The Simply Delicious Banana Bread Recipe

There are a number of mouth-watering and easy to make recipes that people can have during breakfast. One such popular dish is the banana bread recipe whose origin lies in Australia. It is quite tasty and does not need much time to prepare. Both children and adults can enjoy this dish during breakfast.

It is also quite popular in continents like North America. But the residents of Australia are really fond of it. The benefit of the dish is that it is filling as well as appetizing. As a matter of fact, the bread used in North America is thicker than the bread used in Australia. Not everybody knows the right way to prepare banana bread recipe. It has an irresistible sweet taste and flavor that make people crave for it. It can be eaten with coffee or tea.

The banana bread recipe became popular in USA in the early part of the 20th century and it was found in various recipe books in that time. Baking at home gained popularity in the 1960s and people tried making banana bread at home instead of going to the cafes.

It is quite easy to make banana bread at home. The main ingredient to make this recipe is banana. This needs to be mashed properly. The bread making process also necessitates fermentation of the main ingredient. Earlier yeast was used in making bread but for banana bread recipe baking soda is used. The thick batter that will turn into the bread should be kept in a thick rectangular pan. Generally egg is used for making banana bread but the vegetarian people can use yogurt or tofu.

At first a person needs to mix sugar with butter until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Thereafter, the mashed bananas need to be added to the mix and stirred so that all the ingredients blend well together. Next, one needs to add the vanilla extract. The eggs need to be beaten in a separate bowl. When it is done, the egg needs to be added to the banana batter. The dry ingredients in the recipe need to be added to the egg mixed batter thereafter.

One need a 9x5 inch sized rectangular baking tray for baking the banana batter properly. The baking tray needs to be well greased with butter. The optimum baking temperature for the banana bread recipe is 350F. One should ideally bake the batter for one hour and should check the progress of baking in the time with the help of a toothpick. After the baking is done one can keep the banana bread on a wire rack. This will make it cool down. The bread can then be sliced with knife and served with tea.

Ritusmita Biswas has over 10 years of experience in media and has contributed in several national as well as international publications like The Statesman, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Jetwings, Media Transasia, Sahara Times, Bohemia (Singapore) etc. Ritusmita has also worked as a senior editor with reputed publishing houses like Macmillan. She has been an academic consultant with institutions like The Princeton Review (India) and ICFAI University. Right now she runs her own content company Wordsmith Writing Services (http://wordsmithwritingservices.co.in) which is based in India, Kolkata. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ritusmita_Biswas

Useful Quick Bread Recipes Ideas

Quick bread recipes are a great alternative to making homemade loaf the old fashioned way. Sure you can use a bread maker that will do the work for you, but then you would be missing out on all of the fun of making the treats yourself.

Most loaf recipes are incredibly easy to follow and the baked goods will delight your taste buds, as well as those of your friends. They will be amazed at how great a cook you have become and will be begging for all the recipes. Take the time to bake and see how quickly everything disappears!

Sweet bread recipes and biscuit recipes are perhaps some of the easiest quick breads to make from scratch. They do not have to rise and you will be able to eat them within an hour or so. There is definitely no fuss and no muss to these recipes.

One great sweet loaf recipe involves canned biscuit dough. It is called monkey bread and is a great dessert or breakfast treat that will wow any guest. The ingredients are very simple: two rolls of canned biscuits (the cheapest kind), a stick of butter, a jar of caramel sauce, sugar and cinnamon. Imagine simplicity and taste, all in one bite!

Take the preformed biscuit dough and cut it into quarters. Each quarter will be rolled in cinnamon and sugar before being stacked in layers in a bundt pan. As you stack each layer take the caramel sauce and lightly drizzle the layer.

This is optional and will add a hint of sweetness to your finished product. Continue until the pan is 3/4 filled, then take the remaining melted butter along with the remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture and sprinkle on top. Sweet bread recipes and quick bread recipes are easy to prepare and a delight to eat.

A great website to check out for delicious quick bread recipes is "Allrecipes". They have pancake recipes, sweet bread recipes, banana bread recipes and a whole lot more to tickle your taste buds. They are all super easy to prepare and you can enjoy them in under an hour.

Just imagine some sweet banana loaf with a gooey cream cheese frosting just waiting for you when you get home from a long, stressful day at work. It is an ultimate comfort food and is well worth the little bit of time it will take to make and bake.

369 Niches Rolled Up Into 1 Product Turn any hobby into a business. Discover 24 totally unique business models. http://businessmodels.netbizint.com.au/index.php Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

Our Daily Bread; Rediscover the Pleasures of the Humble Loaf!

I was recently struck by the words of a famous Indian philosopher who explained his incomprehension that modern people are so divorced from the true essence of life that barely anyone knows how to make bread; a food at the centre of the human experience. Bread is so much more than something to eat, and has been suffused with religious meaning and metaphor since the dawn of human history; included in religious and cultural stories, ceremonies, and celebrations. Much of life is devoted to growing the cereals, grinding the flour, and providing the fuel to cook the bread. Bread illustrates beautifully the unbreakable link between food and all aspects of our lives; social, religious, and economic. What then does the sliced white loaf say about our culture?

As the bedrock of the cuisine of all cultures, there is a rich heritage of bread recipes using different flours and ingredients. If you are lucky enough to have a quality bakery close to you, you will know the variety on offer; earthy rye breads, rich Challah with eggs, bagels covered in blue poppy seeds, flat breads like chapatti, naan, and tortilla, classic cottage loaves, sourdough, and seeded granaries; the list goes on and on. And yet the supermarket shelves are groaning under the weight of uniform rectangular soft sliced loaves in plastic bags; where is the flavour, the crunch, the fine ingredients, the aroma, the nutrition?. These loaves are processed, and chemically treated, some brown loaves are even coloured to make them look ‘healthier.’ More concerning is the fact that bread is the single highest dietary source of salt, with a serving from some loaves delivering a large percentage of the day’s recommended salt allowance. It is thought that lowering the salt content of bread could help reduce the nation’s overall blood pressure, which would translate into a reduction in heart disease and heart attacks. There are now some loaves offered with a lower salt content, although these are also often highly processed.

Since the Atkins diet, bread has been given some bad press, and many people who I speak to avoid it because they associate it with weight gain or bloating. There has been a mountain of publicity about wheat allergy and intolerance, with almost 30% of people reporting that they are concerned that they or their children may have adverse reactions to different foods. Actual wheat allergy or intolerance is rare, with less that 1% of the population suffering. The people who push the wheat intolerance message are often those who stand to make most money out of it; selling their products, therapies and ‘allergy tests;’ ranging from the scientifically questionable to the downright nutty. If you are concerned about wheat intolerance or allergy I would strongly advise against these methods, and against self-diagnosis which could mask a potentially more serious health concern; talk to your GP and ask to be referred to a specialist.

Bread can be a valid and nutritional addition to your diet. Wholegrain breads are a rich source of energy, vitamins, minerals and fiber. If you are concerned about your weight, then have just one piece of good bread with your meal, or choose wholemeal pita as an alternative; these can be stuffed with all manner of mouthwatering and healthy salads. It is a shame that so many people are forgoing the pleasures of quality bread, when there is such an amazing variety on offer.

Check out local bakeries, delicatessens, ethnic and health food shops, and farmers markets. Don’t be afraid to ask what is in the bread, and beware; many supermarket bakeries add hydrogenated fats to their bakery products, which should be avoided at all costs. (If you ask they should provide you with a book showing the ingredients of their baked goods). If you are concerned about high salt content, or what has been added or taken away from your bread, then it is a great idea to bake your own. I guarantee that it is easier than you think, and may just enhance your enjoyment of life!

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters. Vikki lives in Bristol in the U.K. with her partner Jeremy and two young children.

To contact Vikki, or to subscribe to her free weekly newsletter log onto http://www.getfitter.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikki_Scovell

Where to Find Good Recipes

There are numerous recipe books in the food market and an array of websites which provide good recipes. Most of the websites and books have categorized recipes and you have to decide which category you want to choose. Whether you are a homemaker or professional, good recipes are available in many places and you should use them to make a recipe book for your needs later.

