Chris, WebAdmin.When chefs from your favourite cooking magazine get together to
create a cookbook, you know it will be good. When they call it Essential, you
know that this is truly one for the shelf next to the stove (for really easy
access). This one is a keeper folks even if you aren't on a low carb or low fat
diet.For most of us, a low carb or low fat diet is a fact of life but so
depressing sometimes. The level of bland which is usually associated with a diet
recipe can reach some pretty staggering heights. Never fear, the EatingWell team
is to the rescue. Chock full of recipes (more than 350) this cookbook contains
many which are easily identified for your dietary needs. Look for stars
highlighting recipes for:"Healthy Weight"(recipe has reduced calories,
carbohydrates, fats, saturated fats),"Lower Carbs"(recipe has 22 grams or less
of carbohydrates per serving)"High Fiber"(recipe provides 5 grams or more of
fiber per serving)Valuable just for this, the EatingWell team didn't stop
there.Sprinkled liberally throughout the book are tips on everything from how to
crush ice with a rolling pin to ingredient tips (what special ingredients are,
where to find them and how best to use them etc.), cooking tips and more. For
instance, did you know that baking cheesecake in a water bath will prevent
cracking? They even created sample menus for all occassions.There was just one
complaint I had with the book. The colour photos just look too good, I am now
dying to try each of the ones pictured and just don't have the time to cook 15
pages worth of delectable dishes. Never fear I will make the time, with these
pics staring at me how could I not? Enjoy this recipe from the Holiday Open
House menu.Hot Artichoke DipCheesy, rich and delicious, this update of an
entertaining classic delivers all the fabulous flavor with far less fat. Serve
with Toasted Pita Crisps (page 47) or toasted slices of crusty whole-wheat
bread. 2 14 ounce cans artichose hearts, rinsed 2 cups plus 2 tablesppons
freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic,
minced 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest, preferably organic Cayenne pepper
to taste Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste Preheat oven to 400 F.Chop
artichoke hearts in a food processor. Add 2 cups Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic,
lemon zest and cayenne; puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.Place in
two gratin or shallow baking dishes ( 2 cup capacity). Sprinkle each dish with 1
tablespoon Parmesan.Bake the dip until golden on top and heated through, 10 to
20 minutes.Prep Time: 10 minutesStart to Finish: 20-30 minutesTo Make Ahead:
Prepare up to baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.Ease of
Preparation: EasyMakes about 2 2/3 cupsPer Tablespoon:31 Calories; 2 g Fat (1 g
sat, 0 g mono); 3 mg Cholesterol; 3 g Carbohydrate; 2 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 109
mg Sodium.For most of us, a low carb or low fat diet is a fact of life but so
depressing sometimes. The level of bland which is usually associated with a diet
recipe can reach some pretty staggering heights. Never fear, the EatingWell team
is to the rescue. Chock full of recipes (more than 350) this cookbook contains
many which are easily identified for your dietary needs. Look for stars
highlighting recipes for:"Healthy Weight"(recipe has reduced calories,
carbohydrates, fats, saturated fats),"Lower Carbs"(recipe has 22 grams or less
of carbohydrates per serving)"High Fiber"(recipe provides 5 grams or more of
fiber per serving)Valuable just for this, the EatingWell team didn't stop
there.Sprinkled liberally throughout the book are tips on everything from how to
crush ice with a rolling pin to ingredient tips (what special ingredients are,
where to find them and how best to use them etc.), cooking tips and more. For
instance, did you know that baking cheesecake in a water bath will prevent
cracking? They even created sample menus for all occassions.There was just one
complaint I had with the book. The colour photos just look too good, I am now
dying to try each of the ones pictured and just don't have the time to cook 15
pages worth of delectable dishes. Never fear I will make the time, with these
pics staring at me how could I not? Enjoy this recipe from the Holiday Open
House menu.Hot Artichoke DipCheesy, rich and delicious, this update of an
entertaining classic delivers all the fabulous flavor with far less fat. Serve
with Toasted Pita Crisps (page 47) or toasted slices of crusty whole-wheat
bread. 2 14 ounce cans artichose hearts, rinsed 2 cups plus 2 tablesppons
freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 2 cloves garlic,
minced 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest, preferably organic Cayenne pepper
to taste Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste Preheat oven to 400 F.Chop
artichoke hearts in a food processor. Add 2 cups Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic,
lemon zest and cayenne; puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.Place in
two gratin or shallow baking dishes ( 2 cup capacity). Sprinkle each dish with 1
tablespoon Parmesan.Bake the dip until golden on top and heated through, 10 to
20 minutes.Prep Time: 10 minutesStart to Finish: 20-30 minutesTo Make Ahead:
Prepare up to baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.Ease of
Preparation: EasyMakes about 2 2/3 cupsPer Tablespoon:31 Calories; 2 g Fat (1 g
sat, 0 g mono); 3 mg Cholesterol; 3 g Carbohydrate; 2 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 109
mg Sodium. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris WebAdmin is Owner and WebAdmin of
The 1001Recipes2Send.comRecipes Database. Become a member to recieve the
weeklynewsletter alert: http://www.1001Recipes2Send.comDownload FREE eBooks at:
http://www.1001Recipes2Send.com/Free - Would you like to add more elegance
and style to your home? Would you like to know how to do it for less money?
