hendrikas-blog

Fun And Easy Camping Games For All

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:38:56 +0100

Creating a fun atmosphere when you go camping is very important, it is part of the during your excursion. Planning ahead when you are going on a family camping trip it is good to grab a few simple supplies that will make the camping games easy, and you will not have to think a lot as there will be enough of the traditional camping games to ensure you have a lot of fun with the kids.

Here are what we consider some of the top family camping games:

1. Capture the Flag

A team effort is going to be the only skill that gets you through this game. Capture the Flag has been played by generation upon generation of campers. While there are various sets of rules and regulations to play by, depending on how serious you are about the game, the basics are this;

You have two teams, each with a different colour flag, which is simply a piece of fabric. A red bandana and a blue bandana works well. Each team has two objectives; 1) capture the other team's flag and return to their home base, and 2), keep their flag from being captured. Set up the rules of game before beginning. For instance, the game is won when one team successfully captures the flag three times, return to their home base and defend the capture for two minutes.

2. Skits

Always a highlight of camping trips, skits bring a certain comedic nature to the camp site. Pick a fun topic, or poke some fun at your family and try your hand at impressions while other family members try to guess who you are. Then, if you want it to be a competition, judge your skits on different areas of excellence, like funniest, most dramatic, or even most accurate impression. Be sure to create silly trophies to bring along.

3. 4 Square

A big bouncy ball and four squares is all you need. Draw one large square in the sand or grass, using a stick or some chalk, or even some water-based paint, then divide it into four squares. Each player gets a square (or if you have more than four players, the extras wait to stand in for players who miss and are out of the game.) Decide on the rules, then flip a coin or play rock-paper-scissors to choose a server. Then get in your squares and start bouncing the ball to each other, trying to make your opponents miss. When they miss, they're out. Pretty soon it will trickle down to a play-off between two players, scrambling to knock the other out of the game.

4. Dodge Ball

To play this game you'll need to set up a rectangular court with a center-line defined, and a big, soft foam coated rubber ball for each player. Divide your players in even numbers at either end of the court and place the balls in a line along the center-line. Have someone outside the teams blow a whistle. Then players rush in, grab a ball, and run back to their own starting line. Turn around and face your opponents and throw the ball toward the players (head shots are discouraged!), hitting them in the belly or back. This eliminates an opponent and sends them to the sidelines. Pick up another ball (they'll be rolling all over the place) and aim at another opponent. If they actually catch your ball, then you are out instead. Every time an opponent gets sent to the sidelines, one of the players on your team can re-enter the game. The game is over when it comes down to two players and one is taken out with the ball. Just remember; everyone has their own idea for rules, so be sure to agree on court rules before the game begins.

5. Tug of War

Depending on the number of people in your camp, you can either create a two-team tug of war or a three-team tug of war. Most of us are familiar with the two-team style – a long rope place over a line, or even a puddle. To create a three-team tug of war, just tie your long rope into a circle and divide it evenly into thirds, forming a triangle when each team grabs hold of the rope. Now you have three teams fighting against two opponents. Maybe two of the teams will decide to “gang up” on one team when push comes to shove... or tug!

6. Hot Potato

You only need music that can be started and stopped easily, and a tennis ball or an actual potato to toss. Everyone playing gets in a circle, with one person holding the ball. Then someone outside the circle, with their back to the players, starts the music and the players toss the ball back and forth until the music player stops the music. The person left holding the 'hot potato' is out of the game. The game continues until it comes down to two players and they have a play off. The last person standing without holding the 'hot potato' is the winner. Stock up on fun prizes to encourage competition. This is a game that can be played with any number of players (2 or more), inside or outside, and at almost any age. If the players are old enough to toss and catch, they are old enough to play.

7. Quiet Games

Planning for rainy days or quiet times is a must to make a camping excursion successful. Camping while it rains can get boring quickly, unless you are prepared. Many card games and board games can be used for those times when running around outside won't do. Uno, Hearts, Crazy Eights, and Go Fish are classics that almost everyone will either know how to play or be able to learn quickly. Board games like Life are very popular with many ages. Simple crafts are another idea for kids to stay busy and entertained indoors. If you don't want to add to your clean-up chores indoors, choose crafts that don't involve paints or other messy items. Some paper plates, yarn, crayons, crepe paper, ribbon, and school glue can go a long way toward keeping kids happy and busy indoors.