The "Good Cook" website also has categorized recipes. You can browse their site by choosing your favorite food, or you can choose their recipe categories. Select the category which you want and try it out. Their categories range from beverages, bread, main course, seafood and fish to nutrition and health or outdoor cooking. You can get vegetarian food and the different types of meat. There are recipes for special dishes from various regions, various countries and continents and there are recipes which have special diets like low carb, for weight loss or diabetics.

This website also gives you some innovative ideas like baking up cookies for family fun or crock pot recipes to enjoy. Just try them out to get some quality time with your family on the weekend.

You may find exciting recipes on the internet like Beer for Beginners, or 54 Ways to Lose Weight, or even Easy to Make Omelets. On the bbc.co.uk website, you can do a quick recipe search by searching for three ingredients: recipe title, chef or the TV program. There are often interesting wine suggestions as well with the recipes.

On the BBC recipe site you can find a recipe according to the main ingredient, the occasion, meal, taste, texture, cuisine, cooking method, provider and dish. Often there is also a lot of information provided about the recipe and also the nutritional value, so that you know what you are cooking.

The Yahoo Food and Recipe site has many food videos and they are a pleasure to watch. The recipes for low-fat are the favorites and once you have tried them out, you can rate them as well. The "healthy categories" are also popular nowadays, so they could be the categories called Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat and Low Sugar.

The Hub UK site offers recipes, cookery, food and even a cooking vacation. The recipe given by this site of the famous Yorkshire pudding is one of the best. The site has thousands of recipes again divided into numerous categories.

Indiaplaza.in has recipes from all over the world. The database of good cooking recipes on this website is growing continuously. There is also elaborated information about all the ingredients and directions, so all that you have to do is follow instructions meticulously.

Finally, a good recipe is what you make of it, by giving each dish a personal touch. For western cooking the measurements are important, and if you take the correct quantities of ingredients nothing can go wrong. But the oriental cuisine does not demand such exactness, and you can unwind while you are cooking, because you can add or change some of the ingredients mentioned in the recipe.

At Find Ebooks Today there is a variety of recipe ebooks to choose from.

Everything from Oriental to Low Carb recipes can be found under cooking and recipes.

Recipes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elvis_Foote

Ebay Ebook Success - How to Create Your Own Resellable Ebook

Creating and distributing your own resellable ebook is one of the best promotional methods available to you. If distributed effectively, one resellable ebook can provide you with hundreds of additional customers via links within the ebook (see my previous article for more information on this). However, before a resellable ebook can start generating customers for you, you first need to create it. Now this is not as expensive or daunting as you may think. Follow the simple steps outlined in this article and you will be well on your way to creating your very own resellable ebook:

1) Come up with an Idea:- First you need to come up with an idea for your resellable ebook. This is by far the hardest part of the process. However, it still doesn't have to be that difficult or time consuming. Your ebook can be on absolutely anything but it makes sense to write on a subject you have some knowledge in. If you run a newsletter on any particular subject, how about using some of those newsletter articles to compile a report or ebook? If not what about your hobbies or your daytime job? Perhaps your job utilises some unique skills which other people would like to know about? Maybe you enjoy baking and have some unique recipes to share with others? There's very likely to be something that you do which can be written down and compiled into a resellable ebook.

If not the next option for you is a list. These are relatively easy to compile and can prove very popular. For example, two of the resellable ebooks I have created; The Ebook Cavern's UK Dropshippers Guide and The Ebook Cavern's UK Wholesalers Guide are lists. The possibilities with lists are practically endless. You could create a list of websites that provide free website design software? Perhaps you could create a list of betting sites that offer free bonuses for new customers? Maybe you could compile a large directory of recipe sites? Whatever the topic, with a little research you can create a list for free which can then be turned into a resellable ebook.

After reading the above two paragraphs you should have plenty of ideas for your own resellable ebook. If not there is one more option available to you, although it won't be free. That option is ebooks with Private Label Rights (PLR). PLR ebooks are basically ebooks where you are given full rights to the content. You can put your name on it, edit it, sell it give it away, use it as website content etc. Pretty much once you buy PLR ebooks you have the same rights to the content as you would have with content that you have written yourself. Now I'm not going to go into the advantages and disadvantages of PLR content because I haven't actually used it myself and it's a topic that deserves its own article. I would recommend you write your own content, but if not, PLR content is a good second best.

So where can you find PLR ebooks? Well, to be honest there are lots of places. I can't recommend any personally because like I said I haven't yet used PLR ebooks. However, a quick Google search for "Private Label Ebooks" will bring up plenty of results. If you do opt for PLR ebooks I would recommend you do enough editing so that the content seems unique to you because other people will also have this PLR content too.

2) Add some Links:- Once you have the content for your ebook you need to think about the links to include so that you can fully benefit from your resellable ebooks. As I explained in my previous article your own resellable ebook can be used to promote your eBay store, sell your own product or affiliate products, and generate leads for a mailing list. Therefore, you need to think which links would best be suited to this purpose.

I usually get my links in the ebook by inserting an About the Author page. On this page I have brief description of my eBay store, websites and newsletter with links to each of them. With affiliate links I only add them if they are relevant to what I am writing. For example, since I write a lot about eBay in my ebooks I use eBay affiliate links. I don't just throw affiliate links in for the sake of it and neither should you. I only use affiliate links to recommend relevant products and services that I have used myself and honestly feel are value for money.

3) Create a Cover Image:- Now that you have the content and know what links you are going to include, the only other thing you require is an ebook cover image. This again is not nearly as difficult as you may think it would be. Plus it can be done for free. Obviously, this cover image will not look as good as professionally designed graphics (unless you are a graphic designer), but it will keep your costs down to zero.

First you will need some free images that can be used commercially. If they don't state that you can use them commercially then they can't be used for your ebook cover. The only website I've found that offers this is http://www.ace-clipart.com/, but if you use their images you do need to provide a link back to their website. Once you have found a graphic that you like then open it up in a graphics editor (Paint will do for this) and add your title text. You now have a flat version of your ebook cover image.

Next you will need some software to convert this image into an actual ebook cover which you can get for free by doing a quick Google search. Using this software you can then select a variety of templates for your ebook cover. When you have found one you are happy with simply click the create button and your ebook cover will be created for you. Then save this image and you have your very own ebook cover.

Personally, I feel that it is worth the additional money to have someone create your graphics for you. I originally did create my own ebook covers but the end product just doesn't look as professional as if you have a graphic designer work on the graphics for you. I recently had some graphics designed for me by Jack at http://www.neocovers.net/ and was very impressed with them. As a result I am currently in the process of having him do all my graphics for me. I feel spending a bit of cash on your getting your ebook covers professionally designed, enhances the overall perception of your product, your business, and therefore holds value in the long-term. However, if you are short on cash then use the free method until you have enough funds to get some graphics designed professionally.

4) Compile the Ebook:- So now you should have your content, know what links you are going to have inside your ebook, and have your ebook cover image created. All you need to do now is compile this information into a readable ebook. To begin open your word processor and get ready to type. The first page I include is a title page which contains the things on the list below:

The ebook title:- The first thing I include on the page is the ebook's title in large text.

The ebook cover image:- Under the title I include a large flat ebook cover image which you should already have.

The author's name:- Under the image I write a message like "brought to you by Tom Parker (Owner and Creator of The Ebook Cavern)."

A resell rights notice:- Under the author's name I include in large bold text "This ebook comes with Full Resell Rights and Full Giveaway Rights. You can resell this ebook for any price you wish or give it away to your customers." This is to maximise the distribution of my resellable ebooks. Remember the more eyes that read it, the better for you.

An offer to join my newsletter:- As I have said before you should be building your own mailing list. This is one of the many ways I try to do this.

After the title page I then include a Disclaimer. This is just a statement that basically says you (the author) are not responsible for any losses incurred by the reader, there are no guarantees of income, and that the reader is responsible for the use of the information in your ebook. Many ebooks contain Disclaimers. Just have a read of a few of them to get an idea of what you need to include in your own.

