kernels http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for kernels Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:57:29 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/kernels The Joy Of Summer Sweet Corn http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-joy-of-summer-sweet-corn http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-joy-of-summer-sweet-corn#comments Sun, 18 Jun 2006 03:32:04 +0000 corn on the cobtspgreen pepperbreadcrumbsfreshkernelstomatoes http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-joy-of-summer-sweet-corn fresh ear of sweet corn brushed with melted butter. is delicious, but there's more than one way to serve fresh corn. Along with the corn harvest comes a big variety of other vegetables and dishes.

When you cut the corn from the cob, the possibilities for preparing corn are endless. You can add it to bread to make a wonderful spoon bread recipe, or a great Southern favorite, corn pudding. Corn combines well with other summer vegetables such as , bell peppers and onions. The secret to a great dish is to use the freshest corn available. The less time that passes between the garden and the finished recipe the better.

When you're selecting corn, choose ears with tight, green husks and tender milky looking that are evenly spaced on the ear and firm enough to puncture if you squeeze it a little. If you're not going to be preparing your corn immediately after you get it home, then buy it with the husks and put it in the refrigerator to prevent the sugar in the corn from turning to starch and tasting less than sweet. If your recipe calls only for kernels of corn, remember that two average size ears will usually give you about one cup of corn kernels.

Here's a delicious summer corn recipe to try out this year.

Corn and Tomato Casserole

8 slices bacon, cut in half 2 c soft 2 c peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes 1 med , chopped 3 c fresh corn cut from cob salt tsp sugar tsp pepper c butter, melted

Place half of bacon in a shallow 2 qt casserole, and top with 1 c breadcrumbs. Layer half of tomatoes, green pepper, and corn over breadcrumbs; sprinkle with half of salt, sugar and pepper. Repeat layers of the veggies and seasoning. Combine the melted butter and remaining 1 c breadcrumbs, stirring well; spoon evenly over casserole. Top with remaining bacon; bake at 375 F for 40-45 minutes. Serves 8. Sherry Frewerd publishes 'Family Crock Pot Recipes' http://familycrockpotrecipes.com where you can find quick and easy slow cooker recipes to simplify your life. Sherry is also a 'Marlo Quinn' Founding Team Leader specializing in helping women achieve their dreams of financial freedom: http://www.marloquinn.net/index.asp?consultant=15 ]]> Researching And Developing Your Business Idea http://www.artwoo.com/article/researching-and-developing-your-business-idea http://www.artwoo.com/article/researching-and-developing-your-business-idea#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2006 16:27:09 +0000 air popcorn poppersflavored popcornpopcorn kernelspopcorn makershot air popcorn poppersstumble uponliterally http://www.artwoo.com/article/researching-and-developing-your-business-idea
1. Modify An Already Good Thing

Even if you don't have your own idea, you can modify someone else's pre-existing idea. For example, many people like popcorn but want butter on it. Origionally, the only way to get butter was to heat butter and then dip or spread the butter over the popcorn, and this required putting butter into a pot or bowl and melting it over a stove or in the microwave. Eventually, had built-in repositories to place butter so that as the hot air passed over the , popping it, it also heated the butter so you didn't have to dirty a separate dish. Then, someone came up with the idea of coating kernels of popcorn in a butter spread so that they butter themselves as they pop. Of course, the idea was very messy and unusable in hot- because the butter would drip down into the machinery, so instead, a foil bag was provided to contain the buttery explosions and, as it turned out, double as the bag you could eat the popcorn out of (assuming you didn't then pour the popcorn out of the bag and into a bowl for eating). Always think to yourself, what's the next logical step? What doesn't change the product itself, but might make it faster or easier to use?

2. Avoid Impractical Ideas

If you something that has a lot of potential, be sure to evalute how realistic and practical it might be. For example, you might come up with the idea to manufacture something, but there ends up not being a market for it. You might think kids will love your particular product, but then parents don't end up buying it, or you have limited success but your product gets known as a fad at best.

3. Do Market Research

The best thing you can do is actually get out there and talk to potential customers. Never be afraid to ask them what they want. At the same time, you will get a general sense of how many people out there might be interested in such a service.

4. Find A Niche

Let's face it, youre not going to be big. You don't have a lot of capital, nor do you have a big advertising budget. You don't already have a million customers so you can't price your product less and still make a profit because youre still getting a little bit of money from each customer. What you can do, however, is find a niche market. You might know what industry you want to work in, and that's about it - now's the time for you to narrow your options and cater to a specific type of customer.

5. Get It On Paper

Once you have an idea, it's time to flesh it out into the most basic elements - products or services, suppliers, customers, and work. For example, if your idea is to provide web design for small businesses, then this is where you need to sit down and figure out what suppliers you might need (web hosting, for example), and what services youd be providing for customers. Think of it as inputs and outputs. The next step, of course, is to determine a price that is profitable. For more great business related articles and resources check out http://businessopportunityhub.info ]]> The Most Interesting Presto Popcorn Makers http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-interesting-presto-popcorn-makers http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-interesting-presto-popcorn-makers#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:22:28 +0000 orville redenbachergreat gift ideaunpopped kernelsfree snackdish clothcommercial popcornpopcorn makers http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-interesting-presto-popcorn-makers popcorn makers are currently one of the most popular brands of popcorn makers in the market today. This popcorn maker varies depending on the users preferences, providing a healthier and convenient snack.

Most makers are oil-popped types that give 45% of calories from fat. However, hot air popcorn poppers are for home usage. It started during the late 70's.

These hot air popcorn poppers actually avoid oil usage and produces popcorn with 5% of calories, making it a healthier option. There are also different kinds of popcorn makers that can work in different ways. Presto product lines can provide a healthier eating of popcorn, without any mess.

Below are the Presto popcorn makers to choose from.

Presto 4821 Popcorn Popper

Presto Orville Redenbacher 4821 is a faster and economical popcorn maker. It was created by Prestoý and Orville Redenbacher'sý. It pops with hot air, making 18 cups in less than 2 minutes. The model 4821 can provide a healthy and low calorie with no . This model comes with a removable butter melter that acts as a handy measuring cup. It has no "on" and "off" button but it has a power strip button that can be used to turn the device "off" and "on".

Other features:

Cook Type: Hot Air
Overall Color: White
Price Range: $21to $30
Power: 1400 watts

Presto Powerpop 4830 Popcorn Popper
Cook Type: Hot Air or Oil
Overall Color: Transparent
Price Range: $26.99

The Presto Powerpop 4830 pops with or even without popcorn. It is a because it can pop a corn faster and easier. Aside from this, it has a free fat option. Hence, the model 4820 popcorn maker is easy to clean a is best used when wiping its base.

Users tend to discover that the middle of the popcorn or small batches can become burnt even without being able to listen to the popping sound so as to slow it down.

Other features:

Cook Type: Hot Air or Oil
Overall Color: Transparent
Price Range: $26.99

Presto PopLite 4820 Popcorn Popper
Cook Type: Hot Air
Overall Color: White
Price Range: $24 to $25.17
Power: 1440 watts
Dimensions: 14 in. by 9 in. by 6.5 in.

Presto PopLite 4820 is a faster and economical choice. It uses a regular or gourmet popcorn. It can pop up to 18 cups having virtually no kernels that are un-popped. Poplite 4820 can make a huge bowl of popcorn for about 2 minutes, making it 40 % faster than other leading popcorn makers. It is also easy to operate. Thus, it comes with a measuring cup or butter melter.