Planning beyond the food and tent is important if you want to keep your family entertained and longing to go back and do it again. You don't have to look far, or think too hard, to create a fun camping trip for your family. Games that is easy to carry out will only need a little planning to keep the fun going.

Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:10:02 +0100

Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers includes a lot of useful information and clear instructions on how to create your own basic flower arrangements. I find that Ikebana arrangements look lovely and absolutely stunning in any house and this book gives you a great introduction to this art form. It includes all the necessary step-by-step instructions to make many beautiful looking arrangements to surprise your family and friends.

The authors, Shozo Sato and Kasen Yoshimura, provide fascinating facts and easy to use techniques in their book. They give an introduction to the history of Ikebana, from when it started up to the present day. I also like the idea that they talk about the various Ikebana styles, Rikka, Seika, Moribana and Freestyle and their differences.

Another useful feature of the book is that it teaches you about plants that can be used for Ikebana arrangements and their symbolism. The photographs in the book are beautiful to look at and give you an idea on how your finished arrangements should look like.

The book might be slightly more expensive than other Ikebana books you might find, but in my opinion, the book benefits greatly from the valuable input by the two Ikebana expert authors mentioned above. It is a beautiful book that can guide you through mastering your first steps in this stunning Japanese art form and certainly worth to have a closer look at.

Baseball Picnic – Hit A Home Run Every Time

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:34:02 +0100

Think of baseball, and many things come to mind - warm weather, the spirit of competition, and of course, stadium food. Ballparks aren't the only places you can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, fries, peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream treats, though. Choose a baseball theme for your next picnic and enjoy the spirit of the sport as well as the tasty food we all know and love. Here are a few ideas for bringing the ballpark to your picnic:

1. Hot Dogs, Get Your Hot Dogs

Let's start with inside the stadium. When you walk through those gates, the first thing you want is to find the food stands. Those hot dogs are calling your name. Or maybe it's a nice juicy hamburger or hot Italian sausage with the works. For your baseball themed picnic, these are the classics.

No matter where you picnic, in your backyard or at a neighborhood park, you'll probably need a portable grill. This will allow you to cook hot dogs, sausages, and burgers to perfection. Bring along plenty of mustard, ketchup, relish, diced onion, and pickles for a real ballpark experience. Don't forget to grill up some onions and peppers, too, in order to complete the ballpark concession stand favorites.

Beyond the traditional hot dogs, sausages, and hamburgers, you have nachos. The easiest way to provide this classic ballpark snack is to buy nacho cheese sauce. You'll find it in cans in your grocery store. Bring a grill-safe dish to heat the sauce and pour over tortilla chips in individual paper bowls. Top with jalapeno peppers if desired and serve.

Peanuts, in the shells, of course, and popcorn are classics that can easily be added to your picnic. Put a cup or two of unshelled peanuts in small paper bags and leave them around the table for guests to help themselves. Fill bags with popcorn, too. These are simple snacks, but because they are classic ballpark fare, they are a must.

Don't forget Cracker Jacks. If you want to make your own, just follow any simple caramel corn recipe, add nuts, and you have another classic treat. Cotton candy can be purchased in plastic bags in most party stores or candy stores. These bags of cotton candy are specifically made not to melt, so they make a fun addition to a baseball theme party. Then, of course, there are the pretzels. Big, soft pretzels are great if you can make them, but if not, bags of pretzels will satisfy your guests as well.

2. Beyond the Basics with the Tailgate Pros

Not everyone who goes to a baseball game grabs a hot dog, a bag of peanuts, and takes their seat just in time for the first pitch. Tailgate party veterans know a thing or two about enjoying the day with a variety of foods, as well as how to pack the right foods for a whole day of outdoor fun at the ballpark.

Presuming you have access to a grill, such as a Weber One Touch Charcoal Grill other easy ideas for main courses include chicken drumsticks and wings, turkey legs, and even ribs. You could dice the meat and make kabobs, or add a marinade or glaze and grill the legs, wings, or ribs with fabulous results.