Following this I include a Table of Contents. This is a very good way to organise your content, because it makes you put your information into relevant, logical sections. For an ebook, your Table of Contents should organise the information into a logical order that reads well. Think what would go well at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. For a list, I usually organise the links into alphabetical chapters e.g. for a recipes ebook it could go something like Apple Recipes, Bread Recipes, Cake Recipes etc. With PLR ebooks the information is likely to have been organised into some kind of order for you. You might want to keep this order or you may want to switch it around a bit.

After you have written your Table of Contents, organise your actual ebook content in this order. Once you have done this your ebook is ready to be published. Now there are two main formats used when publishing your ebooks; Executable (.exe) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If you want to publish in .exe format then you can get many free ebook creators by doing a quick Google search for a “Free executable ebook creator. If you want to publish in .pdf format I would recommend the free Open Office which you can download by doing a quick Google search for “Open Office”. To use the .pdf publishing option simply copy your ebook over to the Open Office writer and then use the "Export as PDF" option. Personally, I recommend you publish in .pdf format. It is fast becoming the favoured ebook format and there are generally less compatibility problems with .pdf than with .exe.

After completing step four you should have your own resellable ebook published complete with an ebook cover - a very powerful promotional tool. Furthermore, the amount you have spent creating your own resellable ebook should be low if not free. Next you will need to distribute your new resellable ebook effectively, a topic that I will be covering in my next article.

About the Author:
Want to know how Tom Parker runs http://stores.ebay.co.uk/theebookcavern whilst automating 95% of the tasks? Then visit http://www.theebookcavern.co.uk/ or send a blank email to newsletter@theebookcavern.co.uk and find out all the secrets. Please include this bio when reprinting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Parker

100 Ways to Save Money

The world is having a serious financial crisis. Many people has lost their jobs because of it. To survive, you need to save your money. Basically you can save money by reducing your comfort. Comfort means money. But there are also other tricks to save money. Here are 100 ways to save money:

1. Computer Screen savers does not reduce energy consumption. Automatic switching to sleep mode or hibernate is better.

2. Consider buying a laptop. They use less energy than desktop computers.

3. Consider buying LCD monitor. They use less energy than CRT monitor.

4. Stop renting the cable modem. You can buy a cable modem for cheaper cost in the future.

5. Plug your computer and other electronic into a good UPS. So can save money by not buying a new circuit board that is fried.

6. Use open source software like Linux Operating System and Open Office.

7. Upgrade an existing PC rather than buying a new one. Usually it is cheaper to upgrade. But if your computer is very old, you need to buy a new one.

Appliances

8. Maintain your heating system appliances because they are the ones that consume too much electricity.

9. Turn off the lights if it is not used.

10. Use low energy light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs.

11. Clean your AC air filters. A dirty air filter reduces airflow, causing it to work harder and use more energy.

12. Use of solar power for for heating water.

13. Find natural gas appliances with blue flames. This indicates that the gas is burning efficiently.

14. Install a programmable thermostat to have your house in comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.

15. Turn off your electronic appliances like TV, and computer when not in use.

16. Look dishwasher for the ENERGY STAR label that uses less water and less energy.

17. Regularly manual

18. defrost freezers. Frost buildup decreases the energy efficiency of the unit.

19. Cover your kettle or pan to boil water. It will be done faster and can save energy.

20. Request an energy audit from your utility company. It's free, and they'll give you plenty of tips to reduce your power bill.

21. Lower your thermostat 1 degree and you will save 2 percent on your monthly energy bill. You can put on a sweater to deal with the cold.

Transportation

22. Go to work by using bus, or maybe riding a bike.

23. Check your engine and tire pressure. Having unequal pressure can greatly affect the car's fuel economy.

24. Look for frequent shopper deals on gas. Some grocery stores can offer gas discount with a frequent shopper card.

25. Avoid rush hour traffic as much as possible. Stopping in traffic can burn up lots of gas.

26. Drive at constant speed to save gas.

27. Keep your car light. Remove any unnecessary heavy items from your car. Heavy items makes the car work harder.

28. Take turns with your nearby friend to work.

29. Fix your car with skilled mechanic. If it is not correctly repaired, you might pay more for broken spare parts in the future.

30. Consider buying a fuel

31. efficient car.

32. Compare prices at different gas stations, and find the lowest.

33. Choose manual transmission car than automatic.

34. Use the correct grade of the oil which tells about the viscosity. If you use the wrong grade, you may increase the friction in your engine, and uses more gas.

35. Replace your air filter every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.

Credit card

36. Be sure to pay on time.

37. Don't spend more than you can afford.

38. Pay off your balance in full each month if possible.

39. Stop using credit cards. You can overspend, if you're getting money from credit account.

40. Avoid using cash advances on credit card. Only it as the last option. They have a higher interest rate than regular card charges.

41. Transfer your credit card debt to a card that charges a lower interest rate. Read your application carefully for this.

42. Negotiate a lower rate with your credit card company. If you have a good credit history, they might lower your interest rate.

43. If you have a balance on more than one credit card. Pay the most you can afford on the highest interest rate card, and make the minimum payment on the others. Once the card with the highest interest rate is paid, you can start paying the next highest interest rate.

Shopping

44. Before shopping create your shopping list and stick with it.

45. Don't buy branded goods, and buy cheaper product with the same quality.

46. Buy in bulk whenever possible. It is cheaper.

47. Buy generic products whenever possible. There are plenty of private label product nowadays. The store will make their own product using their own brand. This is cheaper because they do not spend money for advertising.

48. Always compare product's price and specification when you need to buy expensive things.

49. Shop online. Online company usually cheaper, because they can save money on their store rent.

50. Use coupons for shopping.

51. Find a garage sale. You can find gold there.

Health

52. If you are sick buy generic drugs. Generic drugs are basically the same as the branded ones in terms of ingredients and quality.

53. Don't smoke or reduce cigarette.

54. Don't drink alcohol or reduce your alcohol consumption.

55. Don't go to the gym. You can exercise by running or riding a bicycle.

56. Stay healthy. Eat well and rest well. Don't drink or smoke.

57. Reduce your weight. Overweight is source to many illness.

58. Participate in your employer's health insurance plan. They have lower rate, because employers direct a large number of people to the insurer.

Entertainment

59. Use only TV cable that you really need. Choose a smaller package.

60. Don't buy popcorn and drinks on theater. They are very expensive.

61. Rent a movie instead of going to the theater.

62. Do cheap entertainment like hiking, picnicking, fishing, or camping.

63. Buy movie tickets in bulk. The cost per ticker is lower.

64. When traveling, buy a guidebook instead of hiring a travel guide.

Food and drink

65. Cook home as often as you can. By not eating at the restaurant, you can save a lot.

66. Bring your lunch from home.

67. Eliminate Expensive Coffee Drinks. In some places, you pay a lot for the atmosphere not the coffee.

68. Use discount dining cards.

69. Take advantage of promotions, like buy one get one free offer.

70. Consider making your own bread. You can find the recipes in the internet.

71. Buy products on sale. Repackage and store it in the freezer for future use.

72. Consider buying meat with bones. Being willing to skin and de-bone it yourself can save you dollars.

73. If you have time, consider cooking from scratch. Frozen meals is convenient but more expensive.

Travel

74. Book your hotel at least one month in advance.

75. Don't use hotel phones for long-distance calls before inquiring about the charges.

76. Find fares and room rates on Internet which is usually cheaper.

77. Go travel by avoiding the crowds. If a destination sees its highest tourist traffic in winter, then go on summer, spring or fall if posible.

78. Use small inn instead of a big hotel.

79. Go wait until the last minute for an airline ticket. They usually on sale because plenty of times a plance is flying around 80% full.

Finance

80. When you apply on mortgage, go for the shortest-term mortgage you can afford. Shortest-term will save you more money.

81. Consider refinancing your mortgage if you can get a rate that is lower than your existing mortgage rate. If the interest is low, it's time to refinance your loan.

82. Don't buy lottery. The odds of winning is very low.

83. Save you money in piggy bag dailly. Be discipline on it.

84. Apply scholarships for your college.

85. Improve your credit score so you can get better deal on loans.

86. Don't do stock trading. Buy and hold is better because you don't have to pay commission. You just need to buy good and cheap company and hold it.