Other features:

Cook Type: Hot Air
Overall Color: White
Price Range: from $24 to $25.17
Power: 1440 watts
Dimensions: 14 in. x 9 in. x 6.5 in.

Presto Caramel Corn'R, Popcorn/Caramel Corn Maker

Presto Caramel Corn'R heats popcorns in hot air for about 2 minutes of a full bowl with no un-popped kernels. Its features are the same as the Presto's Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper excluding the logo and color. The plastic cover cup can be easily removed when cleaning it with the use of dishwashing soap and water only. Presto Caramel Corn'R includes an instruction and recipe book inside its box.

Other features:

Cook Type: Hot Air
Price: $4.99
Dimensions: 14 in. x 9 in. x 6-1/2 inches
Warranty: 2 years

Most popcorn makers vary in size, color and style. Presto Popcorn Makers feature the following benefits:

• A quick job
• A healthy option
• Easy cleaning
• Dishwasher-proof
• Cool handles
• A measuring cup
• And clear lids among othersFor more information on Presto Popcorn Makers and West Bend Popcorn Makers please visit our website.]]> The Incredible Edible Wheat Berry http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-incredible-edible-wheat-berry http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-incredible-edible-wheat-berry#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:30:13 +0000 whole wheat flourhealth food storesblueberry bushplant embryowheat kernelwheat berriesflour products http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-incredible-edible-wheat-berry wheat berries I wouldn't have the foggiest idea as to what they were talking about. My lack of knowledge about health kept me in the dark about the difference between white wheat products and whole wheat products in the early years of my life and I paid the consequences with a toxic system later on down the road. Thank goodness I started doing my own research about the importance of whole grains for optimal health. Besides that I discovered that the wheat berry is not the cousin of the .

Fast-forward twenty years. Knowledge is good. Wheat berries are little kernels of grain that are ground down into making . Whole wheat flour can be used for making the same that come from white enriched all-purpose flour. The difference? Your health. Whole wheat is naturally grown and enriched with important vitamins and minerals that our body needs to stay healthy. These important nutrients have all been taken away from all-purpose white flours and can be found in bags labeled wheat germ and bran in your .

The incredible, edible wheat berry is where all flour originates. Whole wheat flours contain three important parts of the , which are bran, endosperm, and germ. The bran is the hard, brownish outer protective skin of the grain berry and consists of 7 layers; these layers are a concentrated source of dietary fiber, which is absolutely necessary for a healthy system. The endosperm is the inner part of the grain and consists of the protein part of the kernel. The germ contains the where most of the vitamin E content is stored. Whole wheat flour is a complete food.

White enriched all-purpose flour does not have any nutrients left in it -- it is an incomplete food. This is why they label it "enriched". They add a few trace vitamins back into the flour so they can call it enriched but it cannot compare to the benefits of whole wheat flours. Take away the bran, the germ, and the endosperm and what do you have left? A powdery white substance that has no nutritional value whatsoever. White wheat products have no flavor, they are light but fattening, fluffy but not very filling, and they almost always stick to the roof of your mouth. The really awful part about white wheat products to the diet is they back up the intestinal tract causing numerous health problems in the long run.

The wheat berry is an incredible kernel filled with life-giving nutrients, and the neat thing about it you can eat it just the way it is without grinding it into flour. You can soak the wheat berries in hot water and a little sea salt and give yourself a fibrous, nutritious meal anytime throughout the day. You can add some honey or molasses, and you'll be good to go for several hours.

Wheat berries are energizing, and don't make you feel tired, bloated and sluggish like many breakfast cereals do. I'm going to share this recipe with you with much thanks to author Marlene Anne Bumgarner from her book The Book Of Whole Grains.Dr. Grandma's sells nutritious whole wheat mixes and wheat berries (aka: wheat kernels). To learn more about whole wheat foods and to find some great wheat berry recipes visit http://www.doctorgrandmas.com]]> Apricot Kernel Oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/apricot-kernel-oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/apricot-kernel-oil#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:00:10 +0000 apricot kernel oilapricot kernelsapricot fruitapricot treemassage oilessential fatty acidsquality massage http://www.artwoo.com/article/apricot-kernel-oil massage oil.

is the member of the rose family originating from Central and East Asia. The fruit, rich in vitamins is used to produce the pleasant smelling . Apricot Kernel Oil is very mild natural oil, often used in baby products because of its fine gentle nature.

Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed and refined from the dried kernels of the . It is light in colour with pleasant nutty odor and used in manufacturer of creams, balms, lotions and cosmetics.

Sought out for its high vitamin E content and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Apricot kernel oil is also popular as massage oil and it used as carrier oil when used with essential oils for aromatherapy.

Rich in like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. The excellent softening and moisturizing properties is great for face, hands and hair. Vitamins A and C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin. The apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness. Crushed are commonly used as a facial mask to soften the skin.

In addition, Apricot Kernel Oil is used as an antitussive, anti-asthmatic and to treat tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. It helps to calm the inflammation / irritation of eczema and dermatitis. When combined with an equal amount of St. John's Wort Oil, it is acts as anti-inflammatory and has a cooling effect.

Due to its moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties, apricot kernel oil is widely used for massage therapy.

Face Mask Formula - A soft paste made of 2 drops each of frankincense, rose and neroli oils, 6 tsp of apricot oil, 1 tsp clear melted honey and finely ground almond makes a good moisturizing face mask.

For nourished, soft and supple skin, rub apricot kernel oil on your body daily.

Acne Fusion - Pour 1 ounce of apricot kernel oil, 12 drops of lavender essential oil, 7 drops of tea tree essential oil and 1 drop of geranium essential oil in amber coloured clean bottle. Close it tightly and roll the bottle to mix the blend. Apply a small amount of this blend to the acne affected area. About The Author: Sharon Hopkins is the Webmaster for http://www.massagehealththerapy.com.. Massage therapy is a combination of science and art; provides a relaxing experience by artistic hand strokes on the body to rejuvenate the mind and body and eliminate stress scientifically. ]]> Fun Kitchenware Gadgets http://www.artwoo.com/article/fun-kitchenware-gadgets http://www.artwoo.com/article/fun-kitchenware-gadgets#comments Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:08:16 +0000 jams and preservesromantic holidaysfraternity housecan crusherstime momtender meatsmorsel of food http://www.artwoo.com/article/fun-kitchenware-gadgets romantic holidays in the future, many husbands are finding fun kitchenware gadgets to give as gifts to the special women at home. Wives can have a lot of fun measuring food with a digital scale that talks back every time a is placed on the multifunction weight system. The passionate color of red will convey how the husband feels about the new look that is beginning to show in their midriff and the women can have fun while dieting and get many family members involved in the fun.

Ultra modern dorm rooms will create a magnificent setting for fun and frolicking for a high school graduate next year. Fun kitchenware gadgets like will make the next party very affordable because college students can crush cans and recycle them to earn a little extra cash. Other fun kitchenware gadgets like microwave meal platforms will make cooking meals at the easier. Every college student can learn about kitchenware gadgets and become better cooks by using them.