Chili is another classic tailgating dish that actually does double duty. A nice big bowl of chili is a filling dish all on its own. But, if your heart's desire at a ballpark is to eat a hot dog, why not turn it into a chili dog? With a sturdy bun, grilled hot dog, a generous dollop of chili, and a sprinkling of diced sweet onion, you've got another ballpark classic.

You also will never go wrong with great classic sandwiches. Build stacks of sandwiches that include anything from tuna, chicken, and egg salad, to cold cuts, cheese steak, hoagies, clubs, and grilled cheese. Use your imagination to add a few extra ingredients and watch your picnic guests devour every last bite.

Fresh fruit and vegetable salads aren't out of the question, either. As with other picnics that feature similar foods, you want to include bean salad, potato salad, coleslaw, watermelon, and vegetable and fruit salads that are convenient to carry along to a baseball picnic. Stick with the classics mentioned to keep the old time ballpark theme going.

Expanding on the basics within the stadium is what tailgating is all about. Rather than serve simple nachos, how about throwing in everything but the kitchen sink? Include ingredients in your 'super nachos' like black olives, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh tomatoes, hot or mild peppers, and maybe some fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley. Bring along your favorite salsa to spoon on top as well.

For dessert, keep it traditional and simple. Make lemonade popsicles and popcorn balls. Of course America's favorite pastime deserves America's favorite pie – apple. Another tailgater's trick is to make individual apple pie 'pockets' rather than try to serve slices from a full pie. Be sure to have ice cream along, or even the classic slice of Cheddar cheese.

3. Set the Stadium Stage

There are many ways to set the mood for a baseball themed picnic. To begin, you'll certainly want to play the part of true baseball fans by bringing bats, balls, mitts, jerseys, and plenty of team spirit along, to enjoy the sport during the day.

Set up a diamond, even if it can't be very big, and invite everyone up to bat at least once. Use whiffle balls so all ages can play. If you don't have enough people to divide into teams, play a sort of scrimmage where everyone gets a turn up to bat, then goes to the outfield after they get home or they are called out.

The table and food service should be very, very simple. As in a stadium, everything is served in paper dishes. Condiments are in big containers next to the food. Everybody helps themselves to drinks. Put drinks, salads, and desserts in coolers and make everything easy to grab. You can also find sports-themed serving dishes, like little plastic baseball caps, in most party stores if you wish to use them.

Decorate with baseball memorabilia, caps, and equipment if you have it. Set up a simple scoreboard using posterboard with cut out numbers. Be sure to have a radio with a game playing in the background if you can. And don't forget the seventh-inning stretch! Write up the words to the song “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” on a board so everybody can sing along.

As you can see, a baseball theme for your next picnic is a great way to create family fun, camaraderie, and competitive spirit that brings people closer together. Of course, it all starts with our favorite ballpark food. Use these simple suggestions to put together a memorable event that will leave everyone satisfied as they leave your 'stadium.'

Easy Relaxation Tips for Busy Moms

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:43:52 +0100

It seems like there is no rest of the weary. And, the weary person is usually mom. Moms take care of hearth and home, but who takes care of her? If you are a busy mom, learn to value yourself as a person and schedule personal time.

Personal time is a right of being a person. Each of us has the capacity to nurture others but that type of care takes its toll.

A car is filled with gas to make it run. Eventually the gas runs out and your car won’t move unless the car is replenished with fuel. The same goes for you. Emotional issues can develop when you don’t take the time to take care of your emotional well-being, not to mention the physical results of emotional neglect.

Mom time refuels the tank so that you can give to your family as well as yourself in equal measure. Don’t be ashamed to sit for fifteen minutes doing nothing. In the springtime, relaxing in a hammock under a tree is the perfect getaway from the pressures of the day. Reading a book for 30 minutes can also seem like heaven to many moms.

Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “mom” time:

1. Get up early if you have to. When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace. Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you. Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, meditate or listen to music.

2. Turn ordinary experiences into major events. When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience. If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and curl up on the couch.