87. If you don't rely on your broker's recommendations and don't trade often, choose a discount broker, where transactions cost is lower.

Internet

88. Use free online greeting card if you want to send someone a card.

89. Find used products at eBay.

90. Buy used books instead of new books at amazon.

91. Get free software from download.com.

92. Save on your communication bill by chatting via computer or with free software from Skype.com. It's free to call another Skype user.

93. Don't subscribe on printed magazine. Read online news sites is cheaper.

94. Instead of buying whole album, buy music that you really like from service like Itunes.

General

95. Don't buy things that do do not need.

96. Borrow books from the library instead of buying.

97. Pay yourself first. Deposit 10% of every salary in a savings account.

98. Be an early bird for seminars.

99. Do a garage sale to get rid of un-needed items.

100. Bundle your services, like bundling cable or satellite TV, telephone service, and high-speed Internet service. This is often cheaper than you buy it separately.

Ian. Invest money. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Sani

Cooking E-books

If you love cooking and want to surprise your loved ones with an exotic recipe at the next dinner party then you should definitely look into a variety of cooking e-books available on the Internet. Gourmet cooking e-books offer recipes from around the world. Tips on how to make great Japanese, Chinese or Italian dishes can be downloaded onto your computer within minutes. Who has time to scout around local book stores looking for the latest in cooking tips? E-books will save you the trip and possibly the money as a lot of these electronic books are available at absolutely no charge. You can learn how to make dishes that are guaranteed to make your guests’ mouth water.

What dinner goes without a dessert? Baking e-books give recipes on how to bake cakes and cookies and home-made bread and bagels. Your dinner parties will never be dull with the variety of tasty desserts you can make without having to attend cooking or baking classes. Professional baking electronic books will even provide you with skills to start a bakery of your own.

Healthy nutrition fans will find a variety of books available to suit their taste as well. Vegetarian and health oriented cook books bring new recipes to a table, clearly proving that healthy eating does not have to be boring. Dr. Atkins’ latest diet book will also spice up your current menu.

Cooking e-books are an endless source to creative cooking. Equipped with the best cooking tips available you will never again have to wreck your brain about what to make for dinner. Just pull out your PDA, flip through the pages and pull out the ingredients. Before you know it you will have a tasty dinner brewing on the stove. Bon Appetite!

Related resources:

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Build incoming links to your website. Submit your site to our search engine friendly directory for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

Great Pudding Recipes - Bread Pudding With Lemon Sauce and Very Easy Banana Pudding

Bread pudding is a delicious staple in the South. It is perfect to serve with coffee to your friends. Whether it is served after a meal or just for a special occasion, this recipe for Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce is sure to please. In a big hurry? Try this Very Easy Banana Pudding.

BREAD PUDDING WITH LEMON SAUCE
2 cups dry bread cubes
4 cups milk, scalded
1 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
4 slightly beaten eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Soak bread in milk for 5 minutes. Add the butter, salt, and sugar. Pour the bread mixture slowly over the beaten eggs. Add the vanilla and mix well. Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake in a pan of hot water in 350 degree oven until pudding is firm; about 50 minutes. Serve while warm with the Lemon sauce.

Lemon Sauce:

1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 cup boiling water
2 tbsp butter
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

In a 1-quart saucepan, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add in the water and cook over low heat until thick and clear. Add the butter and lemon juice; blend thoroughly. Pour over the bread pudding.

VERY EASY BANANA PUDDING
3 cups cold milk
2 pkg (4 serving size each) banana flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix
Approximately 30 vanilla wafers
3 medium bananas, sliced
1 8-oz frozen whipped topping, thawed

Pour milk into a large mixing bowl. Add pudding mixes to milk and beat using a wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. Let stand for about 5 minutes. Arrange half of the vanilla wafers in the bottom and up the sides of a serving bowl. Add layers of banana slices and pudding, ending with pudding. Spread the whipped topping over the pudding. Refrigerate until serving time.

Note: To keep bananas from discoloring, dip in lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering with the pudding.

Enjoy!

You can find more Sweet Treats at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com
For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

Best Bread Pudding Recipe - Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

This pumpkin bread pudding is a great alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie. Stuffed with raisins and nuts, each bite will be a wonderful experience.

1/2 loaf raisin bread, cut into cubes

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1 can evaporated milk

1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Grease an 9-inch pie plate.

Place bread cubes into the prepared pie plate.

In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and ginger. Stir in the milk. Pour mixture over bread cubes; be sure to coat cubes well. Sprinkle walnuts on top.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.

=> Best Bread Pudding Recipe: Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

If you love banana bread, then you’ll absolutely love this banana bread pudding. It’s made with mashed bananas, eggs, milk and French bread.

6 bananas, mashed

6 egg yolks

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter

1 can evaporated milk

1 can water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 loaf French Bread, cut into cubes

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and the milk and water; let soak until bread is soft. Separate the egg yolks and whites.

In the same bowl, mix in the egg yolks, vanilla, butter and sugar; mix well. Add in the mashed up bananas. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Bake for 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

=> Best Bread Pudding Recipe: Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe

The fresh taste of blueberries mixed with cream, bread and spices will have you going back for seconds of this fantastic dessert.

2 slices day old Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 egg yolk

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Dash ground cinnamon

1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.

Cut up bread and place into prepared baking dish. In a bowl, combine the egg yolk, cream, milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in the blueberries. Pour mixture over bread cubes. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar on top. Serve warm.

=> Best Bread Pudding Recipe: Rhubarb Bread Pudding Recipe

An unexpected combination of fresh rhubarb, nuts, milk, and spices makes this bread pudding recipe a real taste sensation.

8 slices stale bread, without crusts, toasted and cubed

1 1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter or margarine

5 eggs

1 1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb, diced

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Place bread cubes into prepared baking dish.

In a bowl, combine the milk and butter; heat just until boiling and pour over bread cubes. Let stand for 15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the rhubarb. Pour over the bread and mix gently until well blended. Sprinkle walnuts on top.

Bake for 50 minutes, or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Brownies, Cheesecake, Fudge and more . . . [http://www.best-brownie-recipes.com] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandy_Summers

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Scrumptious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes by Patrick Carpen

Keeping your health or a family members' health in mind when cooking can sometimes leave you challenged in the kitchen. You shouldn't feel as though you have to suffer through bland meals just to remain in good health, because you don't! --At least not with the recipes found in this article. You can still prepare meals and desserts that are kicking with flavor yet tolerant to the needs of a diabetic. Read on for a few great diabetic meal ideas.

BANANA SPLIT PIE

1 graham cracker crust 1 (4 oz.) pkg. sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix 2 c. low-fat milk 2 bananas, sliced 1 (15 oz.) can crushed pineapple 1 c. light Cool Whip 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. pecans, chopped

Mix pudding with milk and beat until thick, pour into crust. Put bananas over pudding. Squeeze pineapple to remove all juice. Sprinkle on top of bananas. Cover with Cool Whip, sprinkle pecans on top. Chill well.

CARROT CAKE

Margarine and flour for pan 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1/4 c. whole wheat flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 c. vegetable oil 6 tbsp. sugar 2 eggs 1/4 c. unsweetened pineapple juice concentrate 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. shredded carrots 1/2 c. golden raisins 1/2 c. unsweetened, crushed pineapple, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. In bowl, toss flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. In a second bowl, stir oil, sugar, eggs, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Stir liquid into dry ingredients until smooth. Stir carrots, raisins, and pineapple. Scrape into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a rack for 1 hour. Un-mold cake and ice with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into 1/2 inch slices to serve. Serves 18.

BANANA BREAD

2 c. all purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 ripe bananas (mashed) 6 oz. can frozen orange juice 2 eggs 1 c. raisins Nuts (optional)

Sift all dry ingredients together and set aside. In a separate bowl mix all wet ingredients and mashed bananas. Add wet and dry ingredients together and mix well, then fold in nuts and raisins. Pour in a greased and floured loaf pan (unless using a non-stick pan). Bake at 350 - 375 degrees F for 30 - 45 minutes or when toothpick comes out clean.