There are fun activities that can be done by many people in the family with the help of fun kitchenware gadgets. Children can help their parents make some ice cream on a hot summer's day. The children can safely use fun kitchenware gadgets to pop kernels of corn with hot air, which will create healthy treats that everyone at home would love. Kids will love seeing how many kernels can be popped in a minute and they will certainly love using kitchenware gadgets like dish wands to clean up everything in the kitchen when the popcorn is gone.

A family will love using fun kitchenware gadgets to eat well year-round. A 23-quart pressure cooker and canner can help by reducing cooking time by half and at meal time, Mom can brag that she produces the most on the planet. Parents can use this type of fun kitchenware gadget to put up jellies, jams, and preserves using old time canning methods. With this easy to use kitchenware gadget, a Mom will know that the family will enjoy flavorful food accents that are not only healthy but are sanitary.

Fun kitchenware gadgets can turn any ordinary afternoon into a seafood festival. Party hosts can provide guests with fun kitchenware gadgets like seafood crackers so guests can turn boiled crab into a festive party event. A crab mallet set would give guests a good tool to use to make small work out of king crab, and oyster knives would be fun kitchen gadgets that would make opening oysters a very each task. Crystal cocktail servers would be kitchenware that would dress out any formal table.

The refreshments for a party could be prepared in other fun kitchenware gadgets. Novice bartenders could use stainless shot glasses to measure liquors and liqueurs that were served in drinks. Party hosts could keep an ample supply of frosty and fruity drinks available when they use fun kitchenware gadgets such as blenders, juicers, and espresso machines. Party hosts can prepare the delicious concoctions up one at a time or serve them liberally with the help of fun kitchenware gadgets that create an automated drink service. Party guests will be delighted to know that every party table has a fountain of delicious refreshment that run continually throughout the evening.James Brown writes about Crock-Pot.com deals, Kohl's deals and MetroKitchen.com deals]]> The History Of Almond Tree, 'Prunus Dulcis' http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-almond-tree-prunus-dulcis http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-almond-tree-prunus-dulcis#comments Thu, 13 Jul 2006 22:27:08 +0000 almond treescalifornia almondalmond treepeach treestestament biblealmondsstone fruits http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-almond-tree-prunus-dulcis almonds in their commercial trading, in exchange for other expensive and desirable goods. Native s, 'Prunius dulcis,' are found growing in Western Asia, and biblical references suggest that almond nuts have been grown in Israel since 2000 B.C. from time immemorial in the ancient land of Canaan; according to the book of Numbers in the Testament. Other references to almonds in the Bible are found in the books of Genesis, Ecclesiastes, and Jeremiah. The Old records the fact of Aaron's staff blossoming and developing into edible almonds, suggested that this divine miracle expressed the approval of God to Aaron and his brother, Moses as acceptable leaders of the Israelites.

Researchers believe that the almonds available on today's markets evolved from an ancient plant in China (Mongolia) that had a bitter kernel, much like the peach kernel. Through selective growing over the centuries, kernels appeared that demonstrated a characteristic sweet, spicy, crunchiness that U.S. almond tree growers prefer over bitterness.

In recent years, almond nuts harvested from trees in California have become an excellent product of considerable importance. The first almond trees sent to the new world to America from Spain in the mid 1700's by Franciscan monks were planted in Spanish monasteries near Sacramento, California. Almond trees are closely related to other , such as the cherry, peach, and plum, but it is the stone that forms the food product from the almond, but the fleshy substance that surrounds the pit. The leaves on almond trees are dark green, much like the long narrow leaves on , a genetically and similar related tree; a closeness that has been confused by many amateur gardeners, but the edible fruit parts are entirely and unmistakably different.

The almond tree is appreciated as one of the most beautiful flowering trees known in horticulture. The almond trees begin to flower early in the spring, reliably being loaded with beautiful rosy flowers on the leafless branches of the trees.

The U.S., agricultural, almond tree authorities report that 6000 almond growers cultivate approximately 450,000 acres of almond trees, supplying all of the U.S. domestic market and 70% of the world supply and are being distributed and sold to 90 nations.

Most nut tasters and food gourmets agree that the pecan is a much more desirable nut in respect to the flavor, cost of production edge, and an available supply over almonds, but the aggressive and cooperative superior marketing promotion of the Almond Nut Association has left the bureaucratic and limp marketing strategies of the Southern Pecan Association far behind. One advantage gained by almond tree promoters is that all European and Mideastern countries grew and used almonds in their food supply for centuries, and pecan promoters have not properly distributed and advertised this American product to massive exposure and those foreign markets to the sampling of the pecan that is necessary to be successful. Pecans also offer tremendous benefits to healthy bodies since their kernels contain extreme concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, that are so high in antioxidants, and they protect the heart by removing clogging cholesterols that interfere with blood flow in veins and arteries. The distinctive flavor and satisfying crunch of almonds make this nut a prime ingredient in candy, pies, cakes, treats for salting, toasting, and dipping in various kinds of icings. Marketable products of almonds are almond butter; which tastes like and resembles peanut butter; almond extract; an oil extracted from the nuts that is used as a potent flavoring, almond flour; used like flour in cakes and pastries, and almond paste; used in the preparation of confections and candies.

Almonds are used as a health benefit due to the cholesterol free fatty acids that reduce the risks of heart disease. Vitamin E is beneficially concentrated in almonds, which reduces the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, acting as an antioxidant--further reducing inflammation. We suggest growing your own almond trees for enjoyment, entertainment, and health benefits from eating the almonds, as well as the exercise that is spent in growing your own trees. Patrick A. Malcolm, owner of TyTy Nursery, has an M.S. degree in Botany and has cultivated almond trees for over three decades. http://www.tytyga.com ]]> Ubuntu Linux http://www.artwoo.com/article/ubuntu-linux http://www.artwoo.com/article/ubuntu-linux#comments Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:27:06 +0000 mozilla firefoxubuntumark shuttleworthemail clientmicrosoft outlookopenofficecore applications http://www.artwoo.com/article/ubuntu-linux Ubuntu is a Linux distribution operating system software, meaning that it runs using Linux applications, kernels and libraries. Ubuntu is developed and sponsored by Canonical, Ltd., a South African company that is founded and funded by .

The underlying focus of Ubuntu is mostly on the usability of the software and the freedom of software from existing restrictions. Ubuntu derives its name from an African term meaning "humanity to others." Given this, Ubuntu is based on the principle that software should be made available to everyone, that they are tools that people can use regardless of the language they speak and whether or not they have disabilities, and that software should be customizable according to the needs of their users. Most of all, Ubuntu is developed based on the idea that software should be free, and should be used freely, without any cost.

The of Ubuntu are available for free, and they can be downloaded from the Ubuntu website, which is http://www.ubuntu.com. The CD that contains these core applications can also be ordered and shipped anywhere in the world free of charge. Aside from these core applications, Ubuntu also has around 16,000 programs to suit the needs of its users. It is also available for both desktop and server use.

The desktop package of Ubuntu is complete and has features that make both working and playing viable through the use of this operating system. For word processing, spreadsheet and database creation, and other functions covered by Microsoft Office, Ubuntu has .org. Ubuntu also carries in its package, which allows for tabbed browsing, has strong pop-up blocking and is well-known for its relative invulnerability to malware. Ubuntu's counterpart for is Evolution, which similarly acts as an , an address book and a schedule manager. Ubuntu's answers to Microsoft's Windows Media Player are Rhythmbox Media Player for audio files and Totem for videos.

