Monday, November 2, 2009

How To Make Ice Cream Without a Machine

People have been making ice cream far longer than the invention of electricity so there's no reason you can't make ice cream and sorbets at home without a machine.
The advantage to using an electric or hand-cranked machine is that the final result will be smoother and creamier. Freezing anything from liquid-to-solid means you're creating hard ice crystals, so if you're making it by hand, as your ice cream or sorbet mixture freezes, you want to break up those ice crystals as much as possible so your final results are as smooth and creamy as possible.

Machines are relatively inexpensive nowadays with models costing less than $50, and yes, I've seen the ball, but if I started tossing one of those around the streets here in Paris, I'd probably get even more strange looks than I normally get. (Plus you'll need to lug some rock salt home as well.)
But not everyone has the space or the budget for a machine, so here's how you can do your own ice cream at home without a churner. I recommend starting with an ice cream recipe that is custard-based for the smoothest texture possible. You can use my Vanilla Ice Cream or another favorite, or even this Strawberry Frozen Yogurt recipe using Greek-style or drained yogurt. The richer the recipe, the creamier and smoother the results are going to be.
Ice cream made this way is best eaten soon after it's made—which shouldn't be a problem.


Making Ice Cream Without A Machine

1. Prepare your ice cream mixture, then chill it over an ice bath.
2. Put a deep baking dish, or bowl made of plastic, stainless steel or something durable in the freezer, and pour your custard mixture into it.
3. After forty-five minutes, open the door and check it.
As it starts to freeze near the edges, remove it from the freezer and stir it vigorously with a spatula or whisk. Really beat it up and break up any frozen sections. Return to freezer.
4. Continue to check the mixture every 30 minutes, stirring vigorously as it's freezing. If you have one, you can use a hand-held mixer for best results, or use a stick-blender or hand-held mixer.
But since we're going low-tech here, you can also use just a spatula or a sturdy whisk along with some modest physical effort.
5. Keep checking periodically and stirring while it freezes (by hand or with the electric mixer) until the ice cream is frozen. It will likely take 2-3 hours to be ready.


You can easily make Stracciatella ice cream with Italian-style chocolate chips:Drizzle pure melted dark or milk chocolate (about 5 ounces, 140 g) over the almost-frozen mixture, then stir, breaking up the ribbons of chocolate as they start to freeze, to create little 'chips'.


Transfer the ice cream to a covered storage container until ready to serve.


New - age diet BY SHARMALA NAIR

Let’s face it. Not all of us have the stamina, strength and discipline to lift our butts off the chair to get a glass of water, let alone a 10kg dumbell in the name of exercise.
So, we do what we know best - go on a diet (yeah, right) and salivate at toned images of Hollywood celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Beyonce Knowles.
The celebrities seem to have it all, don’t they? From limited edition Hermes handbags to fame and fortune, these celebrities have everything that we want, yet don’t have. And the worst part is, they have all that and a perfect body to match!
They are the reason why Hollywood diet plans crop up like mushrooms, for everybody wants to look like their favourite celebrities. Here’s the low-down on some of the ‘famous’ diet-plans.
Remember, R.AGE doesn't endorse any of these diet plans and if you do choose to pick one up, do consult your physician/dietician before getting started.
Skinny *itch "She may be a *itch, but she is a skinny *itch". With a tagline such as that, no wonder this diet is attracting celebrities left and right.
Created by former model Kim Barnouin and former Ford Models Agency agent Rory Freedman, the Skinny *itch diet practically yells, screams, and swears at its followers into losing weight.
It was an obscure diet-plan until Skinny Queen, Victoria Beckham, was seen flaunting the book around.
The diet bans all types of junk like sugar, refined flour, artificial products and meat and dairy products.
Lemon juice diet Mischa Barton and Ashley Judd are avid followers of the Lemon Juice Diet. Health writer Theresa Cheung who devised the diet believes that lemons, together with a healthy diet may just well be the answer to long-term weight loss.
How come nobody told us this 10 years ago?
Lemons boost the body's digestive system, and all you need to follow this diet is to sip hot lemon juice, and also sprinkle the juice on food you eat. Everyday.
Chocolate Diet Chocolate lovers, rejoice! They have found a new way to have your chocolate and eat it too! And lose weight, while you’re at it.
Princess of Darkness Kelly Osbourne apparently lost her third chin thanks to this diet plan but don't go grabbing your favourite chocolate bars already because the chocolate used in this diet is not available in any stores.
The diet followers simply have to replace their in-between meal snacks with special chocolate-flavoured liquids, which somehow suppress hunger. Now where can we get our hands on those chocolate goodies?
The Reverse Diet Keeping true to the age-old adage, 'Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and eat dinner like a pauper', this diet believes in making the meals simpler as the day comes to an end.
Some of the fans of this easy to follow diet are Angelina Jolie and Beyonce, and you know you wanna look like them! Professionals behind the Reverse Diet believe that the calories consumed in the evening are not burnt off effectively and are stored as fat!
So, if you eat the bulk of calories through out the day when the body actually needs them, you are less likely to put on weight. That definitely means one thing though.

How to make glue

Introduction

Running out of glue doesn't have to be a sticky situation, as long as you have a few basic items in your kitchen. This version is even safe for kids to use (though adult supervision is recommended when handling hot liquids or using the stove). Crafts are even more fun when you make your own supplies!