3. Ask your significant other for help. Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too. Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit or root around in the garden. Since the time is yours, do whatever you like.

4. Use the Boy Scout motto. Always be prepared and you can spend more time in a relaxed mode. Fix lunches the night before. Iron clothes for the next day and place backpacks by the front door so kids can grab them on their way out. The fewer things you have to do throughout the day, the calmer you will be with your family and not experience burnout.

5. Take exercise breaks. When you get a few minutes the last thing you want to do is exercise but getting a little physical activity in your day has far-reaching implications. Exercise helps you to think clearly and stretches the muscles. Also, stress will drain away as powerful endorphins are released into your system. Do jumping jacks during a television commercial or jog to the bus stop to pick up the kids. If you feel like a little more you can try using something such as the 2 In 1 Elliptical Cross Trainer & Exercise Bike, which you can still do in front of the TV.

6. Laugh at regular intervals. Keep a funny calendar cube on your desk or subscribe to a daily joke site. Laughing releases stress and can lift your spirits significantly. It also keeps the abs tight.

Moms, take care of you. Your family would miss you if you were not around to love and care for them. You owe it to yourself and you deserve a break from the daily hustle and bustle.

Mom and Pop’s Apple Malt

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:46:04 +0100

What You Need:

4 oz. brandy
3 oz. apple cider
1/4 C caramel sauce
2 pints vanilla ice cream
Whip cream
Pecans, toasted and chopped

How to Make It:

Pour the brandy and apple cider into a blender, such as one of the KitchenAid 5 Speed Blenders With Polycarbonate Jars).
Add the caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Blend on high until very smooth.
Pour into glasses.
Top with the whip cream and toasted pecans.
Serve immediately.

Serves 4

This malt can be made for children just leave out the brandy and change the cider to 6 oz. Be sure to use apple cider and not apple juice because juice makes the malt a little runny.

Introduction To Mountain Biking

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:18:36 +0100

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors, stay in shape, or just have fun. Racing down the side of a mountain is a lot of fun indeed, although it can also be quite dangerous. Even though it's dangerous, if you ride with caution, it can be enjoyed by the entire family.

1. Styles of mountain biking:

Mountain biking can best be characterized into three different styles - downhill, free riding, and cross country. Even though the different styles are similar in some ways, they still require different skills. The style that you pick will determine the type of bike you get.

2. Locations for mountain biking:

The sport can best be thought of as biking on an unpaved surface. Many areas throughout North America have specific locations designed for mountain biking. Before you decide to go down a trail, you should always check with your local park to get the routes, regulations, and any rules that they may have.

You can also find groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You can look on the internet or even in a local paper and see exactly what's available in your area. You may be able to find groups for the more advanced riders as well as beginners.

3. Becoming a great biker:

Endurance and stamina are a must for a great mountain biker. It will also take ambition and practice to succeed as well as conquer the course. Like all other sports, it takes time and practice. Those just beginning will have to get past the bumps and bruises from falling off the bike.

4. Selecting your mountain bike:

The bike you select is more of a personal choice, and a big determining factor on the type of riding you will be doing. Bikes come in all styles, shapes, and prices, which will make selecting one for yourself very difficult indeed. For a kid, such as a 9 year old boy, looking into a Mongoose Montana Boy's Mountain Bike 24 Inch Wheels is a very good idea.

You should use the internet to help you shop for a bike, even do some price comparisons online as well, before you make a purchase. Before you buy a bike, always ask to try it out first. A great mountain biker will become one with his or her own bike. When buying, make sureyou check for comfort, how it fits, even how it is geared.

5. Staying safe when riding:

Mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be very dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Anytime you are riding, you should wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads. If you are following a group or riding in the woods you should strongly consider a pair of goggles as well. Safety should be your top priority and never taken lightly anytime you are mountain biking.

Do not be put off by all this, it is well worth the little trouble for hours of pleasant biking in a group or with the family. Keep the basics in mind and enjoy!

Surf Side Fun Anywhere - Beach Style Picnic

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:54:29 +0100

Enjoy the feeling of being on the beach even if you cannot make it! You can have the sand, surf, and sun that is on your mind you can have it even if you cannot make it to the nearest beach. With a little imagination and some fun preparations you can have your Beach style picnic.