Another feature of Ubuntu that makes it attractive is the high level of customization it makes possible for its users. Ubuntu also supports 40 languages; it also has the Rosetta translation tool, which allows a user to create a dictionary and translator for his or her own language. Roel Sundiam writes articles and reviews for http://technews.download3000.com. ]]> What Food Is In The Cupboard? Part 4 Of 5 http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-food-is-in-the-cupboard-part-4-of-5 http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-food-is-in-the-cupboard-part-4-of-5#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2007 06:36:02 +0000 pulsescannellini beansairtight containerflageoletfood cupboardchili con carneminestrone soup http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-food-is-in-the-cupboard-part-4-of-5 food cupboard at home is the life blood of your kitchen. Is your cupboard killing your meals. Find out how to give your cupboard a new lease of life..

I am the first to admit that I am at time unsure just what to do with . So come with me on a tour of the shop aisle today to discover pulses, dried fruits and nuts.

PULSES

Beans, chickpeas and lentils are know as pulses. They are a good, economical source of protein. They can be purchased in a dried form or in cans. If using dried pulses you will need to soak them, by using the canned ones it cuts out this soaking process and makes them an instant convenience food. Buy dried pulses in small quantities, from a source that has a quick turnover to ensure freshness. The longer you keep dried pulses the longer you will need to cook them because they toughen with age. Store dry pulses in an in a cool, dry place.

Haricot beans

One of the most versatile pulses, they are a white, medium sized bean. Can be used in casserole dishes and stews. The best known of the haricot beans are baked beans.

Chickpeas

These are a beige, round bean known as the main ingredient in hummus. Often mashed and served with meat or fish. And I like the nutty flavor they add to stews.

Lentils

These are those little oval shaped beans that come in yellow, red, green, grey and brown. They take little cooking time and the dried variety do not need soaking.

Butter beans

With a lovely buttery flavor these are a large, flat, white bean. Can be used in soups or pureed with some herbs.



Popular in Italian cooking, they are a large, oval, white bean. Used in , hot pasta dishes and cold in salads.

beans

A small, delicate, pale green bean often served in salads. These are also the beans that are traditionally served hot with lamb.

Red Kidney Beans

We could not go, without mentioning the favorite mexican bean. This is the bean used in and in refried beans.

GRAINS

Now, with instant forms, they are easy to use and a delicious alternative. Keep grains in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 18 months.

Couscous

I must say I am a huge fan of couscous. It is a fine grained semolina made from durum flour. It has a mild flavor but a nutty texture. It is great served as an accompaniment instead of rice.

Polenta

It is a fine granular cornmeal. It can be serve hot like mashed potato or cooked into a slice and served grilled.

DRIED FRUITS

Many fruits are now available dried and can be used in a wide range of savory and dessert recipes. They are also a healthy snack food alternative and can be added to muesli for breakfast.. Dried fruits will keep for several months. Once the packet is opened store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

The tradition dried fruits include currants; sultanas; raisins; prunes; apricots; dates. But now when you look in your store you will be delighted to also be able to find pears; peaches; apples; figs; bananas; cherries; cranberries; blueberries; mangoes; papaya; pineapples.

NUTS

Nuts are a great thing to keep in the cupboard. They are fantastic to add in stir fries and desserts. Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Only buy in small quantities as there shelf life is generally only 2 to 3 months.

Walnuts

These are a little bitter but are good in both salads and stuffings. Walnuts are a fantastic accompaniment with blue cheese.

Almonds

These nuts often accompany chicken and are used a lot in desserts like crumbles and flans.

Pine kernels

These are actually the kernels of pine cones. With a sweet flavor these are wonderful tossed in salads or rice dishes. For a stronger flavor they can be dry fried or grilled until golden brown.

Cashew nuts

Cashews must be one of the most preferred eating nuts, with a sweet flavor and soft, crunchy texture. They are also often used in Asian dishes, added towards the end of cooking to maintain their flavor.

Chestnuts

Many people like these freshly roasted -- though I must say I don't see the appeal. They are popular at Christmas time in stuffings. Chestnuts are often used in dessert recipes, generally with chocolate.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts also known as cob nuts are small, round nuts, which are usually used in cakes, pastries and desserts.

Peanuts

They can be ground to form the basis of a satay sauce. Peanuts are best bought roasted or salted and can be used in salads and stir-fries.

Pistachio nuts

These are one of my favorite eating nuts. You can buy them salted in their shells (for snacks) and also unsalted and shelled, which are the most useful for cooking. They are used in pates, stuffings and as a colorful garnish.

Happy Cooking Francis Chang Find more of Francis's articles about Gourmet Cookie Favors and Christmas Cookies at http://www.chinese-fortune-cookie.com. ]]> Wedding Rice Kills Birds - Not! http://www.artwoo.com/article/wedding-rice-kills-birds-not http://www.artwoo.com/article/wedding-rice-kills-birds-not#comments Sat, 04 Nov 2006 20:27:07 +0000 birds naturewhat really happenedann landersurban mythmartha stewartfeathered friendsexponentially http://www.artwoo.com/article/wedding-rice-kills-birds-not feathered friends to explode.

Sadly, was , and the rumor mill. In fact, rice is perfectly harmless, even nutritious for birds to eat. Birds eat rice in the fields when it is growing without any problem whatsoever and have done so probably ever since birds and rice began their uneasy coexistance.

There have been numerous debunkings of this myth over the years but for some reason it is still with us. If you attend a wedding these days you're very likely to see wedding bubbles, rose petals, confetti and with startling irony: birdseed. Our society has actually gotten to the point where our priorities during this part of the wedding have shifted from showering the couple with a symbol of good luck to making sure the birds are well-fed. It is of apparent comparative unimportance if the bride has to spend six hours in the shower getting birdseed out of her hair.

This has persisted despite numerous debunkings over the years. Perhaps contributing to its persistence is that it truly is a bad idea to throw rice at a wedding, just not for the reason most people think: Wedding rice is a bad idea for the same reason we don't throw road-stars at the Indy 500. With all of the tiny, tubular grains carpeting the ground the chances that someone is going to start rolling and take a nasty spill are increased.

So, although many have been doing it for the wrong reasons, they've been doing the right thing. Still, people should know the true facts behind their decisions because believing in myths is supposed to be a thing of the past. But girls, don't try that ring on before the ceremony. NEVER try that ring on before the ceremony. Bad luck, you know? Michael Wangner is a wedding consultant for Gifts and Otherwise, online retailer of http://www.giftsandotherwise.com/shop/wedding-bubbles-c-267.html, http://www.giftsandotherwise.com/shop/place-card-holders-c-278.html and more. ]]> History Of Walnuts http://www.artwoo.com/article/history-of-walnuts http://www.artwoo.com/article/history-of-walnuts#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 18:27:07 +0000 english walnut treespersian walnut treesenglish walnutscalifornia walnutalmond treescentral californiajuglans regia http://www.artwoo.com/article/history-of-walnuts almond trees to succeed than for walnut trees in the climate and soils of Israel.

The Greeks were credited with the first certified improvements in the size and quality of the Persian (Iran and Iraq) today called through selection and cultivation. The Romans soon established the throughout most of Europe and much of North Africa, that have most popularly become known today as the English walnut trees.

, ',' were brought into the United States by Spanish missionaries in the early 1800's by Franciscan monks, who settled along the California coast. Because the English walnut orchards, that were rapidly established in came from the seeds planted from those walnuts that grew in the Catholic missions, the walnuts were sold and distributed under the name 'Mission Walnuts.'