How to Make Edible Glue

Ingredients

Make sure you have everything on hand before you begin. You'll need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons powdered milk
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup hot water
· Equipment
Bowl
Spoon
Saucepan (optional)
Cup or Jar
Coffee Filter
Airtight Container

Procedure

Step 1: Curdle the Milk

First you'll need to separate the milk into curds (solids) and whey (liquid). You can do this by adding vinegar.
2. Though it's not necessary, heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave for the best results.About.com: Make Non-Toxic Glue from Milk1
3. Stir the vinegar into the milk.
4. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes.PBS Kids: Glue2 The milk will start to separate--you'll know it's ready when the milk appears cloudy.
5. If the milk doesn't seem to be separating, add a little more vinegar.

Step 2: Separate the Liquid and the Solids

Now you'll need to get rid of the whey. A coffee filter works best, but you can also use a paper towel.PBS Kids: Glue2
1. Place a coffee filter over a cup and pour the mixture onto the filter. The whey will start to run into the cup, leaving the curds in the filter.
2. Squeeze the remaining whey through the filter, being careful not to lose any of the curds. If you do, you can strain the whey again.About.com:
3. Scrape the curds into an airtight container.

Step 3: Add Water and Baking Soda

During this step, you can control the consistency of your glue. Adding more water will thin the mixture; adding more baking soda will make it less lumpy.
1. Add hot water and baking soda.
2. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Use and Store Your Glue

The glue will be somewhat watery. If you're working with thin materials, such as paper, you'll have to be careful not to damage your project. A little bit goes a long way. Follow these tips for best results:
1. Allow your project to sit overnight. At first, this glue will create a weak bond, but it will become quite strong as it dries.
2. Be sure to keep your glue refrigerated in an airtight container so that it will last longer.
§ Throw it out if it begins to smell like spoiled milk.3. Remove glue from skin and clothes with warm water.

Top 10 Secrets to Be a Smart Student

If you look around in your class, there are always a few students doing well in every course. How can you do to be like them?Simple enough: Just do what they do!Smart students have a well-patterned study skills, starting up in lectures. Here are the top 10 tips in how to be the smart ones in lectures – getting the most out of classroom time.Tip # 1: Come prepared – preview the chapter first before going into the lecture, this is the main difference between A’s and B’s.Tip #2: Keep the questioning mind – as you preview the chapter, come up a list of questions. Try to find answers to those questions during lectures. Also write down the questions on the instructor’s lecture as it goes.Tip #3: Write your lecture notes after – Take brief notes during lectures and complete them soon after class when it’s still fresh in memory.Tip #4: Rewrite the headings as questions – The questioning headings and subheadings provoke your critical thinking and deepen your understanding.Tip #4: Make a master list of questions – Try to find answers to those questions during lectures and reading.Tip #5: Make a master list of keywords – The understanding of key concepts and their inter-relationship will give you the true mastery of that chapter. Use flash cards for them too.Tip #6: Sit in the front of the class – This will keep you focus better and engage more. It is what smart students do.Tip #7: Ask questions in lecture – Don’t be afraid to raise your hand. The more you ask the smarter you get.Tip #8: Observe the instructor for exam clues – Mark down the important concepts as hinted by your instructor. Pay attention and you will know.Tip #9: Avoid being a lecture skipper – Don’t ever skip the lecture. This is a recipe for failure. Also don’t bother to record the lecture in tape or MP3. Knowing you are going to re-listen to the lecture gives you an excuse not to listen carefully.Tip #10: Get noticed by your instructor - Come early and stay behind to ask questions and help out the instructor. Let him or her know your name. Take advantage of office hours. When comes to assign your grade, it really helps.Whether you are taking high school basic chemistry, general chemistry or college physics or even preparing MCAT Physics, MCAT Chemistry or MCAT Biology, or biology online courses, these study tips will give you a competitive edge over other students. Get the maximum help you need from your instructor in class (chemistry help, biology help, physics help or whatever courses you are taking). Be smart, do what the smarties do!

Keeping clean to stay healty

WITH the World Health Organisation (WHO) having issued an alert on the outbreak of A(H1N1) influenza around the world, one of the best preventive steps to avoid getting this infection is to practise proper hygiene.
Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water before and after preparing food; after going to the toilet; before and after eating; after blowing your nose; and after using your hand when coughing or sneezing.
Aiken medicated products for the family has just the thing to keep your hands clean and protected. Aiken’s Medicated Liquid Hand Soap has an anti-bacterial agent that kills bacteria and helps to protect your hands.
This medicated liquid soap is also pH balanced, making it gentle for even the most sensitive hands.
First wet your hands, apply some liquid hand soap and scrub for at least 15 seconds. Scrub behind your hand, wrists and between your fingers. Use an old toothbrush to scrub under your fingernails to clean away any dirt or bacteria. Rinse off with water
Turn off the tap with your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands again. Use a disposable paper towel to dry your hands.
For the body, use Aiken Medicated Shower Crème which contains Triclosan, an anti-bacterial agent that cleanses and helps to keep skin free from bacteria. Its pH-balanced formulation with added moisturisers is gentle enough for daily use and suitable for even the most delicate skin.
Aiken Tea Tree Oil Shower Gel cleanses and removes grime and excessive oil from the skin. Tea tree oil is well known for its natural anti-bacterial properties. Regular use helps keep skin healthy and blemish-free.
Aiken Medicated Liquid Hand Soap is sold at the retail price of RM4.90 for a 250ml bottle; the shower crème at RM13.50 for a 650ml bottle; and tea tree oil shower gel at RM13.50 for a 650ml bottle.
They are available at major retail outlets, hypermarkets and pharmacies.