DIABETIC SPICY SAUSAGE

2 lb. extra lean ground pork 2 tsp. crushed dried sage 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. fructose 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. ground mace 1/4 tsp. ground allspice 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Then make into patties and brown until done.

DIABETIC BEEF PASTIES

Crust: 3/4 tsp. Salt 1/4 c. plus 2 tsp. vegetable shortening 1 egg Water

Put flour and salt in mixing bowl. Cut in shortening. Beat egg in a measuring cup. Add water to make 1/2 cup, add to flour and mix until well moistened. Divide dough into 6 balls. On lightly floured board, roll balls into circles between waxed paper. Then set aside.

Filling: 3/4 lb. coarsely ground beef (raw) 2 c. diced raw potato 3/4 c. diced raw carrot 3/4 c. diced celery 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 2 tbsp. water

Once all filling ingredients have been well mixed, spoon onto dough and wrap around beef. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 - 15 minutes or until the dough has become golden brown.

BAR-B-Q MEATBALLS

1 lb. ground chuck 1/2 c. liquid skimmed milk 1 med. onion, chopped Salt & pepper to taste 1/2 c. diet catsup 1 tbsp. minced green peppers 1 tsp. prepared mustard 1 tbsp. vinegar 1 tbsp. minced onion 1 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 packs Sweet & Low

Mix chuck, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Make into balls. Broil until brown (approx. 15 minutes). Sauce: Mix catsup, green pepper, mustard, and vinegar. Add minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Sweet 'N Low. Pour over meat balls. Cook covered for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F.

See what we mean about flavor? These recipes are a great way to satisfy the entire family without having to make special meal plans to accommodate the diabetic in your family. Give these meals a shot, but be prepared to welcome your family's enthusiasm. Best of health and happy cooking!

10 Ways To Sneak Some Extra Fruits and Vegetables In Your Family's Diet

We all know by now that we should be eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. But knowing and doing are two different things, aren’t they? Sometimes it is just not easy to get them all in there. We are constantly tempted to fill up on convenience and junk food. If your family is anything like mine, they’d much rather fill up on a bag of chips or a bowl of rice or pasta instead of trying an apple or a plate of steamed broccoli. So we’ll have to get creative. Here are a few ideas to “sneak” some extra vegetables and fruits in your family’s diet.

1. Start the day with a breakfast smoothie. All you have to do is throw some fruits, low-fat yogurt and ice in a blender. You may also want to add a scoop of protein powder in there for good measure. Just blend for a few seconds and you have the perfect breakfast ready to go. I like to sip mine in a thermal cup on the way to work. To make it even more appealing for your kids, use some frozen yogurt or a scoop of ice cream in the smoothie. They won’t believe that you are letting them have ice cream for breakfast.

2. Dried fruit makes an excellent snack any time of the day. Add some small cartons of raisins to your child’s lunch box, pack some yogurt-covered raisins in your husband’s briefcase and keep some trail mix sitting around for snacking. You can also add dried fruit to oatmeal and cereal in the morning. My family loves banana chips in their breakfast cereal.

3. Add some fruits and vegetables to your family’s sandwiches. You can add some banana, sliced apples or strawberry slices to a peanut butter sandwich. Top a turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and anything else they will eat. You can even make a sub shop style vegetable sandwich by combining several different vegetables with some mayonnaise and cheese on bread.

4. Have a salad bar at dinner. Set out a variety of chopped vegetables, some cheese and croutons as well as several choices of salad dressing along with the lettuce and let everybody create their own perfect salad.

5. Let them drink their fruits and vegetables. Keep an assortment of fruit and vegetable juices in the fridge and encourage everyone to drink them as a snack. Get creative. You could start “family cocktail hour” by pouring everybody a glass of his or her favorite juice over ice. Add some straws, cocktail umbrellas and sit together to talk about how everybody’s day went.

6. Try this for dessert. Put a small scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt in a bowl and top it with lots of fresh or frozen fruit.

7. Offer fruits and vegetables as snacks. You can cut apples into slices and top them with peanut butter or cheese. Cube cheese and serve with grapes. Cut up some fresh veggies and serve them with ranch dip. And of course there’s ants on a log. Spread some cream cheese or peanut butter on the inside of a stick of celery and sprinkle raisins on it (wow, fruit and vegetable in one snack).

8. Try some new fruits and vegetables. Pick something exotic to get your family’s curiosity. With a little luck their curiosity will outweigh their initial apprehension to trying something new. You could try artichokes, plantains, papaya, mango, star fruit, or anything else you can find in the produce department of your local store.

9. Make a pot of vegetable soup or a stew that’s heavy on veggies and easy on the meat. Both of these make some great comfort food when the weather gets cold.

10. Start “My Veggie Day”. Each family member gets to pick a vegetable one day of the week. They qualify to pick a vegetable as long as they tried each vegetable the week before, otherwise they loose a turn and Mom gets to pick.

Incorporate a few of these ideas and you will have everyone in your family eating more fruits and vegetables in no time.

Here is another tip:

Now that everyone in the family has gotten a taste for it, make sure you always have plenty of fresh fruits and veggies available and ready to snack on.

Susanne Myers together with Christine Steendahl, owns and publishes the Healthy Menu Mailer. Each week, we provide you with 7 dinner recipes. Sign up for a free sample menu of Healthy Recipes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susanne_Myers

Banana Bread Recipe

a very good lesson .. if you have something interesting please give comment

Tips For Enjoying Banana Bread

Inviting some friends over for a Sunday brunch can be relaxing and entertaining experience. Brunch itself is famous for being one of the easiest meals to prepare when entertaining. The best thing about it actually is that there are so many different recipes that give you the chance to prepare brunch in advance so that you can enjoy the time when your guests arrive. As it is very easy to make and exists in many variation, banana bread seems to always be a favorite addition to any brunch.

It is in fact so easy to make banana bread that you can even use your children to help you with it. You can get them to peel and mash the bananas. Then just let them mix the ingredients with their little hands. All the ingredients are soft enough you can leave the mixer standing in its place while the kids are having fun. Another good thing about it is that it’s easy to clean up after making banana bread as the majority of are for one bowl mixtures.

An easy and tasty variation of banana bread is made by adding chocolate chips into the batter. Chocolate taste blends well with bananas and the chips themselves hold their shape in the bread. The only thing you have to remember is to put the chocolate chips just before pouring the mixture into the pans. Adding some chopped walnuts is also a good idea, although it is a bit risky, because in case you decide to go for it you’ll have to be absolutely sure that none of your guests is having a nut allergy.

In case you are pressed by the time you can always make banana bread in the bread machine, just follow the instructions and add the products in the same order as they are listed. And if you feel bored and want to make it a bit different you can use the muffin tins for the mixture and bake some banana muffins. There are banana bread recipes that are good even for people strictly watching their fat intake. The result is still moist and tasty banana bread with reduced fat.

You can also use overripe bananas in these recipes and what’s more we often get them cheaper, don’t we? Of course we can freeze some too. Freezing bananas is easy – just peel and mash the amount you need, then put in a plastic bag or an air-tight container and straight into the freezer. Next time you are making banana bread just take the frozen bananas out and put them in the mixture.

Another thing you would like to know is that prepared banana bread freezes well also, so when you are next making a loaf, just make some more, pack it tight and freeze it. Afterwards you can use it anytime you decide. It makes a great hostess present to take along when you're invited to somebody’s house. So next time you are out for groceries, get some extra bananas and try preparing a loaf or two of banana bread – it’s easy to make and most people enjoy it. What’s more it’s also easy to have on hand, as it freezes well.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning food and drink. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Banana Bread

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton

Recipe For Moist Banana Bread

What do you do with bananas that are going ripe more quickly than your family can eat them? Make Banana Bread! It's great as a after school snack, lazy winter morning breakfast or dessert with your favorite meal. It's a comfort food that no one willingly passes up. It's pleasant fruity aromas filled the house and bring every one to the kitchen asking, is it done yet? Enjoy it warm, cold or even toasted.