Central tree growers today produce 99% of the total U.S. commercial walnut supplies of English walnuts. This production capacity of California also produces 65% of the world supply of English walnuts.

Famous chefs of the world use walnuts in many types of cuisines including meats, vegetables, desserts, and soup preparations. A world famous dessert--made from walnuts, honey, and paper-thin, buttered, flakes of crusts--is called 'Baklava.'

Important commercial types of walnuts that are grown today for profit are 'Juglans regia,' the English (Persian) walnut, that is mainly grown and produced in the United States. Trees can live to an age of approximately 60 years and grow to about 60 feet tall at maturity.

Black walnut, 'Juglans nigra,' a native walnut tree in America is grown mainly from New England to Minnesota and Nebraska and southwards down to the Gulf of Mexico. The black walnut tree can grow to a height of 60 feet and can live past 100 years. Black walnut trees have been grown mainly for their value in making expensive furniture; the nuts are harvested in considerably large quantities to use in baking, ice cream, and in candy recipes. The nuts can be easily shelled into large pieces if soaked overnight in water. The nuts are known for their crunchy flavor, which is distinctively spicy and enriched in its oil content.

Butternut or White walnut, 'Juglans cinerea,' is genetically closely related to the black walnut, 'Juglans nigra,' that forms oval shaped nuts, with a thick corrugated shell, 2 inches long with white kernels; richly flavored and preferred by many people to have a superior flavor over other cultivars of walnuts. The white walnut can grow 100 feet tall with a life expectancy of 75 years. The white walnut tree is the most cold hardy of all walnut trees, growing vigorously in zones 3-9. The roots of these trees, like black walnut trees, will exude a poisonous chemical that kills other plants (phytotoxic) growing nearby, thus other vegetation does not grow well if located within 80 feet of the trunk of the tree. The tree has a broader, leafy canopy than other walnut trees, but the wood is soft and inferior.

Walnut kernels are universally known to contain many antioxidants that offer health benefits and will lower cholesterol in the body, thus lowering heart damage from disease and cause a dramatic reduction of fatty coagulants in veins and arteries. The leaves have been used as a laxative since antiquity, as well as to induce vomiting, stop bleeding, stop diarrhea, as a cure to many skin diseases and herpes, and to kill human internal worms. Walnut hull extracts have been used to treat liver problems, to kill ringworms, and to help lose weight. Walnuts are highly beneficial in providing all of the Vitamin B series, Vitamin E, and many minerals that are beneficial to keeping a healthy body.

Walnut hulls have found many uses in a powdered state as a metal polish, as a thermal insulator in rocket nose cones and as a mysterious, secret ingredient in women's cosmetics. Walnut tree extracts have been used for centuries to make ink and dyes. The Egyptians used walnut kernel oil to embalm mummies by replacing the blood with walnut oil.

Greek mythology records that Carya, (the Latin genus name for walnut), who fell in love with the Greek God, Dionysus, was transformed into a walnut tree at her death. The wooden walnut columns (and later, marble) at the Acropolis that stand above the city were transformed into her human image (catyatides) that today can be seen by tourists in Athens, Greece.

Luther Burbank in 1893 introduced fast growing walnut tree hybrids that only required 15 years of growth to reach maturity, rather than the usual 50-60 years of growth. One hybrid he named, "Paradox walnut tree," Juglans x 'Paradox' by crossing the English walnut tree, 'Juglans regia,' with the California black walnut, 'Juglans hindsii.' This walnut tree is used as a grafting understock for commercial cultivars. "Royal walnut tree," Juglans x 'Royal,' by crossing the American black walnut tree, 'Juglans nigra,' with the California black walnut, 'Juglans hindsii.' This walnut tree still today produces almost a ton of nuts per year.

Other minor species of walnuts include the "Heartnut walnut tree," 'Juglans ailantifolia,' that is as hardy as the American black walnut, easily grown, very productive, especially after the trees grow older. It bears strings of nuts sometimes 30 or more in a single cluster that hangs down 1 foot in length. The kernels of these heartnut walnuts drop out into a container completely intact when the thin shells are cracked. Luther Burbank felt that this walnut was an intermediate variant of the Japanese walnut. The Manchurian walnut tree, 'Juglans mandshurica,' was introduced as a variant of the Japanese walnut during the Civil War of the United States. The flavor of these nuts is considered spicy and superior in taste to other walnuts, while being crunchier. These trees grow to 100 feet tall or more and are cold hardy from zones 5 to 10. This walnut tree produces a staple food crop in Korea (Manchuria). Many excellent food products are available using the nuts from this walnut tree. Patrick A. Malcolm, owner of TyTy Nursery, has an M.S. degree in Botany and has cultivated walnut trees for over three decades. http://www.tytyga.com ]]> Chinese Food Therapy Brings Natural Healing To http://www.artwoo.com/article/chinese-food-therapy-brings-natural-healing-to http://www.artwoo.com/article/chinese-food-therapy-brings-natural-healing-to#comments Sun, 11 Jun 2006 18:32:09 +0000 food therapychinese fooddaily basisincrease metabolismapricot kernelsyou are what you eatbalanced diet http://www.artwoo.com/article/chinese-food-therapy-brings-natural-healing-to
Chinese , also known as Chinese nutrition therapy, dates back to as early as 2000 BC, though proper documentation about its uses was found around 500 BC. In essence, therapy involves the use of certain foods to aid in the healing of certain body ailments or assists in keeping healthy other bodily functions. Followers of food therapy believe in the concept of yin and yang in food; the yin foods are believed to lower the body's metabolism, or decrease the body's heat, while the yang foods are said to increase the body's heat or .

The Chinese believe in four food groups, which are grains, vegetables, fruits and meats. There is no classification for dairy products, which are considered unsuitable for humans. The Chinese believe a will consist of the following food combinations on a : 40 percent grains, 30 to 40 percent vegetables, 10 to 15 percent meats and the rest of the foods should be nuts and fruits.

In Chinese food therapy, foods are then further classified by taste. The tastes are defined as pungent, salty, bitter, sweet and sour. Each taste is believed to have a direct effect on a body organ; when consumed in moderation it benefits the organ, but if over consumed, can cause detrimental effect to the organ.

It's fair to say the Chinese and followers of Chinese food therapy truly believe you "are what you eat".

One simple example of Chinese food therapy is the remedy for a cough. The Cantonese cough remedy required , watercress and dried duck gizzards. The ingredients are slow cooked for several hours, and a bit of pork can be added for flavor (though you can't add beef or chicken because both will nullify the healing effects of the watercress). The watercress removes the excessive amount of yang in the body, while the duck gizzards are added to balance the yin yang of the recipe. The apricots target the lungs.

Take the time to learn from chinese healing wisdom - you may just be surprised how it benefits your health. Learn about one of the most respected foods of chinese and himalayan natural healers - the goji berry. Visit http://www.GojiCapital.com to learn how you can benefit from this amazing food with Himalayan Goji Juice. ]]> The History Of The Microwave Oven http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-the-microwave-oven http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-the-microwave-oven#comments Thu, 19 Oct 2006 08:27:07 +0000 microwave ovenmicrowave energymicrowave technologymicrowave powerpercy spencermagnetron tubeegg http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-the-microwave-oven microwave oven is one of the most brilliant inventions of human race. Not only is it used to heat food, it can also be used for cooking, baking, thawing and even boiling water. No household appliance is more versatile than this little dynamo.