Youre not alone. Americans spent $343 billion on home enhancement, according to
a recent study by the Barnard Retail Consulting Group of Upper Montclair, N.J.
So if you are thinking of improving your home decor, you are in good
company.Trends driving todays decoratingPeople are changing their decor more
often than in the past. This is due to the greater pace of life in general, as
well as shorter design cycles in other style areas such as clothing
fashions.Consumers are more style and fashion conscious and want to express
their individual taste. The Internet, movies, magazines, and TV programs all
display a much wider range of home decor styleselements of which consumers want
to incorporate into their lives.People are investing less in decor items. Young
people especially, often leave the old decor items behind, rather than pay to
move them to their new homes. Can I decorate without a decorator?Today, more
people than ever are making exciting changes to their homes, and they are doing
so without the expense of a professional decorator. If you are thinking of
improving your decor you may be wondering:Can I make the changes myself?Will the
results look professional?Can I learn about my options?Can I make the changes
for a reasonable amount of money?In a wordyes! Not only can you successfully
decorate your home yourself, there are compelling reasons for doing it yourself.
These include:Saving moneyGetting exactly what you wantImplementing the decor
changes on a time frame that matches you budget and available timeExpressing
your unique sense of style go high end on one room, more modest on anotherWhere
to find decor ideas:Home decor trends change often. To find the latest
trends:Read home design magazinesGo window-shopping at furniture and design
storesTalk to in-store designersWill my new decor work with what I have?One of
the exciting design trends of recent years in the eclectic lookthe mixing and
matching of various items, fabrics, colors and styles. Many people today
typically have an assortment of home furnishings: antique items they inherited,
items bought while single, and items chosen as a couple. Today you can combine
these in creative and fun ways for a look that is pleasing and uniquely yours.
This is quite a contrast to the more stuffy approach of period furniture and
decor of the past.Where do I start?With the home decor choices available,
starting a project can seem a bit intimidating. Like all successful projects,
you need a plan before you start. Consider your objectivesdo you want to add a
new piece of furniture or redo a whole room? Rather than get bogged down with
reviewing endless possible decor improvements, lets focus on the following four
areas that yield impressive results for a reasonable price:PaintArea
rugsFurnitureLampsPaintPainting a room is one of the easiest but most impressive
decor changes you can make. You can make a small room look larger with lighter
colors. You can also make a smaller apartment look larger by tying its rooms
together with a lighter color.Conversely, you can make a large room more
intimate by using darker colors. A splash of color can brighten a drab space.
Have a favourite rug or piece of furniture? Then you can use this as the basis
of your decor and select a paint color that complements it.Purchase your paint
from a quality speciality paint retailer. National paint retailers have the
latest colors and can instruct you on new painting techniques. Since they only
sell paint, they have very knowledgeable staff that can assist you in finding
the perfect color for your project.How to paint like a proSelect one or two
dominant colors for your room. While the choice of paint colors is up to you,
you can get the best results by ensuring that you:Buy quality paint. Rule number
1:You cannot afford cheap paint! Why? The biggest cost of painting is laboryours
or someone elses. Quality paint covers better, goes farther, looks better when
finished, and wears longer. Saving a few dollars a gallon is false economy.
Unless you are painting a kitchen or bathroom that will experience frequent
scrubbings, use a quality latex paint. Latex paint produces fewer fumes when
drying and allows you to clean your implements with soap and water rather than
with mineral spirits, such as turpentine. Buy quality brushes and rollers. You
want to apply your quality paint with quality tools. Ensure you have the correct
brush for the job. For latex paint, you want to use a quality brush that has
synthetic bristles. For oil paint, purchase a brush with natural bristles.
Purchase high quality rollers with the appropriate nap. Nap refers to the length
of the fabric on the roller. In general, a shorter nap will produce a smoother
finish. Dont try to clean rollers. If you finish a wall and need to stop for the
day, use a fresh roller when you start again. By purchasing quality paint and
applying it carefully with quality tools, you will be ensuring the best possible
result for your efforts.Dont skimp on preparation. Actually painting the room is
the final step. The time you spend getting your room ready to paint will reward
you with a much better finished look.Dont paint over dirt. Begin by washing the
walls and ceiling with Tri Sodium Phosphate or TSP. This comes in powdered form
and you mix it with a bucket of hot water. Wear rubber gloves and use a clean
sponge. Sponge the room with clear water when you are finished. Dont skip this
step, because you will be amazed at how much grime comes off from clean-looking
walls.Once the walls are clean, fill nail holes and any imperfections with
drywall patching compound. Fill the nicks and scratches; let dry, then sand
smooth. Always prime the areas you have patched before painting, otherwise the
areas will show through as dull spots.Remove or cover all furniture with drop
cloths. Cover your floors and any baseboard trim before starting.Take your time.