Banana bread first made it's way in to cookbooks in the 1930's. Shopkeepers and grocers would have recipes available for shoppers when they had too ripe fruit on their shelved to try to make a sale for the product before it hit the trash bin. With the resurgence of home baking in the 1960's it regained the popularity it once had. Unlike some other recipes it was straight forward and required very little skill to create.

Banana bread is a popular gift giving item during the holidays, making it's way onto many platters for family, friends and neighbors.

The following recipe will make the moistest Banana Bread you have ever tasted. It's easy and takes no special ingredients. For best results use very ripe bananas. Be sure there are brown spots all over the peels and mash them well.

Ingredients:

1- 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas, about 3-4 bananas
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare greased 9 x 5 x 3 bread pan.

2. In a bowl, combined mashed bananas, butter, sugar and 1/4 cup milk. Mix to combine.

3. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add in the banana mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla extract and 1/4 cup milk. Beat for about 1 minute on medium speed.

4. Pour batter evenly into the greased pan. Place pan in oven on the middle rack. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick or knife inserted in the middle of the bread comes out completely clean.

5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool completely on wire rack.

For this recipe you can also use a 9 x 13 cake pan.

To add a different flavor use raisins or add pecan or walnuts. For the chocoholic try adding chocolate chips. Top with powder sugar or a cream cheese frosting.

If you have ripe bananas but have no time for baking, they can be frozen in a brown paper bag.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about moist banana bread recipes, please visit Dessert Recipes Site for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Pennington

Zucchini Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This is a delicious twist on zucchini bread. I always seem to grow too many zucchini plants, so I've been experimenting for years, trying to figure out some of the best ways to use them. This is one of my favorite recipes for using up an abundance of zucchini. I also keep frozen shredded zucchini in the freezer to use during the winter months. This bread is a special treat on a cold winter's day. For best results, if you do use frozen shredded zucchini, be sure to let it drain well after thawing. Otherwise the mixture will be too wet and not rise well.

Zucchini Pumpkin Bread Makes 2 loaves

3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup cooked or canned pumpkin (can substitute butternut squash)
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups zucchini, shredded
1 cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)

Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs and sugar. Add pumpkin, melted butter and vanilla, mixing well. Combine all dry ingredients. Stir well until spices are mixed throughout. Gradually add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Stir in zucchini and nuts or raisins. Pour into loaf pans. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until toothpick or knife comes out clean when inserted into center of loaf. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack.

Kathy enjoys cooking and gardening. Visit her KitchenAid Mixer Attachments website and check out the Ice Cream Maker

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K_Hupp

Will Cutting Carbs Really Help Lose Weight? by Michael Desire

Initially Yes. But gradually it will have serious repercussions. Let us understand why? When we are consuming lesser carbohydrates for a prolonged period of time, our body gets used to it and starts attacking the stored fat to release energy, thus resulting in weight loss for initial period. But once we stop taking Carbs, fat formation and accumulation stops and our body starts attacking the muscle tissue to release energy in the absence of fat. Thus even though we exercise hard, we are unable to tone up the muscles and start losing an element which we should not.

Cutting Carbs will help one lose weight for some time in the beginning, but the most effective way is to use the low carb diet for a week or two and then manage the intake according to the required body mass index. Carbs are an important element required for a healthy body, so cutting it totally will be harmful for the body. Ways must be sought to strike a balance between the low carb and high carb diets.

Cutting Carbs alone will never help in reducing weight. Is starvation a right mode to reduce weight? What we would end up being is a smaller, weaker fat person. The reason is simple. Our body requires energy and if we would not provide it sufficient fat to convert it into energy, it will start consuming our leaner tissues and make us only unhappy. Thus the best way to lose weight is to have a balanced Carb diet and be involved in lot of activities. Amount of physical activity undertaken is thus a true barometer of reducing weight.

Another important concept related to cutting carbs is to first understand the perfect blend of protein and carbs in our diet. A meal which is full of Carbs but lack proteins would make a person feel hungry sooner as the glucose level will instantly rise and then subside eventually. This would result in making a person consume something soon. But if we take proteins, the glucose level will be stabilized and we would feel fuller and energized for a longer period of time. Thus Cutting carbs would surely help us maintain the glucose level only if we proportionately substitute it with proteins.

Whenever a person thinks or vows to become lean, cutting carbs is one thought which flashes immediately. As we all believe that to lose weight fast, it’s the most simple and obvious ingredient of our meal to be avoided. But what we miss is that it’s also one of the most important and contributing factor for proper brain and memory functions. One may avoid bread or rice but then should definitely switch to banana or potatoes which are supposed to be fattening. The essence here is that you may avoid high carb diet but consume enough carb to sustain a healthy living.

One thing is for sure that instead of ruling out carbohydrates entirely from our plate, we should start following a low carb diet regime. It would focus on energy stimulation and in fact would also assist in controlling the required levels. As Carbs are the most important source of body energy we should be very careful in reducing the intake and always substitute it by following a low Carb diet rather than a No Carb diet.

The Guaranteed to Be Moist Banana Bread Recipe

Don't you just hate eating dry banana bread? I know I do. And the worst part is that it seems like almost every banana bread I try is incredible dry (you know, the kind of dry that literally shuts the top and bottom of your mouth together).

That's why I had to come up with my own moist banana bread recipe. After a little experimenting in the kitchen, here's the recipe I came up with to guarantee a moist banana bread experience.

Here are the ingredients for the Guaranteed To Be Moist Banana Bread:

2 1/2 cups of Flour
4 Bananas (very ripe)
1 3/4 cups of Sugar
1 teaspoon of Cinnamon
1 cup of Vegetable Shortening
1/2 teaspoon of Salt
3 Eggs
1/4 cup of Buttermilk
1 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of Walnuts (chopped)

This recipe provides enough batter for two standard 9 inch by 5 inch loaf size cooking pans. If you would like to make just one loaf of moist banana bread, just reduce the ingredient amounts by half.

Recipe Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, vegetable shortening, and salt. Stir until creamy, and then transfer into mixer.

3. Add the eggs and mix.

4. Add the buttermilk, flour, and baking soda and mix until batter has become uniform in consistency.

5. Mash up the ripe bananas and place in mixer along with walnuts. Mix up the batter one last time.

6. Grease up both loaf pans. Dust some flour to keep it from sticking.

7. Pour batter evenly between both loaf pans, and bake on oven for 45 minutes.

8. When you place a toothpick or knife blade into the banana bread and it comes out clean, then you know that the bread is fully cooked.

9. Let stand for thirty minutes before serving.

By following this recipe, I can pretty much guarantee that you will make deliciously moist banana bread every time. No more having to chug down a glass of milk to regain the ability to talk. I personally prefer my banana bread served warm with a slight spread of sweet butter. The combination of the melting butter and the moistness of the bread is incredibly satisfying to my taste buds.

Want to get more recipes like the moist banana bread recipe?

Visit my site at http://www.UltimateRecipeBookCollection.com to learn about how to get thousands of recipes just like this one. Chances are you are bored with your normal meals? Why not try a new dish tonight? Come to my website to get more information.

This article can be reprinted by newsletter/ezine owners and webmasters as long as the links are kept active and none of the content is altered.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_S._Stewart

Tips For Making Homemade Bread

There is nothing like homemade bread. Whether banana, pumpkin, white or whole wheat, the smell of a fresh, hot loaf can't be beat.

There are many reasons why you would want to make your own bread. If you have good pumpkin bread recipes or banana bread recipes, you can make a nice dessert or have a quick snack for the kids on hand at all times.
Baking your own white or wheat bread can help you save money on your grocery bill. Eating whole wheat bread will keep you healthier and may even help you lose weight.

You may want to consider supplying your family with homemade wheat bread all the time. The health benefits are many, especially if you are going to use fresh ground wheat. Eating a slice of bread made with fresh ground wheat is like taking a shot of vitamins.

What Is Wheat And Why Would You Want To Use It?

