How to Roast a Chicken

Roasted chicken is a delicious way to bring your family together for a meal. Most poultry can be prepared this way including turkey and the recipe can be modified for small hens to larger sized Thanksgiving turkeys.

How to prepare the chicken

Start with a small sized hen. Most hens come already cleaned and ready to put in the oven but be sure to remove the giblet bag from the inside of the hen. Take one small lemon and poke several holes in the lemon using a fork. Be sure to stab the lemon in different areas to allow the juices to escape and keep the fruit from exploding. Place the whole lemon (unpeeled) inside the cavity of the bird.

Next select fresh herbs from your local market such as rosemary and thyme. Wash the herbs thoroughly and stuff the herbs inside the bird around the lemon. Coat the skin of the hen lightly with fresh melted butter. The butter with give the hen a golden color when its done and will add flavor. Place the whole bird into a large baking pan and cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the meat moist. Cook for about 40 minutes at 325 degrees.

How to Brown the outside of the bird

When the bird is completely cooked, remove the foil. Recoat the chicken with melted butter and cook for an additional 15 minutes at 400 degrees to brown the skin. Remember to keep an eye on the chicken during this step to avoid overcooking the inside or burning the outside.

Easy Step By Step Instructions

• Clean and thaw the chicken completely through.
• Using a fork, stab holes around the outside of a lemon through the skin.
• Place the lemon and your choice of fresh herbs inside the cavity of the chicken.
• Coat the skin of the chicken with butter and place breast side up into a baking or roasting pan. Wrap with aluminum foil before placing in the oven at 325 degrees.
• Allow to cook to about 40 minutes or to 180 degrees.
• When the chicken is cooked, recoat the skin with butter and place back in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions

Chicken dries out very quickly so be sure to keep a close eye on the bird as it is cooking. Along the same lines, undercooked chicken is very dangerous and can make you and your family very ill. Make sure the poultry is completely thawed before you start cooking and use a thermometer to determine when the meat is cooked (180 is the government standard for cooked chicken).

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How to Make Halloween Treats

Trick or Treat! While few would choose tricks, the vast majority of children and adults showing up to your door this Halloween will be looking for treats. If you are having a Halloween party, making special treats for your guest would be well received. If you plan on handing treats out at the door, plan on passing out individually wrapped candy to most children saving special treats for family friends or relatives. This is no reflection on your generosity, but a sign on the times. Many parents are instructed to throw out any treats that are not sealed by the manufacturer.

Cookies

A simple treat to begin with is the Halloween cookie. Two varieties are equally popular. One is the sugar cookie. Buy a roll of slice and back cookie dough and a container of special Halloween sprinkles – black and orange are standard fare. Break off sections of the dough and roll each piece into a small ball. Pour the sprinkles on a plate and roll the balls of dough through the sprinkles to coat them thoroughly before baking. If you are especially adept, you can knead the white cookie dough with food coloring to make your cookies orange and roll them in black or green sprinkles.

Another cookie favorite is the peanut butter cookie. Peanut butter is perfect for fall, and chocolate is great anytime, so why not combine the two flavor? Make peanut butter cookie dough or buy a ready-made dough from the store. Roll pieces of the dough into balls and bake. Immediately when you pull the cookies from the over, press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each circle making delightful peanut butter and chocolate cookies.
Candy

Candy is another special Halloween treat. The most popular types of homemade candy at Halloween are taffy and caramel apples. Caramel apples are by far the easiest candy treat to make. In a double boiler o the stove, or carefully in a microwavable bowl, melt a bag of caramel candies. While the candies are melting, wash off a dozen apples and spear each with a popsicle or craft stick. You would do well to use small apples for this project as they weigh less.

When the caramels are melted, gently stir the mix to ensure it is even and spread a sheet of parchment paper on the counter. One at a time, dunk the apples in the caramel and roll it about to fully cover the outside of the fruit. If you have some available, you might then roll the apple and warm caramel through nuts you’ve crushed on a plate, but this is optional. Place the apple on the parchment paper with the craft stick in the air. Repeat the procedure for all of your apples and then allow the caramel to cool completely. Enjoy!