But who invented this great product?

Like many great products in history, the microwave oven is also a product of past technologies. In 1946, Dr. , an engineer at the Raytheon Corporation, led a radar-related research project. Dr. Spencer noticed something unusual when he was supervising the project. While testing a new vacuum tube called a magnetron, he realized that the candy bar in his pocket melted.

Stunned by the prospect, he began to study the phenomena and conducted other experiments. One experiment involved putting popcorn kernels near the tube. Standing far away, he saw the popcorn sputtered, cracked and popped all over his laboratory.

Another experiment that he conducted involved an , which he placed near the . That time, he asked his colleague to accompany him so that they can both see the phenomena.

Because of the tremendous pressure, the egg began to tremor. The temperature inside the egg got so high that the egg exploded. Hot yolk splattered all over his colleagues face. Because of these results, they realized that they can cook other foods using the low-density .

Dr. Spencer then fashioned a metal box. The opening of this box is directly connected to the . Since the power cannot escape the box, the result is an energy that is closeted in a space. When Dr. Spencer put food inside the box, the temperature rose quickly, cooking the food in an instant. That was the first time that food was cooked using the .

Food engineers went to work on the microwave idea and refined it further. In 1946, the Raytheon Company filed a patent proposing the use of microwaves to cook food. An over, similar to what Dr. Spencer created, only refined was placed in a Boston restaurant for testing. It turned out to be a success.

So in 1947, the first microwave oven was introduced commercially. The first units were all big, about six feet tall and weighing 750 pounds. They were ultra expensive, costing 5000 dollars each but well, with such great technology, what is a few thousands.

Back then, the ovens had to be watercooled, so the company also had to install some kind of plumbing materials. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Microwave-Ovens andamp; other information, please visit http://microwave-oven.articlekeep.com ]]> Self-improvement: All About Quality http://www.artwoo.com/article/self-improvement-all-about-quality http://www.artwoo.com/article/self-improvement-all-about-quality#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:24:58 +0000 quality attitudebest guessesimprovement ideasocean linerquality qualitymoney problemsself improvement http://www.artwoo.com/article/self-improvement-all-about-quality improvement ideas or techniques:

1) They attempt too great a change in too short a time, and

2) They expect that by changing one aspect of their life, their whole life will improve.

Major changes are always an accumulation of minor changes. You don't change the direction of an instantly, and a life has at least as much momentum as an ocean liner. Real self-improvement comes from small, directed changes, each one designed to improve one small aspect of life.

Self-improvement must involve all parts of one's life, because all those parts interact with each other. If they are not all getting better, improvement in one small area will not be stable, as the others will drag it back down. As an example, a student decides to study much harder and get better grades. This won't be possible if he has just as many distractions from friends, just as many , and his girlfriend keeps getting mad at him.

The solution to both of these problems is to learn the actual principles of quality that underlie self-improvement. To improve anything is to increase its quality. This includes self. It includes life. Without knowing the principles of quality, attempts to improve it become "" or blindly following advice that worked for someone else or seems to make sense.

Here is the first major principle of quality: Quality Is An Attitude.

This simply means that you have decided to make things better. You have recognized that better is a good direction to move in, rather than letting things stay the same or get worse. Of course, deciding to do something and actually doing it are not the same things. That is where the rest of the principles come in. This first one, though, is necessary. You know you have a when you see something that is not as good as it could be and you want to make it better. Maybe you can and maybe you can't, but you wish you could.

Here is the second major principle of quality: Quality Leads To Opposition.

What should be a relatively simple and essentially painless process, self-improvement, is made difficult. Improvement of any kind flies directly into the teeth of many people's fear of or distaste for change. Not knowing this, not expecting this, can make a person get discouraged in his attempts to change things in his life for the better. Nor is fear of change the only source of opposition. Learn this principle well in order to be forewarned, and thus ready to ignore or handle the obstacles put in your way.

Finally, here is the third and last major principle of quality: Quality Takes Time.

We get back to the ocean liner here. It doesn't turn on a dime. Neither does a life. When you start to improve your life, it doesn't become perfect overnight. What it does do is start to turn. It starts to move more in the direction you want it to go. It starts to get better.

The above are very condensed, over-simplified explanations of the three major principles of quality. Even so, they contain the kernels of the truths a person needs to begin to make long-term, meaningful improvements in his or her life. Don Dewsnap has been researching, refining, applying, and teaching the major and minor principles of quality, for over twenty years. Now they are in his clear and readable book, Anyone Can Improve His or Her Own Life: The Principles of Quality, found at http://www.principles-of-quality.com. ]]> The Commercial Production Of Ethanol From Corn http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-commercial-production-of-ethanol-from-corn http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-commercial-production-of-ethanol-from-corn#comments Sun, 28 Oct 2007 13:35:00 +0000 ethanol plantsproduction of ethanolfermentationdry millingwet millingmilling operationmilling process http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-commercial-production-of-ethanol-from-corn production of ethanol. Ethanol is a product of . Fermentation is a sequence of reactions which release energy from organic molecules in the absence of oxygen. In this application of fermentation, energy is obtained when sugar is changed to ethanol and carbon dioxide.



Changing corn to ethanol by fermentation takes many steps. Starch in corn must be broken down into simple sugars before fermentation can occur. In earlier times, this was done by chewing the corn.

This allowed the salivary enzymes to naturally break down the start. Today, this is achieved by cooking the corn and adding the enzymes alpha amylase and gluco amylase.

Once a simple sugar is obtained, yeast is added. Yeast is a single-celled fungi which feeds on the sugar and causes the fermentation. As the fungi feeds on the sugar, it produces alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide. In fermentation, the ethanol retains much of the energy that was originally in the sugar, and explains why ethanol is an excellent fuel.



Most ethanol production in the United States is made in 50 production facilities in 20 different states. Most of these plants are located in the Midwest.

Changing the starch in kernels of corn to sugar and changing sugar to ethanol is a complex process and requires a mix of technologies that include microbiology, chemistry and engineering.



Ethanol is produced from corn by using one of two standard processes: wet-milling or dry-milling. Dry-milling plants cost less to build and produce higher yields of ethanol, but the value of co-products is less. Most of the in the U.S. utilize a dry-. The wet- is more elaborate because the grain must be separated into its components.



After fermentation, the ethanol is removed from the mix of ethanol, water, yeast, and residue. It is then purified through distillation. The distilling process takes advantage of the low boiling point (78C.) of ethanol. When the temperature of the mix is increased slightly higher than the boiling point, the ethanol evaporates. It is then captured as a gas vapor and condensed back to a liquid. Other chemicals are added and molecular sieves are used to purify the ethanol.

Advances in technology are being made to further reduce the large amounts of energy needed for distillation. These advances help to reduce the costs and make producing ethanol much more economical. This article has been written by Sandra Case, who is Vice President Commodity Research for Absolute Futures Commodity Brokerage. For further information regarding this article or information on other commodities or trading of the commodity markets please contact Sandra Case 800-935-6494. http://www.absolute-futures.com ]]> Natural Skin Care For Healthy Skin http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-skin-care-for-healthy-skin http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-skin-care-for-healthy-skin#comments Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:15:15 +0000 natural skin carenatural skin care productsskin care ingredientsproduct variationsskin care productshea butterskin care products http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-skin-care-for-healthy-skin natural skin care. What is actually natural skin care? Basically, natural skin care is using natural ingredients for s, including roots, essential oils, various flowers and also various herbs.

