Archive for September, 2009
Searching for the Best Car Insurance
When you get a new car, you are tired of your own insurance or if you are a brand new driver it’s probably time to buy some car insurance. You really need car insurance if you are going to be on the road.
If you have no insurance even just a small fender bender could cost you a bundle. If you were to get in an accident with another vehicle and it’s your fault, you’ll have to pay for the damage of both vehicles out of pocket. Insurance is a way of car protection.
Don’t think that insurance will make an accident magically cost you nothing. If you get into an accident, you will usually have to pay a deductible that you set forth from the beginning. If the accident is your fault, your insurance rates will go up. The insurance company places greater risk on you and therefore higher fees for every accident you cause.
Now that you know you need insurance, you need to go out and find the best car insurance for you. Don’t rely on t.v. and billboards to tell you what insurance to get, and don’t just look at the price either. First, decide what kind of coverage you need. If you have a brand new, very expensive car, you will probably need a lot more coverage than if you had a 20 year old beat up car.
Don’t buy the from the first insurance company you see. Shop around first. Get free rate quotes through the link below. The rates you find will depend on your car as I mentioned but also your age and gender, driving record, and credit history.
A 25 year old male will pay more than a 45 year old women, even if neither have ever gotten in an accident. This is because those who are younger pose a greater risk and males usually pose a greater risk. Don’t let this upset you. Over time, the longer you get in no accidents, the lower your rates will go.
Discounts, such as for safe driving, are a great way to save money on insurance. Also, students and senior citizens can get discounts as well as those who take defensive driving courses.
Don’t necessarily shoot for the cheapest insurance. It’s better to go with better coverage. If you end up in an accident and you aren’t covered well, you’ll still end up paying more in the long run. Work with your insurance provider to get the best possible policy.
Tags: car insurance, Family, finance, insurance, Life, money
The Best Subject in Photography
Whats the best subject in Photography? Many have been searching for the right answer without realizing it lies within the individual senses, the things that motivate the seeing, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. It all depends on the interpretation of the photographer and what techniques he’ll be using to send a message to his audience that will categorize the works as the “best” subject in photography.
Ask yourself (or rather your eyes): What do you want to see? There’s a saying that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” therefore you alone can determine beauty. I know ideas starts to pop into your minds right now but let me share to you some of the best and simple subjects I have experimented (with astonishing results) that you might want to tackle one of these days:
1. Countryside
The subject of being free and greenery is universal. People find them attractive because the image gives them the illusion of sitting through that moment when the picture was captured and a split-second escape of their current place. The more natural your image looks the more it is inviting to the audience. Capture that lush green grasses and trees, how fluffy the nonchalant clouds under the blue wide sky, or even the nightingale sitting atop the cow. Also, try to stray away from the generic angle or position. Why not capture the shots while youre lying in the ground to make the view out of the ordinary?
2. Food
Now this one is for the photographer who wants an automatic head turn towards his work. In order for our system to work, fuel is needed and therefore food has an automatic magnetism for the five senses. Regardless of Race, Sex, or Age the subject of food for a photograph never misses. One thing you can do to standout is to put extra emphasis on the texture, color, and how real the food could get when presented in the pictures.
3. Children
Who can resist the innocent smile of a little baby girl? And a chubby little boy in his first school uniform and hat? Some might but most people turn soft by the image of a child. It takes them back, make them smile and imagine themselves in that care-free period of their lives. Even young animals like the puppy, kitten, or ducklings have the same charisma for the viewers. Remember to capture the shots without the subjects awareness because capturing their natural smile and behavior will make your photographs a stand-out in the sea of baby pictures.
4. Waterfalls, Streams, and the Beach
The image of the flowing water refreshes the eye which is why you see lots of PC screens emblazoned with wallpapers or screensavers of flowing water, the lake, beach, and even underwater scenes like the aquarium. If you want to excel in this subject then prepare to get wet; literally, because, sometimes the amazing shots are those captured from a closer view (make sure the camera you choose has water-repelling technologies and the likes).