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How To Clean a Mattress

Let’s be honest. Most people are never going to see your mattress much less a stain that is on your mattress. But, as they say "cleanliness is next to godliness" and it’s been proven by scientists most illnesses start in your bedding.

The purpose of this article is to help you clean your mattress using either commercial products or things you probably have in your kitchen. We will teach you the ins and outs of cleaning stains from urine to mold, smoke odors to kool-aid!

There are a few solutions out there that can be of assistance, and a variety of products that can be used as mattress cleaners that will do the trick. Some highly recommended products include Natures Miracle, Bane-Clene which is great for allergies, and a well recommended mattress cleaner used by the hotel industry called ProKlean, which seems to work very well. If you do not have any of these, we will show you how to use around the house items that will help clean as well.

A good quality upholstery shampoo usually does the job, and you can get them just about anywhere. REMEMBER, the quicker you treat the affected surface, the easier it will be to remove the odor and stain. So, if you happen to have upholstery shampoo in your home, try that first.

I can’t think of anything worse than buying a new pillow top mattress, and then finding out that your dog has just urinated on it! You always have the option to call a professional mattress cleaner, but sometimes the situation can be a little embarrassing, not to mention fairly costly. It’s always better just to do our own dirty work when we can.  The best way to clean your mattress is to keep it clean> by using a mattress protector. A mattress protector is waterproof, dust mite proof and allergen proof and will provide you a healthy, clean sleeping environment. There are varieties of mattress covers that add softness or are waterproof to protect a mattress, but a full mattress cover is waterproof, is free or allergens and protects against dust mites. The mattress cover provides a clean, sleeping environment. A Mattress Firm Sleep Expert can show you the line of mattress protectors that are carried by the store.

How to clean a mattress:

For stains of an unknown nature:

1. Spray a citrus based cleaning product on the soiled area.
2. Let it stand for approximately five minutes to penetrate the stain.
3. Always use an absorbent cloth to blot the stained area.
4. Press down firmly without rubbing for 30 seconds.
5. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry and odor free.

*As an alternative, you can use a mild dish detergent for spot cleaning. Blot the stain with the detergent and wipe it clean with a damp sponge.

How to clean urine stains and odors

Accidents happen and are sometimes really embarrassing. Urine can saturate absorbent materials such as mattresses well beyond the surface area. If the urine has been deeply absorbed by the mattress, it may take a little more time to clean than usual. Remember, if you do not act quickly, the urine can create ideal conditions for bacteria and mold growth and the related unpleasant odors.

Here are the steps to clean urine and odor from your mattress:

1. First! Blot up as much of the urine as possible with an absorbent cloth.
2. Then spray a product like PAWS – Pet Accident Washup Solution or Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate or any other brand that mentions urine odor removal on its label on the soiled area.
3. Follow up with the blotting and drying techniques indicated above.

Another great stain remover is vinegar.

1. Saturate the stain with vinegar and blot until no more of the urine can be removed.
2. Cover the area with baking soda to neutralize the odor, leaving it on overnight.
3. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

How to remove Cigarette odor

While smoking in bed is a high risk for starting a fire, many people still like to light one up while getting ready to hit the sack.  Smoke has a great way of working in the fibers and cloth of the mattress, and they can create an unpleasant odor if not treated correctly.

1. Working in sections, use the citrus cleaner technique specified above.
2. Repeat the cleaning and blotting process in each section of the mattress until the whole thing is dry and odor free.

Another great option is Baking Soda!

1. Sprinkle the whole top of the mattress with baking soda.
2. Leave it there overnight to absorb and neutralize the odors.
3. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

How to remove mold and mildew stains and odors

Mold and mildew can be a difficult stain to clean, especially if they have penetrated deep inside the mattress< .