Nowadays have become increasingly popular, because people are constantly looking for new varieties of skin care products. Entrepreneurs see that as opportunities and many companies are starting to offer natural products to their customers.

Even the name is 'natural', but natural skin care product is not always created by 100% natural ingredients. Most of them are combination of natural substances with natural preservatives, various emulsifiers, humectants and a variety of surfactants.

The above fact makes several people who have tried a natural skin care approach have decided to make their own products in order to ensure they are applying only natural products to their skin. Chamomile is one of favorite for people, because it can heal the skin as well as anti-inflammatory abilities when put on topically.

Quality natural body care products are purely from botanical based and do not have synthetic chemicals. It is also important that the manufacturing process that is utilized does not damage the natural ingredients.

Skin Care : From Honey to

Hone, Jojoba and Shea Butter are popular skincare ingredients. Let take a look at them...

Honey will retain moisture of your skin. It also has the ability to help your skin take in moisture. Honey is rich with antioxidants and also contains some anti-microbial. Any skin care products which contain the appropriate amount of honey are effective to prevent your skin from the sun and some experts say that it can also rejuvenate your skin.

You might want to try some Jojoba for your skin, since jojoba is considered to be a natural skin care product. The main function of Jojoba is to soften up the skin. Many popular skin care products use Jojoba as their main ingredients.

Shea butter is found in kernels from the Karite tree and is contained in numerous natural skin care products and it. Research shows that shea butter can provide significant therapeutic results. Experts also say that shea butter in an unrefined, certified organic form is useful for treating skin problems including eczema, stretch marks, dermatitis and even psoriasis. However, it is highly recommended to consult with your doctor before trying any skin care products.

Overall Health Creates Healthy Skin

It is also good to remember that skin care health is strongly related with your body health. Healthy body makes healthy skin care. So, if you want to have a great skin, you need to maintain your body as well. Do regular exercise, eat vegetables and fruit, drink water, sleep well, no alcohol and no smoking.

If you can do that regularly, and you also regularly clean, moisturize and exfoliate your skin, you will get an overall health and as a bonus, you will also get great, clear, toned skin.Mira Yasmine likes to use Natural Skin Care products, because she believes it contain less chemical ingredients than the artificial ones. Check out her site in http://www.SkinCare-Zone.com/]]> Pecans -- Harvesting, Shelling and Storage http://www.artwoo.com/article/pecans-harvesting-shelling-and-storage http://www.artwoo.com/article/pecans-harvesting-shelling-and-storage#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:36:32 +0000 pecan nutsnut crackerfood preserversnut meatsdaily basisshady treemesh bags http://www.artwoo.com/article/pecans-harvesting-shelling-and-storage shady tree that offers a bountiful of nuts that are quite delicately delicious. Most people eat pecans only during the holiday season or in the form of candies, but the nut can be enjoyed all year round and the fact of the matter is that they contain such a great nutritive value that these nuts can be eaten on a .

The Harvesting

Pecans are harvested in October and well unto December. Once the shuck begins to open, the pecan is ready to be harvested. The best way to harvest would be to wait till the pecans are mature enough so that the simple shaking or thrashing of the branches will lead to the harvesting of the nut. However, it must be remembered that you can't let them mature for too long a time, as then they might just be eaten by animals or birds.

Moisture Removal

If the nuts have been harvested quite early in the season, then they are liable to have high moisture content and hence such pecans must be dried in the shell itself by placing them in thin layers on screens that have been elevated for this purpose. Another way of drying them would be by placing them in small in a room or area that is well ventilated. It is recommended that these be kept in such conditions for around two weeks and which would dry them up enough to snap open while bending them.

Shelling Pecans

When you want to shell the , they must be placed in a damp place overnight so that the kernels do not remain brittle while cracking open. If you ask a few expert home , they will tell you that you can also soak these unopened nuts into boiling water for around 10 minutes or so. The whole point of shelling a nut is not about smashing it but by trying to keep the kernel as whole as possible. A hammer or a is generally used for this purpose and therefore you will find that the pecans are generally whole and not broken. These pecan nuts are then spread out to dry for around 25 hours.

Storing the Pecans

When it comes to storing the pecans one must realize that their high oil content makes them perishable and hence they must be stored in a cool dry place to maintain their quality. You will find that packaged pecan nuts come in air tight containers and many a times are available in their frozen form. The fact remains that the storage space must be such that is away from the air and light. This is why; if you go to a shop, pecans are actually offered in jars or vacuum sealed jars.

We have tried to simplify the proceedings for you to help you understand as to what the pecans that you are eating, go through before they end up on your table.Tanner's Pecan is proud to offer a variety of holiday gift baskets, peanut butter fudge, chocolate pecan pie, pecans, roasted pecans, and chocolate fudge. Visit Tanner's Pecans today for the best selection of pecans and Pecan Pralines.]]> America's Ancient, Historical Hickory Trees http://www.artwoo.com/article/americas-ancient-historical-hickory-trees http://www.artwoo.com/article/americas-ancient-historical-hickory-trees#comments Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:27:10 +0000 shagbark hickoryhickory nutwilliam bartramhominy gritsindiansshelled nutsgroves http://www.artwoo.com/article/americas-ancient-historical-hickory-trees William Bartram reported in his book, Travels, the discovery of a native nut that he called 'Juglans exaltata.' Today, shagbark hickory is called 'Carya ovata.' Bartram reported that this shagbark hickory grove was cultivated in by the west of Augusta, Ga.

Bartram documented that he saw 100 bushels of shagbark s that were stored at just a single Indian family home. The nuts were pounded into a mash, and then boiled in water, where a white, oily liquid separated called 'hickory milk.' The liquid was described to be as sweet and rich as a fresh cream and was an active ingredient used by the Indians in cooking corn bread and .

There remains some question whether or not the Indians near Augusta on the Altamaha River hickory groves as described by Bartram were actually planted as orchard trees or just harvested at a naturally located site. Many such productive groves occur along tidal creeks in Coastal Georgia, a few are left intact by land developers for the recreational value of the trees and the food value of the nuts that are gathered at one such Episcopal camp near Brunswick, Ga. along a tidal basin aquifer 'Honeycreek,' a tributary of the Satilla River.

The hickory cream that was recovered by the Indians for cooking purposes was also described by Indians from the Algonquian tribe in Virginia who called this cream "pawcohiccora," thus the word 'hickory' was adapted, modified, and abbreviated by the English colonists.

The of hickory are greatly sought after and appreciated for the unique flavor, not only by birds and animals, but by cooks and gourmet nut fanciers as well. The shagbark hickory nut, when added to chocolate fudge, leaves a pleasurable, indelible memory to all who are lucky enough to have experienced this delicious encounter.

A group of entrepreneurs out West offer shagbark syrup made from a top secret recipe that is made from a white inner bark extract of the juice obtained in the spring from shagbark hickory trees. The extract is obtained by pressure cooking and straining the juices from the pulverized and shredded bark. The demand is so great for this bottled hickory flavoring, that it has never satisfied the market to chefs throughout the United States. Julia Child reports that one of her favorite gourmet preparations includes mixing the bark extract with bourbon as a marinade for ribs.