Have yourself a beach-style picnic, complete with food, props, and music to make it seem like you're spending a day with “beach blanket” movie favorites Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Let's take a look at how to spend a day at the beach when water is nowhere to be found:

1. Create the Beach

Setting the mood for a beach-style picnic starts with the props. A day at the beach includes beach chairs, umbrellas, big blankets, beach balls, towels, beach bags, beach pails and shovels, hats, coolers, and music. A little background music featuring the Beach Boys or other surfin' music really sets the mood. If you have boogie-boards or surfboards, all the better! Even if there's not a wave in sight, surfboards make great serving tables and backdrops.

An added feature that's great fun is sand, of course. Most any building supply house offers clean sand for sale. Just one bag will provide enough to fill quite a few beach pails. Stick the little shovels in and set them all around. Sifting sand through your fingers (or toes) is a great way to relax and enjoy the 'beach.'

If you have a few seashells sitting around, throw those around the tables and in the pails for more authenticity. Use more sand in metal buckets to support an assortment of candles. Use candles in shades of blues, greens, and tans to replicate the colors of the sea and sand.

For a real element of water, a small kiddie pool is the perfect addition to your backyard or park beach party. All you need is something to splash, even if it's just to dip your feet or hands in. Cover the bottom of the pool in sand if you're feeling especially energetic. Pull up your beach chairs, stick your feet in, and you have an instant beach... almost!

Some people's idea of the perfect day at the beach is just sitting under the umbrella sipping a cool drink all day long. Other people like to stay active. Providing something to do during your beach-style picnic is relatively simple. If you are hosting the picnic in your backyard, you already know what you have for fun and games. Frisbees, badminton, and volleyball are obvious beach games. A park may offer other distractions like horseshoes and jungle gyms, or even walking trails. Take advantage of what you have, then gather for refreshments under the umbrellas to cool off.

2. Feed the Beach Bums

A day at the beach, even the pseudo-beach, can really work up an appetite. Planning a beach style picnic when you're not going to the beach can actually work to your advantage. Public beaches don't often allow cooking on the beach. However, many park facilities, or your own backyard, of course, will offer grilling or even a campfire spot. With these options, you can enjoy standard beach-style food like burgers, hot dogs, and, of course, marshmallows and S'mores.

Along with campfire food, you want to include delicious options for foods that satisfy the beach-goer's appetite. Many folks aim for the simple things when they're deciding on what to bring in their beach coolers. Finger foods, pre-made salads, sandwiches, and the like are favorites for beach time food. But, that doesn't mean you can't be a little creative with a few culinary surprises for your hungry guests.

For instance, you could marinate some vegetables in advance in a light dressing for an appetizer. Homemade dips, cold cocktail shrimp, and pate could be served with hearty crackers or pita bread. Try thin-sliced turkey with fresh vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and tomatoes, wrapped inside Armenian flatbread similar to soft tortilla wraps for a filling dish that's easy to eat, and delicious, too.

A fruit salad can provide ample opportunities for creativity, but you want to think outside apples and oranges. Include nectarines, blueberries, and blackberries with a little fresh ginger and a squeeze of lime juice for a simple yet splendidly refreshing treat. Cut up a real watermelon with seeds for a genuine seed-spitting contest (along with wonderful refreshment) and you've got a real live beach party.

3. An Oasis of Drinks

Summer beach picnics call for plenty of iced tea with fresh mint. You could also bring freshly squeezed lemonade which evokes memories of long ago... times spent relaxing in chairs lined up to enjoy the expanse of water and the much anticipated sunset. Go ahead and freeze the lemonade in freezer bags, then set in coolers if you are traveling. By the time you get to your destination, they will thaw and be ready to enjoy. The added advantage is the frozen bags of lemonade add chilling to the cooler for your foods.