1. Use the same citrus cleaner techniques indicated above.
2. Since mold and mildew are caused by moisture, it might be beneficial to run a dehumidifier, heater or air conditioner in the room periodically to take the dampness out of the air.

One more way to clean mold and mildew

1. Take the mattress outside on a sunny day.
2. Sweep off all visible mold and mildew.
3. Vacuum the mattress with a heavy duty vacuum cleaner.
4. Allow the sun to shine on the mattress for several hours. This will dry and freshen it.

How to remove Kool-Aid stains from mattresses

We don’t know of a kid that doesn’t love Kool-aid!  To answer all of your inquiries about how to clean Kool-aid, here it is.

1. First off, we need to realize that kook-aid is a liquid, and a mattress will soak up any type of liquids. It is good to note that it is impossible to remove the entire liquid spill from inside the mattress.
2. The dyes in Kool-Aid generally leave a permanent stain, but you can try to remove the surface stain.
3. You must blot up as much of the liquid as possible with an absorbent white cloth. Use the citrus cleaner techniques shown above.

One more method:

1. To remove as much liquid from the mattress as possible, cover it with a thick cloth and weigh the cloth down with a heavy book or brick.
2. After the hour is up, spray the stain with vinegar again and blot it with a clean cloth to lift the color.
3. Repeat the process until the stain is completely removed or no further reductions of stain color occur.

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How to Create a Thanksgiving Centerpiece

When Thanksgiving rolls around, your children can help create a fun Thanksgiving Centerpiece. Thanksgiving is often the first holiday that really reflects the fall and changing weather, and certain style of accessories, such as pinecone decorations are traditional at this time of year. This Thanksgiving, let your children help you create the perfect pinecone Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Gather Pinecones

The changing weather of the fall often causes many pinecones to fall in yards or nearby wooded areas. Send your children with a basket out into the yard to gather pinecones. If you live in an area without pine trees, you can also buy pinecones from various stores. Try to find unscented pinecones if you elect to buy your own.

Gather Supplies

Your next step is to gather supplies for your centerpiece project. You’ll need a large candle, a wide ribbon, a strip of cardboard, tape, hot glue and glue gun, and your pinecones.

Create the Ring

Your Thanksgiving centerpiece will be a pinecone candle ring, so you’ll first create the ring using the strip of stiff cardboard. Wrap the strip of cardboard into a circle and secure it tightly with tape. Then, use the hot glue to affix the pinecones around the ring careful to cover the cardboard completely. When the pinecone circle is complete, glue the ribbon flat around the outside edge to give you pinecone ring a bit of extra color. For extra flair, twist the ribbon as you glue it in place or affix a large bow with the ends arranged as a runner along the table top.

Place the Candle

Place the centerpiece on the table and put the candle in the center. Light the candle, and enjoy one of the best family holidays.

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How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Nowhere else in your house is such a large amount of woodwork subjected to such harsh treatment than in your kitchen. Your kitchen cabinets are opened and closed countless times a day, oftentimes by hands covered with butter, melted popsicles, or other food residue. Not only that, but the air in the kitchen is constantly changing, from high humidity resulting from boiling water or steaming vegetables, to hot and dry heat from an oven baking at a high temperature for a long time.

It is no wonder this highly visible part of your kitchen may be in need of a makeover. By simply painting your kitchen cabinets, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen.

Clean the Cabinets

Before you begin, it is important to clean the cabinets. Years of accumulated dust, grease, and grime can build up and prevent a quality job of repainting. You will probably find this process is easier if you remove the cabinet doors and find a place where you can lay them all out flat. Simply use an all-purpose cleaner, a few rags, and a little elbow grease to get the job done.

Sand the Cabinets

After the cabinets have thoroughly dried from their cleaning, use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand the flat surfaces of your cabinet doors. By preparing the surface for the primer you will put on next, your cabinets will look better longer. If you skip this step, you’ll have to go through the whole painting process sooner than you would have to otherwise.