One of the great things about doing it yourself is that you can work carefully
and do a superior job. Relax, work carefully, and you will be amazed at what you
have accomplished.Area RugsA new area rug represents one of the best home decor
purchases you can make. These affordable rugs come in a multitude of styles,
fabrics, and colors. You can use them to brighten a room, accent your furniture,
or provide a lively contrast to the primary decorating theme. Area rugs work
well in living rooms of course, but also in bedrooms, halls, even bathrooms.
There are three broad categories of area rugs.Persian RugsPersian rugs have a
well-deserved reputation as the finest in world. All Persian rugs are made by
hand, visit http://www.area-rugs-source.com/persianrugs.html for more details.
Each rug is a beautiful and complex original, painstakingly made by skilled
humans. Many weavers come from families that have been making rugs for
generations. The symmetry and accuracy of the complex designs is stunning. A
Persian rug represents an investment in gracious living that, with proper care,
will yield decades of beauty and elegance to your home.Four main factors
contribute Persians legacy of excellence: Beautiful colorsrich vibrant colors
reflect the use of the finest dyesEnchanting designswhile each rug is unique
there are three broad categories of design, each stunning in its own way:
geometric designs, curvilinear and floral designs, and pictorial designsHigh
knot countsimply put, more knots are better because they result in a tighter
weave Highest quality materialsthese rugs feature the highest quality wool,
silk, and dyes. The highest quality materials yield the finest rugs.Oriental
RugsOriental rugs come from Asia and are less expensive than Persian rugs.
Oriental rugs come in a vast array of sizes, colors, and designs. All Oriental
rugs have the following key characteristics:Stunning Colorsrich, lush colors
that blend together beautifully predominate Beautiful Designscomplex patterns
and even pictures characterize these rugs. The religion of Islam inspires many
of the designs and themes, giving the rugs an elegant and exotic
lookContemporary RugsGenerally the most affordable of area rugs, contemporary
rugs tend to defy description; there are so many great possibilities. Broadly
speaking, however, contemporary area rugs have the following
characteristics:Bright colorsBold designs and patternsHigh tech fabrics such as
acrylic, polypropylene, rayon, and wool (low tech but high quality)Unique
shapesunconventional shapes aboundWho has the best selection of area rugs at the
lowest prices?Internet merchants. A quality Internet-based retailer can carry
far more stock than the local carpet store. They have lower prices because their
overhead is lower and they tend to deal directly with the carpet makersthereby
cutting out layers of middlemen and the expensive mark-ups.If buying a carpet
over the Internet seems unusual, dont worry. (People didnt used to buy computers
over the Internet either.) The key to buying a great carpet you will love is
finding a reputable online merchant. You want someone who has a solid
reputation, great selection, excellent product knowledge, and guarantees.
FurnitureFurniture makes a big decor statement in a room. Casual or elegant,
bold or subtle, theres nothing like the right pieces to set a room off. Heres a
little secret they wont tell you at the furniture storechances are good you dont
need to replace the furniture you already have to get a fresh new look in your
home. Furniture, especially older furniture, is often extremely well made. The
frame is often hardwood and very sound. Likely the cushions are fine too. What
might be a bit out of date is the fabric and pattern. Do you need to spend a
bundle on having the item reupholstered? No you dont!Savvy consumers know that
todays innovative slipcovers can rejuvenate your couch or chair at a fraction of
the cost of replacing them or having them reupholstered. Modern slipcovers fit
beautifully, giving you a tailored look. Here are the benefits of using
slipcovers:Save money. Why spend $1,000 or more for a new couch when you can get
the same look for a fraction of the cost?Achieve a high quality look
inexpensively with hundreds styles, patterns, and colors of fabrics to choose
from. Many high-class fabrics are available such as suede. Change the look
whenever you want. Buy two slipcovers for a sofaa casual one for everyday use
and a second one for entertaining. In minutes you can transform from casual to
elegant.Enjoy your furniture more, because you worry less. Unlike in magazines,
real children spill things and pets mess up the sofa. This is not a problem if a
slipcover protects your sofa. Pop it in the wash and prestothe sofa looks
immaculate again! Respect the environmentdont trash good furniture when it can
still provide years of stylish service with slipcovers.Best of all, you can
view, order, and have these slipcovers delivered without leaving the house.
Internet retailers have the widest selection and the lowest prices. Here is
great example of lamps and light fixtures site http://www.a1-light-fixtures.com
LampsIn the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.