Of course, depending on the ages and preferences of guests at your beach picnic, you may enjoy sodas or fruit mix drinks as well as spirits like beachy mixed drink favorites for grownups. Remember, you want to create an illusion of sun, surf, and sand, so whatever beverages come to mind are perfect. If you're thinking of mixed drinks of any kind, freezing the fruit drink beforehand in freezer bags, then mixing with soda or spirits upon arrival gives you infinite options for beverages for young and young-at-heart alike.

4. Dig Those Crazy Desserts

Keep sweet treats light and breezy, just like a day at the beach. Try a simple parfait made with yogurt, granola, and the fruit of your choice. Or, try a lighter dessert bread or crumb cake instead of the standard fudge brownies, pies, or gelatin molds found at most picnics.

If frozen treats are part of your beach time memories, go ahead and freeze popsicles or ice cream in any form you like. Ice cream should be frozen quite a bit harder than you would normally eat it before transporting. Keep them on the bottom of the cooler, piling your salads or sandwiches on top. For extra protection, wrap them in several thicknesses of newspaper. Depending on the heat, your frozen treats should stay relatively solid for some time.

Another easy trick for a cold dessert at a beach picnic, whether you're at the beach or doing a faux-beach picnic, is to freeze fruit in the can. A good choice is canned pineapple or peaches. Transport the frozen cans (another advantage is they serve as 'ice' in coolers) to the picnic spot. When ready to serve, open the can and push the semi-frozen or “slushie” fruit out of the can and serve in a paper funnel cup, with a spoon and a straw. You can pour in a little fizzy clear Cola or Ginger Ale for a real summertime treat.

5. Head to Toe to the Beach We Go

No matter what you include as a backdrop for your special beach party picnic, it's still the clothes that bring the whole thing together. Yes, a swimsuit, sunglasses, sarong, sandals, and big floppy hat just scream BEACH! So be sure you set the mood first with your style.

Loose flowing garments are just fine if swimwear is not suitable. Choose caftans or other flowing garments of lightweight gauzy fabrics or linen. Dig around in your closets to find loose fitting lightweight shirts or pants of any kind. You're going to set the “scene” for your guests and have a lot of fun in the doing.

So, there you have it, make your beach-style picnic informal and breezy with a little imagination as to the setting, table, music, food, drinks, and even the clothing. Your ability to sway like an ocean breeze will ensure the success of your beach picnic. You have to let the mood of the beach capture your guests. Get the rhythm of the islands and enjoy the atmosphere and being with your guests.

Blueberry Almond Bars Recipe

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:34:29 +0100

It is easy to make these Blueberry Almond Bars Recipe if you have a mixer such as one of the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers. They are not only tasty, but also healthy and can be served at any time. So, try it I'm sure you will love it.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup blanched almonds, toasted and ground fine
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar, divided
1 1/4 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 tsp pure almond extract
1 lb fresh blueberries
1 orange, zested

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper; or butter the pan, dust with flour, and shake out excess.
Toast almonds on baking sheet in 350 oven for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking often, until golden brown; then put in blender or food processor and grind until fine.
Put flour, ground almonds, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
In mixing bowl put 3/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp sugar and butter, and mix with beater until light and fluffy.
Add almond extract and continue beating until just blended.
Slowly add flour mixture, mixing with beater on medium until crumbly texture develops.
Remove 1 cup of crumbly dough from bowl and set aside.
Press remaining dough into a crust just on the bottom of the baking pan.
In a bowl, toss together the blueberries, orange zest, and remaining 1 Tbsp sugar; arrange evenly over the dough in pan.
Take 1 cup of crumbly dough that was set aside and sprinkle over blueberries evenly.
Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Cut into squares when cool.

So, grab your mixer and try this recipe. The kids will love these everywhere, on a picnic or in their lunch box. Blueberries can be considered a “super food” and will be good for all.

All About Drip Coffee Makers

Thu, 26 May 2011 12:08:37 +0100

Almost certainly the most frequently used coffee makers in the US could be the drip coffee makers. One of the factors is that they are reasonably affordable and really easy to use. Drip coffee makers are sold in a number of of styles, colors and sizes, so there's a drip coffee maker to fit any kitchen.