Apply Primer

If you are repainting your cabinets with the same color, you may choose to skip this step. However, particularly if you are painting over wood varnish, priming will help form a better bond between the wood and the paint. This means that the paint will be less likely to chip away when the doors are bumped against each other or hit with a pot. The type of primer you use is primarily determined by the type of paint you plan to use. An oil-based paint necessitates an oil-based primer, whereas a latex top coat will need a shellac primer. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area, and cover anything that you don’t want to get paint on.

Paint Cabinets

Use either a sprayer or a high quality paint brush to apply the paint to the cabinets in several thin layers. It may be tempting to lay it on thick so you can finish faster, but you will achieve a much better look if you can be patient and use thin layers of paint. You may choose to lightly sand the cabinets’ flat surfaces between coats to get a really professional-looking finish. Once they are completely dry, hang them carefully back up in your kitchen and enjoy your new kitchen décor!

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How To Build an Outdoor Fireplace

Your patio or deck is a special place, and perhaps it’s time to add the most impressive piece of garden décor, an outdoor fireplace. An outdoor fireplace offers warmth and comfort in all seasons, but is obviously used most in the fall and winter. Regardless of climate or personal use, here’s how to build an outdoor fireplace. There are many styles of outdoor fireplaces.

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces

The most simple (and least expensive) options are self contained fire pits or chimneys. A clay chimenea available from most garden centers or design centers can make a festive addition to a small patio, especially if it won’t get much use. A portable fire pit or brazier is another option perfect for smaller budgets or small patios.

Built-in Fire Pits and Ovens

The most simple built-in options are permanent fire pits, which are essentially a ring of well laid stones perhaps with built-in seating, or a cooking fireplace that closely resembles a brick oven.

Elaborate Outdoor Fireplaces

Custom outdoor fireplaces can rival indoor fireplaces with gas logs, mantles and designs. These are best designed and built by professionals or with careful study and design research.

Create a Layout

If you’re opting for a portable fireplace, you simply need to purchase one and find it a good home on your patio. You might also consider new seating or an appropriate (nonflammable) patio cover to complete your new outdoor lounge.

Elaborate designs are best left to professionals, but it is possible to build the more simply designed fire pits or ovens. Fire pits are the least expensive design and can be used for basic cooking. Ovens are more complex, but can be used for many forms of entertainment and baking.

In your layout, select a location for your fireplace. Be sure to keep it a good distance away from existing buildings, wooden structures and other garden elements. Also be sure there is enough room for guests about three feet away from the fire. Circular fire pits are best for entertaining, so be sure to leave room for seating all the way around.

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Buy Materials

If you’re interested in an oven, consider buying a prefabricated unit to install yourself or get the assistance of an experienced contractor. Fireplaces must draw correctly and regulations in your area may be strict on outdoor fire structures.

If you’re creating a fire pit, purchase bricks suitable for flames or use stones to create a fire circle.

Create the Fireplace

Assemble the oven style fireplace exactly according to instructions to ensure it works properly. To create a fire pit, dig a pit at your desired depth. Line it with stones, brick or gravel as you see fit. You can also leave it bare dirt.

Line the perimeter of your pit with closely laid rocks or bricks. Clear away any surrounding grass or overhanging limbs. Arrange seating, or build custom seating around the fire pit and your work is done! Sit back and enjoy.

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How to Use Walnuts

Walnuts add a great deal of flavor and appeal to many food items. They have many nutritional benefits including Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and antioxidants. If you’d like to take advantage of these delicious and nutritious nuts, here is how to use walnuts.

Shelling Walnuts

If you have purchased or collected walnuts that are still in the shell, you are in for a fun afternoon of cracking and peeling. This can actually be fun, especially with kids. Invest in a nutcracker, get a comfortable seat outside or by the trash can and get started. Crack each walnut and open it. There are two halves of meat inside. Try and extract each side of the meat in a single piece leaving behind any skin or shell fragments. You may need a pick to be able to get under the meat and pull it out.