Wheat is the world’s most important grain crop and ranks first among the grains for its nutritional value. When used in its entirety, wheat is an excellent source of fiber and many critical B-vitamins.WheatB-vitamins. Wheat germ is one of the richest sources of vitamin E if used when freshly milled, before oxidation takes place.

The richest source of Vitamin E is found in the germ of the wheat kernel. Milled wheat loses its Vitamin E very quickly due to oxidization. This is the reason why the bread we buy really has nothing of value for us. It has been stripped of the vitamins provided in the wheat. Within about 72 hours of milling, 90% of over 30 nutrients are gone.

Families usually enjoy better health once they start baking bread with fresh ground wheat including significant improvements in sinus conditions, runny noses and colds. There have also been reports of reduced cholesterol counts, warts disappearing, acne clearing and a host of other wonderful benefits. Of course there are the obvious benefits of adding more fiber to your diet, but remember to drink a lot of water when you increase fiber.

Author is marketer for sites such as : Homemade Bread Acne Resources Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Snodgrass

Good Eats, Parrot Owner Edition Part 3

In this installment of Good Eats, we are going to focus on a timeless classic - birdie bread. Recipes for various sorts of bread to be served in different forms (normally in muffins form for ease of cooking) are a favorite among bird owners. Easy to make, easy to store, and even easier to serve, birdie bread takes away the stress of constant cooking for your companion. Here are some quick and easy birdie bread recipes.

Strawberry Pellet Bread

3 cups pulverized pellets (food processor is great for this)
1 cup of strawberry yogurt
1 cup of strawberry jam
1 cup of honey
2 eggs
1 package Bisquick biscuit mix
Mix well. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

This recipe is simply titled A Great Birdie Bread, and we agree.

2 C cockatiel crumbles (or larger depending on the size of your bird)
1 banana
1/3 C wheat germ oil*
6 eggs--with shell
3T pumpkin, yams or squash
1/3 C vegetable oil
1 1/2 T applesauce or 1/2 apple
1 C thawed frozen mixed vegetables
1 C cooked dry beans
1 C cooked brown rice
2 C corn meal
4 T baking powder
Food process first 8 ingredients. Add beans & rice and blend til pulverized. Add to cornmeal and baking powder. Mix well. Add water if too thick. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes til done.

*You can find wheat germ oil (for horses) at most feed stores. Freeze the stuff crumbled, zap about 1 T. per bird per day.

Pineapple Carrot Bread

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar (can use less)
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
3 eggs
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup vegetable oil (or 1 c. applesauce)
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon. In another bowl, beat eggs, add carrots, oil, pineapple, nuts & vanilla. Stir moist ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened. Spoon into 2 greased & floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 65-75 minutes or until loaves test done. Cool 10 minutes in pans before removing to wire racks. Makes 6 mini loaves.

Breeders Best

1 cup yellow corn meal
1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup Miller's bran
1 cup soy bean meal
1/2 cup brewers yeast (nutritional, not bread raising kind) 1 cup raw wheat germ
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup baking powder
1 cup parrot pellets (We use Pretty Bird, small size)
1 cup Petamine
1/2 cup wheat germ oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 dozen eggs, with shells, ground up (use blender) 1 cup chopped spinach
2 cups shredded carrots
2 apples, shredded
2 bananas, mashed
1/2 cup honey
2-3 cups milk or enough to make a heavy batter
Mix up everything in a huge bowl. Use your blender for the eggs and apples and bananas.
Bake in foil lined pans sprayed with pam. 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in pans, cut in 3x4 squares, store squares in freezer. Defrost as needed. Give each bird a small piece daily in addition to regular seed mix.

We hope this was enough information to get the ball rolling. Once you've had a practice run with a couple types of different breads, let your imagination take over and see what you can create. I guarantee your birds will like it. Birdie bread is an easy way to sneak healthy foods into your birds diet, especially if you have a picky eater. These recipes don't have to be made in 'bread' form, either. Traditional form, that is. For ease of serving, consider spooning out these recipes in cupcake or muffin form, which will allow you portion control and easier storage then actual bread slices.

Emily is very active in the avian community participating in numerous websites and online communities for parrot owners. Emily is also a moderator at http://www.BirdBoard.com She is head writer for http://www.BirdToys.com and online shopping portal for fun and unique bird toys, bird food, cages, and supplies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_McNair

How to Bake Quick Bread - Apricot-Orange Nut

We love moist, fruity quick breads--and this is one of our favorites. It's nutty, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients. We would like to share this recipe with you and demonstrate the baking principles for wonderful quick breads.

The definition of quick breads is imprecise. Often cookbooks classify muffins, coffeecakes, and biscuits as quick breads--not just those moist loaf breads made without yeast--breads like banana nut bread and date nut bread. And there is a thin line between quick breads and cakes. Quick breads contain less sugar and fat than cakes. They usually, but not always, contain fruits or nuts to add flavor and moisture and make up for the low percentage of fat and sugar. When we refer to quick breads, we're talking about loaf-shaped breads without yeast.

There are two major makeup methods for quick breads--the muffin method and the creaming method. In the creaming method, we cream the fat (butter or shortening) with the sugar until light and then add the other ingredients. In the muffin method, we mix the liquids and the dry ingredients separately and then stir them together until just combined. Today, we will look at the muffin method.

In preparation, grease an 81/2-by 41/2-inch loaf pan. Dust the pan lightly with flour by placing a spoonful in the greased pan and jostling it about by tapping the pan against the heel of your hand. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with the rack placed in the center of the oven. Your pan should have an even coating as shown.

Here are the ingredients that we will use in our liquid mix:

3/4 cups very hot water

3 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup (5 ounces) diced dried apricots

1 tablespoon orange zest

3/4 cup orange juice

1 large egg

1. Heat the water until very hot, nearly boiling. You can do so in the microwave. Pour the water into a large bowl. The bowl should be large enough to mix the batter in.

2. Add the butter.

3. Dice the apricots into 1/4-inch pieces and add them to the hot water.

4. Grate the outer skin from an orange until you have a tablespoon full. You only want to get the orange peel without scraping deep enough to get the pithy white second layer, which is bitter. Add this zest to the hot water mixture.

5. Squeeze the juice from two oranges. Add 3/4-cup of the juice to the liquid mixture.

6. Stir in one large egg. Use a fork to mix the egg well.

In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients together:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups oatmeal

1/2 tablespoon baking soda

1/2 tablespoon baking powder

3/4 cup walnuts

Make sure that they are thoroughly mixed. We like to use a large whisk.

7. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir with a large spatula until just combined. If it is mixed too much, the action will develop the gluten in the flour and the bread will not be as tender as it should be. (We don't like to make muffins and quick breads with our electric mixer.)

8. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake the bread for 40 to 45 minutes or until the bread tests done. When it is done, a skewer or large toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean.

9. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for five minutes. Invert the pan and remove the loaf to finish cooling on the wire rack. If the bread does not come free easily, the top edges of the loaf are probably bound to the pan. Try lifting the edges away from the pan with a sharp knife.

Store the bread in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to a week. This bread, like most quick breads, is much better served the next day. The bread can also be frozen.

Peach Variation. This bread is just as good with dried peaches instead of apricots.

Dennis Weaver is the author of "How to Bake", a free 250-page e-book. Which is free at The Prepared Pantry. The Prepared Pantry sells bread mixes and other baking mixes and offers a free Bread Center with recipes and techniques.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_R_Weaver

Natural Ways to Keep Food Fresh

Research points to the many benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed foods in order to help maintain a healthy diet, the down side to this is that these foods are generally free of preservatives, consequently they spoil faster. There are, however many natural ways to keep food fresh, whether it be fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, grains, eggs, bread, milk or even cheeses. Most of these methods are normal, common sense things, but there are some that might be surprising to many, all are natural, and they all help with food preservation. Here are some useful tips to help you enjoy the freshest of foods:

Pay close attention to expiration dates when shopping; buy food packages with the latest date printed on it.
Keeping your refrigerator between 38 and 40 degrees F will keep foods the freshest.
There is more temperature fluctuation in the refrigerator door, don't store highly perishable foods there, especially milk.