Every backyard chef with a grill appreciates the fine flavoring that hickory tree wood smoke transfers into meat, fish, and many other food items. Early colonists used hickory tree wood smoke to flavor, cure, and preserve meats in the famous smokehouses of Virginia.

In the natural state of hardwood forests, hickory trees have hybridized easily and readily within species to produce numerous variations and combinations of characteristics that possess the traditional vigor displayed in scientific intercrosses of species by academic professionals.

The difficulties that have delayed commercial orchard development basically lies in the extreme difficulty in successfully grafting 130 cultivar selections for nursery distributors.

Some hickory nuts have smooth, thin shells that can be easily cracked by squeezing two together in the hand, but other hickory nut shells are so thick and hard that they must be cracked by several vigorous hits from a heavy hammer.

Since hickory nuts are difficult to shell out into large pieces, it is beneficial to soak the nuts in water overnight before cracking. The shelled nuts then should be dried and placed in a cool, dark location until they are to be used in recipes.

Even though some cultivars can produce kernels up to 47% by weight, most nuts only shell out about 30% kernel. There is a great variability in hickory flavor from one cultivar to the next, however, they all have a high unsaturated fat content with strong medical antioxidant properties that transmits that characteristic spicy, sweet, buttery taste from the kernels.

A mature shagbark hickory tree is unmistakable in its shaggy, unkempt trunk appearance and its bright green, shiny leaves constantly moving in the breeze at the globular treetop. Young trees have a shiny, smooth bark that only begin to shred hair-like at an age of about 25 years.

Shagbark hickory trees are easy to transplant until about 4-5 feet tall, when a long taproot begins to anchor the tree to the ground with very few lateral roots. Because of these sturdy, deep growing taproots, and dense wood, the trees are among the best lawn specimens to plant in hurricane locations, since they appear invulnerable to wind damage with very straight trunks.

Several observations have been made on natural state hybridization between shagbark hickory 'Carya ovata,' and pecan trees, 'Carya illinoinensis.' The resulting nuts seem to have flavor and nut characteristics somewhere in between the two species and are being planted by nut hobbyists and some have found a place within some commercial pecan orchards to insure pollination of this genetic marvel named, 'Hican.'

The many uses of shagbark hickory trees include fuel, wood, and furniture products and as a supplement to charcoal cooking as a smoking agent for taste and preservation of meats. Because of the dense wood, hickory is used in tool handles such as hammers and axes, as well as chairs, ladders, golf clubs, baseball bats, and skis. Patrick A. Malcolm, owner of TyTy Nursery, has an M.S. degree in Botany and has been a grower and distributor of hickory trees for over three decades. http://www.tytyga.com ]]> What's In Your Drain? http://www.artwoo.com/article/whats-in-your-drain http://www.artwoo.com/article/whats-in-your-drain#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:27:05 +0000 dishwasher detergenthot greasedish detergentdrainage pipeslimecalciumpopcorn kernels http://www.artwoo.com/article/whats-in-your-drain
Don't put food in the drain unless you have a garbage disposal unit. Even small items such as or vegetable peels. These will all plug up the drainage line. A real culprit is bread and butter that can form a paste when it is mixed with the running water and sticks to the sides of the .

Grease is one of the biggest offenders in stopping up you sink. Grease, once it is stuck in the line will form a hard material that becomes a plug in the drain. Even , once it is exposed to the cool pipes, will harden in the pipes. Pour leftover grease in a container and cool it to a solid, then put it in the garbage.

The only kind of detergent you should be putting in the sink is . Others, such as car cleaners or will clump up. Dishwasher or clothes detergent are intended to be agitated in the washer; this will not happen in the sink, so it will not break down properly.

You should never put toxic pesticides in your sink. They will congeal when mixed with the water in the line and form a solid that will block the line. Some may even corrode the pipes.

Even though or is used in some septic systems for odor elimination, you should not put ordinary calcium or lime in your sink drain. The septic products are specially formulated; ordinary calcium or lime will harden to a concrete like substance and really cause problems in the lines.

Besides cooking grease, you should avoid putting other kinds of oils, such as lubricating oils or motor oil in the drain.

Just like the edible oils, they will harden and stop up the drain. In addition, EPA regulations prohibit motor oil to be disposed of in this way. You may be subject to fines for contaminating the water.

Another product that is like grease is the oils we use for our bodies, such as baby oils, moisturizing oils, or oil based soaps. These should be put in a container and placed in the garbage.

A final item to avoid in your sink drains is hair. Using a trap on the drains will prevent hair from going down the drain, especially in the bathroom. Clean out the drains frequently.

For a totally back-up free home, avoid putting any of these products in your drains, and then put a good quality drain cleaner down the drain once a month for good measure. Focusing on latest news in air compressors, Vince Paxton is publishing for the most part for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . His writings on craftsman tools can be found on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/powertools/craftsmantools.html in addition to other online publications. ]]> Acne Help: What To Do With Bad Acne http://www.artwoo.com/article/acne-help-what-to-do-with-bad-acne http://www.artwoo.com/article/acne-help-what-to-do-with-bad-acne#comments Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:14:59 +0000 acne reliefsevere acneget rid of acnepoor blood circulationfortunatelybeneficialdead skin cells http://www.artwoo.com/article/acne-help-what-to-do-with-bad-acne
treatments are used to prevent new spots from forming, to treat those already on the skin and to prevent any scarring. It can take time to =96 it isn't going to disappear overnight =96 so you need to be patient.

Acne can be very embarrassing and a sufferer will want to treat the condition as soon as they can. The important thing to realize is that acne varies greatly from person to person. Just because one treatment can rid one person of their acne, does not mean the same treatment will work on another person. In fact, it could make the acne worse.

, there are a number of remedies you can try. These include over the counter medications and oral antibiotics. You can get these treatments in various strengths depending on the type, severity and location of your acne. Bear in mind that medicines can cause burning, irritation or redness and it can take up to six weeks before you can see an improvement in your acne.

For some sufferers, changing their diet (to include more zinc, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and magnesium) can work. Taking a daily multivitamin tablet is a good idea. Tea tree oil works for some people too, as does applying lemon juice or honey as a cleaner, then rinsing it off. Aloe Vera is also worth a try. You should exfoliate your face twice a week to remove , using a gentle sugar scrub =96 don't use anything containing crushed kernels or almonds because these can tear the skin.

Dehydration and can make acne worse so drinking plenty of fluids and taking exercise can be . If you have long hair, wear it tied back, and try not to pick at or touch your acne. If you suffer from acne on your back, avoid tight-fitting clothes, especially those made from artificial materials such as spandex, because they make you sweat which irritates the acne.

There are special acne cleansers on the market which might help. Look for the words non-comedogenic or oil-free on the packaging. When you clean your face, make sure your fingers are clean before you touch your acne.

If your acne is severe or does not respond to home remedies or over the counter remedies, you should visit a doctor or dermatologist for further advice. Remember, the sooner you get rid of your acne, the less chance you have of having scars afterwards. You can treat scarring with laser treatment but it can be costly. Acne is treatable but, because everyone's acne is different and responds to different cures, you might have to a try a few before you find the one that works for you. Pat is a work-at-home mom who writes for many online sources. If you want to read more on Acne and Skin Care Check out her web page at http://www.onlineacneinfo.org/ or http://www.curefaceacne.com. ]]>