Tags: arts, Discount Digital Cameras, entertainment, Home, music, photography, Photography Self Help, Photography Tips, poetry
Betting On Thoroughbred Horse Races
Any fan of horse racing has at least given some thought to placing bets on their favorite horses. Betting on the outcome of horse races is something which has been done for a long time now. While this was once a pastime open only to those who owned horses themselves or were otherwise active in horseracing, now everyone can make wagers on horses. However, before you place your bets you should learn a little more about how these bets work – betting on horses is a simple concept, but can be more complex in action. If you have the right information, you’ll be able to place more consistently profitable bets.
The idea behind betting on horses is simple enough – the winner takes it all. However, there are different types of horseracing bets, which fall into two broad categories: straight and exotic bets. To learn more about how these bets work and placing well considered wagers, read on!
WIN BETTING – You bet on a single horse and if this horse comes in first, your bet will pay off.
PLACE BETTING – you place a bet on your horse to finish in the second (place) position. If your horse finishes first or second, you may cash your ticket. The payoff of such a bet would not be as much as payoffs of win betting but there are more chances of you being able to cash your ticket.
SHOW BETTING – here you place a bet on your horse to finish in the third (show) position. To be able to cash in your ticket, your horse has to finish first, second or third. The payoff would be less than place betting or win betting payoffs, however, it does offer you the feature of added security.
WIN PLACE BETTING – here you place a bet on your horse to come in first or second. If your horse finishes first, you get both payoffs – win and place. If it finishes second, then you also get the show payoff. Without a doubt, it is great should your horse win first place but even if it comes second, you would be able to get some cash out of your ticket.
ACROSS THE BOARD BETTING – With an across the board bet, you’ll win if your horse comes in first, second or third place. If the horse you have wagered on is the winner, then you will receive the payoffs for all three top positions. If they come in second, then you win the place and the show payoff. If your horse should come in third, you will just receive the show payoff. Across the board betting lets you at the very least recoup some of your original bet if your horse comes in third and can mean big winnings if they take first place.
Exotic bets have two sub-categories – intra-race bets and multi-race bets. Intra race bets allow you wagering on multiple horses on individual races. And multi-race bets allow you to predict the winners of consecutive matches on one single ticket.
Now that you have clear idea about straight bets, why not give them a shot. Although remember that horserace betting is a game of odds therefore only invest what you are willing to lose. But even though there are equal possibilities of winning and losing, luck and the right information might just be your ticket to infinite riches. So go ahead and head out to the racetrack and get in on all the action today!
Tags: gambling, horse racing, Recreation, Sports
Why Keeping Your Cool Will Get Back Your Ex-Girlfriend
Do you want to know how to get your ex-girlfriend back? This article will hopefully give you a few good strategies and perhaps a little encouragement and comfort, too.
Losing someone you love can be devastating, and feeling alone in it all can make the days and nights seem endless. Breaking up is hard to do- especially if youre not the one who wanted the split. Regardless, there are ways to deal with the pain while making a plan to get her back.
Where to Start?
Youve got to start with you. Stop everything for a bit and focus on you. Are you eating enough? Getting enough sleep and exercise? Youll be no good to anyone if you dont care for yourself. Keep up with a good work out program, stay shaved and well-groomed.
Resist the urge to overdo the alcohol. You need to stay clear right now, and alcohol only dulls the pain temporarily. You are going to go through some intense sadness and some loneliness, but you will get through to the other side.
Resist the Urge to Call
Resist the urge to contact your girlfriend. Dont invent reasons to call or visit her. Absolutely do not cruise her work or her mothers house or the club she frequents. That will not score you points and could be construed as stalking! Stay cool for a while. It wont be time to call until you are feeling less vulnerable.
If you see her, tell her you are fine and that you hope you can still be friends. Your unexpected casualness may cause her to let down her guard and begin thinking about things.
Ouch! Admit You Could Have Done Better
Even if you werent directly the cause of the break up, find a way to let her know you could have done better. Spend some time thinking about the way you were with her. Women need to feel valued. They want to be told they are beautiful and intelligent. They want your admiration and respect. Your girlfriend wants you to see her as the sexiest woman alive- at least in your eyes. She needs to hear it often. Daily.