Aaron RoseInterior
designers use lighting to bring a room alive, and so can you. Consider the
beauty of a pool of light in a room, adding mood and elegance.One of the best
ways make a lighting decor statement is through a combination of floor and table
lamps. Lamps represent your best lighting value because they require no wiring
alterations to your home and because they can be moved from room to room and
from house to house. By only lighting the areas you want, you can save energy
and money. And you can add or take away focus from different parts of a room,
according to your decorating scheme.Using lamps effectivelyBegin by asking
yourself what you are trying to achieve. Do you want general illumination in a
corner of the room or a lamp to light a task area, such as a desk or comfy
reading chair? This will help you narrow the choice to freestanding floor lamps
or table lamps.Next think of styles. Today you can choose from literally
hundreds of different styles of lamps in classical, contemporary, and futuristic
styles. Both floor lamps and table lamps (visit
http://www.a1-light-fixtures.com/floor-lamps.html and
http://www.a1-light-fixtures.com/table-lamps.html for more details) also come in
a vast array of colors and materials including brass and other metals, plastic
and wood. Whatever your style, there is a lamp for you.Finally, consider the
light it casts. Today you can get lamps with bulbs that cast distinct lights.
The oldest and most familiar bulb is the incandescent that casts a warm light.
These bulbs are inexpensive, but not very energy efficient. Consider a lamp with
a dimmer that accepts tri-light bulbs, so you can tailor the light to the mood
and save energy.Two other choices not available in the past are compact
fluorescent bulbs and halogen bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs fit in standard
light sockets and are super energy efficient. These bulbs come in a variety of
lighting tones so you can have both energy efficiency and a warm, inviting
light. The other choice today is halogen bulbs. These tiny bulbs cast a bright,
whitish lightideal for spot illumination.Final decor thoughtsWhatever the scope
of your project, be bold, take chances, and express yourself. If youve always
wanted a red walldo it. The suggestions above are modest in cost, allowing you
to experiment and find just the right home decor look. Have fun! About the
author: Colin McDougall is a successful freelance writer for several home
decor websites. For more tips and ideas visit
http://www.only-area-rugs.comhttp://www.furniture-slipcovers.comand
http://www.a1-light-fixtures.com Mosquitoes in your yard? Try planting
these. Scottie JohnsonMosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!If you are a
serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would
rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes. While there are many
things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there are some plants that will
beautify your yard and help repel mosquitoes. As one more way to keep mosquitoes
away from you and your yard, try planting these attractive plants.
HORSEMINTHorsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild in
most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to
Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10. Native
Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal
and bacterial retardant properties because it's essential oils are high in
thymol.ROSEMARYThis wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural
mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes
away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather
and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, and must be grown as a
pot plant in colder climates. If you happen to live in a part of the country
where rosemary does not grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil;
mix 4 drops with cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to
fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellants, there is every reason to have
the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is an inexpensive and
attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural
mosquito repellants on hand as well. MARIGOLDSOrganic gardeners have used
marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes dont like its
scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving
annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape.
They are quite easy to grow from seed. AGERATUMThis charming little bedding
plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the
perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Dont rub
ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that
you dont want to keep on your skin in quantity. Ageratums are annuals, and the
come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings. MOSQUITO
PLANTSThere are two types of plants that are called mosquito plants. One is a
member of the geranium family that was genetically engineered to incorporate the
properties of citronella. Citronella only grows in tropical places, but it is a
well known repellant for mosquitoes. This plant was created to bring the
repellant properties of citronella into a hardier plant. It will grow where any
geranium will thrive. Many have questioned its usefulness as a mosquito
repellant, but it is attractive enough to warrant planting for its ornamental
value. The other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. Its common names
include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant
hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it. It
is a New Mexico native, also found in parts of Texas. It is, in fact, a member
of the mint family and its leaves do have a pungent aroma when crushed. In its
native habitat, it is perennial, and is usually hardy in USDA Zones 5a-9a. It
blooms late summer to early fall, so it catches hummingbirds on their annual
migration. The long, medium pink flowers reel in butterflies as well. CATNIPOne
of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent
studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling
mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial throughout most of the United States.
It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating
effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea. With all of these plants,
the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes cant smell
them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub
on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect. So, next time you are revising
your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than
just enhance the landscape. You can have pretty ornamentals that also drive
mosquitoes away. About the author: Scottie Johnson is a life long mosquito
warrior and freelance writer dedicated to eliminating mosquitoes from her life.
She is also an organic gardener. For more information about mosquito control in
your home and yard, visit her website at
http://www.mosquito-kill-net.comCopyright 2004 All rights reserved. Copies of
this article may be used on websites and in e-zines provided the resource
biography and URL are not removed prior to reproduction.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น