Dry vegetables and fruits before storing, and do not store them in plastic bags, which trap the ethylene gas that causes produce to ripen faster.

Meats

In order to remain at the peak of freshness, meat products require plenty of air circulation around them in the refrigerator.

Meat should be kept in its original wrapping in the refrigerator if you will be using it within two days.
Smoked meats like bacon or ham should be wrapped in a vinegar-soaked cloth.
Meat should be wrapped in foil or freezer paper before being placed in the freezer.

Dairy Products

Make sure to put milk back in refrigerator immediately after using. Always store milk in its original container.
Never store milk in the door; it is where the temperature fluctuates the most. Before storing ice cream place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface, this will keep it fresher longer. Store ice cream in the main part of the freezer, not in the freezer door. Always wrap cheese in plastic or waxed paper before storing it in the deli drawer. The best way to store eggs is with the pointed side down.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Produce releases ethylene gas as it ripens, while this is perfectly natural it does cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen faster. Some produce is more sensitive to ethylene than others, conversely some fruits and vegetables produce more ethylene than others.

Among the more sensitive are green beans, lettuce, watermelon, carrots, apples, eggplant, broccoli, cucumbers and potatoes. The high-ethylene producers include pears, cantaloupe, apricots, tomatoes, bananas, plums, avocados, peaches, kiwis, mangoes, papayas and nectarines. Avoid storing any of the high producers with the more sensitive fruits and vegetables. Always store bananas on the counter, do not refrigerate them. Make sure you wash and dry all produce before storing. Never store produce in plastic bags.
Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries should be stored in the plastic container they came in, keep them in the rear of the refrigerator.

Baked Products

If you will not use bread within a week, first slice it and then freeze it, from there you can remove slices as you need them. Fresh bread should be stored in a dark, cool and dry pantry. To keep pound cake and banana bread fresher always cut slices from the middle, after you take a slice push the two ends together so that you still have a loaf, this way there are no cut ends to go stale! Store cake with half an apple in the container, it will stay moist substantially longer. Store cookies in an airtight container or jar with a slice of bread, this will help keep them softer.

A great way to help keep food fresh is a revolutionary breakthrough in food preservation called eggstrafresh. It is scientifically proven to retain moisture and dramatically reduce oxidation, which actually increases the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and almost all foods, both in the refrigerator andin the pantry. Additionally, eggstrafresh will improve the flavor, taste, natural color and texture of all of your fresh foods. To learn more about this exciting new, maintenance free innovation visit http://www.eggstrafresh.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Gold

I Love the Smell of Fresh Bread - It's Even Easier With Your Own Bread Maker

I'm hopeless in the kitchen, I make my spouse do pretty much all the cooking. He enjoys it, I don't. Simple as that. The problem is we both love the smell and taste of fresh bread. Doing everything by hand is just too time consuming in today's world, so technology came up with a solution. The bread maker.

Once you fall in love with a bread maker of your own, you may use more ingredients and yeast than expected. Bread makers allow you to make an infinite variety of breads, from ordinary whole-wheat to date-walnut and banana-oatmeal with extreme convenience. You can also use a bread making machine to make cakes and even pizza dough (that's one of our personal favorites).

It's not really cheating, it's actually good sense to make good use of your time. There are so many other things you can be doing while the machine is kneading the bread. That's the benefit of living in this modern century, we don't have to slave over everything like our ancestors did.

Another fun thing about these machines is the ability they give you to instantly try a different kind of bread. I had no idea that Hawaiian sweet bread was so good, you just can't buy it in any old grocery store. But you can buy the mix for it so we tried it. Amazing! Sams Club is where we get our variety of mixes, they're vast, wonderfully tasting and provide a nice complement to any meal.

In all, I would highly recommend one of these either as a gift or for yourself. They run about $150-$200 for a decent one, although much more expensive ones are available. Do a little research and read some reviews to find the best one for you.

For more information on two popular brands including the Zojirushi bread maker and the Panasonic bread maker please visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alana_Tanner

Improve Your Demeanor with Lemon Verbena

This herb is little used medicinally as it is a relative newcomer to Europeans and North Americans, being introduced into Europe in the late 18th century by the Spanish from its native Argentina and Chile. However it shares certain qualities with lemon balm, being a sedative and digestive aid. Taken as an infusion, it is also reputed to ease bronchial and nasal congestion. The tea has a delicious fresh lemon-lime taste with an even stronger citrus flavor than lemon balm.

Lemon
verbena is a tender perennial and best grown in a pot in our climate. The roots
are tender so it’s recommended to keep the herb in a pot even when planting out
in the summer. In its native habitat it will grow into a 15-foot high shrub,
but in colder climes it rarely exceeds six feet. Even in South America it is a
deciduous plant and will lose its leaves in winter. The herb can also be grown
as an annual, but it is best propagated by cuttings.

Lemon
verbena unfortunately is susceptible to both spider mites and whiteflies. A
strong jet of cold water is your best weapon against these pests. The herb is a
heavy feeder and will benefit by regular applications of fish emulsion. Unlike
most herbs, lemon verbena prefers rich, moist, but not soggy soil. The flowers are tiny, tubular, lavender
colored and generally appear in late summer and fall.

In teas
and cooking only the leaves are used. The leaves are long and pointed and when
fresh, tough. If whole, they should be removed from dishes before serving.
Dried, they can be finely crumbled and added to the batter of carrot cake,
banana bread or any baked dessert where a lemon flavor is desirable. Finely
chopped fresh, or crushed dried lemon verbena is delicious added to rice just
before serving, especially with fish.

The
fresh or dried leaves can be added to any dish where the addition of a lemon
flavor enhances the taste, including fish, poultry, marinades, salad dressings,
preserves and desserts.

For fans
of bread pudding, here’s a great dessert using the herb:

Bread Pudding with Lemon Verbena and Fresh Berry Sauce

12 x ½ inch slices bread, crusts removed

2 cups of milk

1 cup fresh minced lemon
verbena leaves

½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

¼ tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. grated nutmeg

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon
juice

Berry Sauce

2 Tbsp. butter

4 cups of fresh (halved and
hulled) or frozen strawberries

3 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon
juice

2 cups of fresh or frozen red
raspberries

Dry the
bread slices in a 250-degree F oven for about 15 minutes. Then increase oven
temperature to 300 degrees. In a large bowl combine the milk, lemon verbena,
vanilla, salt and nutmeg. Tear the toasted bread into pieces and stir into the
liquid. Allow the bread to absorb the liquid. This will take about 10 minutes.

In a
small bowl combine the eggs, sugar and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture
turns light yellow and a ribbon forms when the beaters are lifted. Stir into
the bread-milk mixture. Pour into a buttered two-quart baking dish. Bake about
50 minutes or until the top is set and springs back from gentle pressure.
Remove and set aside.

To make
the berry sauce, melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over
medium-high heat. Add the strawberries and cook about five minutes. Add the
sugar and lemon juice and cook for two more minutes. Add the raspberries and
remaining butter. Cook just until the raspberries and soft and warm. Serve
bowls of the bread pudding with the hot berry sauce.

Lemon
verbena was once used cosmetically, but there is some indication that the herb
may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. It does however make a fine
addition to this:

Herbal Mouthwash

3 cups of filtered water

1oz. of fresh lemon verbena

1oz. of fresh peppermint leaves

1oz. of fresh rosemary

Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the
herbs and remove from heat. Infuse (steep) until cool. Filter out the herbs and
bottle the liquid. Keep refrigerated and warm before using if preferred.

Because of its relative modernity,
lemon verbena has few legends surrounding it. However, the herb hung around one’s
neck or some of the juice drunk is supposed to protect one from dreams. It is
also used in love spells and is reputed to make the wearer attractive to the
opposite sex.

Bruce Burnett is an award-winning writer, a chartered herbalist and author of HerbWise: growing cooking wellbeing. Bruce and his wife Delaine own Olivia’s Fashion, Furnishings & Gifts (http://www.olivias.ca/) in Ladysmith, BC Canada. Read more published articles by Bruce Burnett on his websites: http://www.bruceburnett.ca/ and http://www.herbalcuisine.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Burnett