do a lot of the work. This will not only lighten the load, but give you some family time, working together to transform the room and really make it his.

Of course, the old furnishings may have to go. If you can't refinish them or if they are too childlike, it's time to go on a shopping trip. The best approach is to go with a flexible furnishing approach. For example, you may opt for a futon instead of a traditional bed so your son can have a space to chill out with friends after school. If space is at a premium, you may want to go with a loft bed instead. The setup can have a second bed below or even a desk for your son's computer.

The goal with young men's bedroom furniture at this stage is to purchase something that can serve another purpose later. For example, if your son will be going off to college some day, you may want to get quality furniture that can later become part of his first apartment.

If you're planning to turn the room into a part time guestroom instead, you may want to go with a more conservative look to the furniture, adding color and style with items that can be later removed, such as art, wall color, bedding, etc.

One indispensible part of any room for a young man is a comfortable desk. Kids these days have a lot of homework on their plate and you want to create a space that allows them to do the work while staying organized. Comfort is an important part of the workspace, too. Invest in a desk chair that is comfortable. The desk should have enough room for a computer and papers as well as a workspace. The size of the desk will depend on the type of computer your son has, so factor that in.

If you already have a great mattress, you can always use it on the new bed. There's no reason why you'd want to replace a relatively new mattress. Instead, shop for a new bed that uses the same size mattress you have now. It will save you a couple bucks.

Finally, lighting is important. Young men like different moods of lighting. They may want low lights for chilling with friends and listening to music and bright light when doing homework. You can create different spaces in the room with different lighting strategies. For example, you may want to add a lamp to the desk for homework while adding a dimmer to the light on the ceiling. A floor lamp will do nicely over a chair for reading or playing video games.

Creating a room filled with young men's bedroom furniture can be a lot of fun. Done right, you can create a space that your son loves and rarely wants to leave, meaning that you always know where he is. The response "I'll be in my room" is a welcomed one for parents in this day and age.


Choosing Young Men's Bedroom Furniture

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Bakers Rack - An Essential Piece Of Kitchen Furniture

!: Bakers Rack - An Essential Piece Of Kitchen Furniture

A bakers rack can be a nice addition to a kitchen and can be an ideal storage unit for wine glasses, stemware, and even wine bottles. In modern kitchens bakers racks are also used to display family treasures like vases or the traditional crystal ware.

Bakers racks can serve a decorative purpose by filling extra space in the kitchen in which case they are better utilized to house your collections of glasses, coffee cups or even beer mugs. However, in most cases bakers racks are utilized in a functional manner meaning they serve as essential pieces of furniture in a kitchen and relieve it of clutter by containing the extra accessories like recipe books as well.

Most bakers racks are just wide enough to occupy an optimum space without being awkward. Typically bakers racks measure about 3 feet in width, but the height is left to the manufacturer and the buyer. Where storage is the main criteria, bakers racks are equipped with drawers and compartments or even cabinets tailor made to house the numerous kitchenware that would otherwise clutter up a decent kitchen.

Some bakers racks can be wall mounted, but such furniture pieces are rare because people seem to prefer a sturdier version. An addition of shelves into a bakers rack is another great way to create extra space for storing dinner plates or baking trays and other baking accessories.

Most bakers racks are made of metal, but a mixture of materials can also be available. For example a backers rack may be of a wooden structure, but the shelves are of metal or even plastic. Wrought iron is another popular metal used in manufacturing bakers racks.

Glass bakers racks are also available, but they are delicate pieces and in homes with children can prove to be a headache. Bakers racks made of marble or wicker impart a classy look to your kitchen simply because of their elegance. However you do need to decide the function that your bakers rack will play before choosing a particular material.

Corner bakers racks are fast gaining popularity because of their ability to fit into nooks and corners of a kitchen. Bakers racks used in corners usually contain wine bottles and glasses. Corner bakers racks can also be crafted from pine to impart additional elegance if desired.

If you are using bakers rack in outdoor settings then these furniture units can be ideal places for storing garden tools and even acting as food and drink centers when you are throwing backyard parties. Additionally they can also be used as plant stands and store all your gardening tools if required. Bakers racks used in an outdoor setting can also act as a decorative piece if you decide to put house potted plants on it.

Consumers need to be aware that although pricing models differ greatly based on the material used in bakers racks, the do it yourself or DIY models are not advised. These are a cheaper alternative but in most cases you will end up spending more to assemble it rather than when buying a well crafted bakers rack in the first place.


Bakers Rack - An Essential Piece Of Kitchen Furniture

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Friday, April 15, 2011

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Sunday, April 3, 2011

Bakers Racks - The Perfect Spot to Showcase Your Collectibles

!: Bakers Racks - The Perfect Spot to Showcase Your Collectibles

You have this beautiful collection of salt and pepper shakers, but you don't really know how to put them all on display so you have them sitting in a box in your basement. Well, it's time to bring them upstairs for all to see because you can just turn to lovely bakers racks to put your collection on display. One would be a fabulous choice for adding to any kitchen or dining area.

Why are bakers racks such a fine choice for displaying your salt and pepper shaker collection you ask? The answer is a simple one, it is because of their practical design. You see, one will be filled with shelving, sometimes the same size and other times multiple sizes, where you can nicely set down and display different things including your collection, plants, family photos, and even fine china if you wanted. Over the years some modifications have been made to their design and along with their shelves, they also have other Storage features as well including drawers, cabinets, and some will even come with wine racks and others with glass racks.

Not only are bakers racks a great option for their practicality, but they are also a fine option because they can add a lot of style to the space that there put into. This is possible given the fact that they are built out of all sorts of materials and are then finished off in a number of ways to create some pretty impressive, eye-catching selections. For example, you can get one that has a very modern appearance made from a combination of metal and glass. The metal used in its construction would be for the frame and it would be very sleek in appearance, probably finished off in a brushed finish while the glass would be clear and used for the shelves.

Or, you can get bakers racks that have a very antique feel to them. Again, you could get one made from metal and glass. However, this time around the metal frame of the piece is more on the ornamental side with lavish looping scrollwork while being finished in a rich cherry finish with gold highlights. The glass could be clear on this piece or it might be tinted and even have painted accents on it.

Bakers racks can be crafted from other materials as well including different woods, like pine or oak, that can also be made to look like modern pieces with smooth finishes including espresso or they can be more on the antique side finished in a rich distressed color. Basically, there are a lot of style choices to choose from and along with those mentioned some of the others out there are those with an art deco feel, others that are contemporary, and some that actually blend styles.

Thinking that bakers racks are the right furnishing for you? Then, to find just the right one for you, just jump on the Internet for some online shopping.

In the end, if you have a collection and you want to put it on display, just turn to lovely bakers racks. They're a functional furnishing that will be sure to please.


Bakers Racks - The Perfect Spot to Showcase Your Collectibles

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