Two good options to consider is the Hamilton Beach Brew Station and the Cuisinart DCC 1200 12 Cup Brew Central Coffee Maker. The truth is that drip coffee makers are the coffee makers most people choose. It is one of the most common small kitchen appliances available, tens of millions are sold annually!

The Hamilton Beach Brew Station is considered one of the famous automatic drip coffee makers. Other reputable coffee maker companies include Black and Decker, Braun, Cuisinart, and Proctor-Silex.

Automatic drip coffee makers are utilized in lots homes and businesses. They work by dripping water through a filter containing ground coffee. Two types of filters are available for these machines: paper and permanent.

Paper filters can affect coffee taste as can some plastic permanent filters. Plastic filters do not last as long as metal filters. Metal filters could require the coffee beans to be ground a bit coarser than may be necessary for paper filters.

Automatic drip coffee makers offer a variety of special features. From basic machines to high end models that do all the things that matter from grinding the beans to brewing it at a pre-set time. Basic automatic drip coffee makers include a water reservoir, a filter basket, and warming plate to keep carafe warm. The majority feature filter baskets that swing out or lift out and simple on/off control.

Additional features include indicator lights, a brew-pause selection, digital display and /or digital control panel, clocks, timers, permanent filters an automatic shut off. High end features include water filtration, flavor settings, and a built in grinder. Single cup machines are handy, as are machines making anywhere from 4 cups to 12 cups.

Drip Coffee Maker Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best temperature for brewing coffee?

Most people agree that 200 degrees is the recommended temperature for brewing coffee. Many restaurants do not allow the temperature to get that high mainly because of liability issues should a client spill coffee and get burned.

2. What affects the quality of a cup of coffee?

Many things will affect the quality of brewed coffee. The cleanliness of the brewing equipment, the quality of the coffee beans, how much time it has been since the beans were roasted, the length of time it has been since the beans were ground and the quality of the water used in brewing.

3. How do I clean my coffee maker?

Coffee makers ought to be cleaned minimally once a week. Some pros advocate using dish detergent and water. Other experts often recommend running one fourth part vinegar and three fourths part water through the brewing cycle a time or two, followed by running plain water through the cycle. This disposes of hard water deposits and other buildup.

4. Can Espresso beans be used in drip coffee makers?

Yes.

5. Where did the term 'cup of joe' come from?

Some claim that Admiral Josephus (Joe) Daniels once forbid alcohol on ships, rendering coffee the most used beverage, as a result the 'cup of joe.' Some other people say that the words comes from 'Joe' as 19th cent, slang for coffee.

Automatic drip coffee makers allow coffee lovers to indulge their senses anytime they please.

OK, so coffee makers are an essential part of our daily lives. This makes it necessary to spend some time to investigate few of them out before you make your choice. Coffee is not simply a drink, but a tradition worthy of time and care.

Easy And Tasty Peanut Butter Frosted Cupcakes Recipe

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:17:46 +0100

Making this peanut butter frosted cupcakes recipe is very easy if you have an electric stand mixer, such as one of the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers or one of the Cuisinart SM-55 5-1/2-Quart Stand Mixers.

This recipe is ideal for all occasions and not only kids, but adults alike will love them.

Peanut Butter Frosted Cupcakes

Ingredients for these peanut butter frosted cupcakes recipe:

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
peanut butter and powdered sugar for 'frosting'

Method for these peanut butter frosted cupcakes recipe:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line muffin tin with paper cups.
Put peanut butter, shortening, and vanilla in mixing bowl and cream at medium high speed with mixer.
Add brown sugar gradually with mixer running until light and fluffy.
Add one egg, beating well, then add other egg, beating until combined.
Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
With mixer running, add a little of the flour mixture, then a little of the milk, then the flour, then the milk, until it is all incorporated into batter.
Pour batter into muffin cups, filling 1/2 full.
Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until cupcakes are firm.
Remove and cool on rack.
Spread enough peanut butter on each cupcake to resemble frosting, then sprinkle a little powdered sugar over each.
This is a nice 'frosted' cupcake where the frosting won't melt in warm weather.

These cupcakes are ideal to take with you an a picnic. The frosting does not melt and they can be enjoyed any where, on the beach or on a lakeside picnic. Try them and see how popular they are.