Serving Whole Walnuts

You can serve whole walnuts as a snack as they are, or with extra flair. You can roast walnuts at 160-170 degrees and then sprinkle lightly with sugar or salt for a nice treat.

Crushing Walnuts

Most recipes call for crushed walnuts. Fortunately, walnuts are soft, so they are easy to crush. Put your whole walnuts inside a study plastic bag. Use a kitchen mallet or spoon to beat the walnuts gently. You can also use a rolling pin to break them down. A food processor or special grinder can do the job easily as well.

Crushed walnuts can be added to many different recipes to add additional flavor and as a garnish. Here are suggestions of how to use walnuts in recipes:

• Sprinkle crushed walnuts on the top and sides of a chocolate cake.
• Sprinkle crushed walnuts into pancake or muffin batter.
• Stir crushed walnuts into yogurt
• Sprinkle crushed or whole walnuts into a salad.
• Add crushed walnuts to dressings and stuffing.
• Include walnuts in a trail mix.

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How to Make Salsa

Salsa is a delicious condiment that can range from mild in flavor to very spicy. It is wonderful on many kinds of foods, or is yummy by itself with chips. Preparing your own salsa requires either a food processor or a set of very sharp instruments, such as ginsu knives, as there is a great deal of fine chopping involved. Be sure your arm and cutting board are ready before you make your own salsa.

Arrange the Ingredients

To make salsa, you’ll need the following:

• 2 cans of crushed or diced tomatoes
• 2 yellow onions
• Jalapeno peppers if desired
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper

Prepare the Ingredients

Remove the outer skin of the onions and finely chop the two. Chop the Jalapeno peppers as well. To reduce heat, remove seeds from the peppers and rinse the meat to remove the hot oils. Then chop finely. Chop the garlic cloves as well.

Combine the Ingredients

Open the tomatoes and pour into a mixing bowl. Stir in all other ingredients adding Italian seasoning and salt & pepper to taste. Stir well until thoroughly mixed. Store the salsa in the refrigerator covered.

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How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

There is nothing more delicious than the smooth taste of fudge melting on your tongue – unless it’s the even smoother taste of peanut butter fudge melting on your tongue. To make peanut butter fudge, you’ll need the following:

• 2 Cups of Sugar
• 2/3 cup of Whole Milk
• 1 Cup Marshmallow Cream
• 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil until a drop of the resulting syrup forms a soft ball in chilled water. (Or you can just use a candy thermometer – it should be about 236 degrees.)

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Remove the pan from the stove and stir in the marshmallow cream, peanut butter and vanilla. Stir well to be sure all ingredients are blended smoothly.

Grease an 8×8 inch pan, and then pour in the fudge mixture. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least three hours to allow the fudge to chill properly. You may want to cover the fudge and leave it overnight.

When it is chilled and set, cut the fudge into squares, serve and enjoy!

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How to Make a Kiwifruit Sorbet

On warm summer days, cool treats beckon. And what better treat to enjoy on a hot day than the tropical flavor of kiwifruit in a homemade sorbet? Want to make your own kiwifruit sorbet? Here’s how:

Assemble the Ingredients

To make a kiwifruit sorbet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 4 kiwifruits peeled and cut into quarters
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• ½ teaspoon lime zest

Create the Sorbet

In a heavy saucepan, combine the water, sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a gentle boil or simmer and stir until the mixture is clear and the sugar is melted (about two minutes.) Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.

In a food processor, combine the kiwifruit and lime juice. Puree the fruit and juice together.

Pour the pureed fruit into a bowl and add the sugar mixture and lime zest. Stir until all ingredients are smoothly blended.

Pour the completed mixture into a shallow metal pan and place the pan into the freezer. Leave the pan uncovered in the freezer until the sorbet is firm, but not hard.

Remove the pan from the freezer and scoop the sorbet into a chilled bowl. Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.

Then place the bowl back into the freezer for two hours until the sorbet is cold enough to serve.

Serve the sorbet in fun ice cream cups with a bit of lime or kiwifruit for a garnish.

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