Did you listen to her? Were compliments, hugs and gentle touch daily habits? Let her know you goofed up. If you cheated on her or gave her a reason to distrust you, tell her youre sorry. But dont beg. Just let her know youve been thinking.
Extend Yourself Thoughtfully
This is tricky, but it can work. If you need to drop some of her things off, include a small gift that shows you remember who she is, and why you liked her to begin with. A CD of her favorite group, a book by a favorite author, or- and this is very effective- a beautifully bound blank journal. Your girlfriend will be taken a back by your thoughtfulness. Her response may surprise you. But it may take more than one time. Just dont overdo it.
Remember her birthday. If she has children, remember their birthdays. Try to be sincere but somewhat detached. And always appear confident and in control when you see her. Your strength will be a powerful magnet!
Bide Your Time- Then Make Your Move
Chances are your girlfriend is going to be missing you, despite evidence to the contrary. Even if shes begun a new relationship, you were in her heart first and you can win her back. Remembering these important hints can help you regain her affection and eventually put you in a position to be more direct with your desire to have her back.
Really search your soul- What could you have done when you were with her to keep her tuned in and turned on to you. Write it down and list some practical ways you could improve. Dont throw this list away!
Keep your attitude good- Get counseling if you feel youre going under with the pain of your separation. Stay physically and mentally active. Attend to your spiritual self by meditating or listening to self-development tapes.
Let her know youre still there for her- Caution: Fine line here! You need to present as caring but not crazy. Simple thoughtful gestures can keep you connected to her without generating her resistance.
Tell her how you feel- When youre in a stronger place, let her know how you feel. Tell her you were at fault, without rehashing the breakup. Really listen to her thoughts and feelings. Let her know you still desire her and want her back.
Then back off- Tell her youll wait, and that you dont need an answer now. And mean it. If shes worth waiting for, then wait.
Dont wait forever- Decide in your heart what a reasonable time to wait is- but dont tell her. She does not need an ultimatum. It might be reasonable to wait a few weeks, or a few months. Youll know in your heart and mind how long is long enough. Chances are, shell be phoning you or knocking on your door within days or weeks if youve continued the occasional thoughtful and upbeat contact. And if she doesnt, youll be strong enough to take it and move on.
Remembering that life is an adventure and often unpredictable will help you weather this downturn. Your sadness, anger and loneliness is natural and it is real. But you can go through this- and come out better and stronger on the other side.
Best of luck. Susie
Tags: breakup, dating, divorce, Family, marriage, relationship, relationships, self improvement, society
Treatments For 7 Dry Skin Causes
Youve got dry skin, but why. What dry skin causes could possibly do that? Dry skin, its quite a scourge especially as you grow older. But what causes dry skin and what can you do about it?
There’s many factors that can cause dry skin, and some are much more common than others.
Dry skin is much more common than you’d realize, especially as we get older, and there are so many people who are searching for treatments for dry skin. Some common dry skin conditions are easier to treat than others.
And if you have dry skin were sure you know just how irritating it can be. Maybe your skin is all dull and flaky, red or even painful. And that itching.
Normally our skin has it’s own protective layer of natural oils that the skin produces itself. But various causes can result in our skin losing it’s natural oily protection and result in the symptoms I’ve previously mentioned known as dry skin.
So lets look at some dry skin causes. Theres some that are easy to treat, and some not so easy.
1. Long hot baths. So you love a shower or bath that is scalding hot, and love to stay there forever? That can take away natural oils from your skin. A shower is better than a bath, but keep it a little less hot.
2. Skin care products and cosmetics. Believe it or not, many mainstream skin care products and cosmetics contain ingredients that are actually bad for your skin. If you hadn’t heard about this before spend some time researching dangerous ingredients in skin care products and cosmetics.
There are many ingredients found in big name products that actually dry your skin. Mineral oil is an example. It is a petrochemical product used in skin care products because it is cheap and it actually dries and damages your skin.
High quality natural skin care products are way better for your skin, won’t damage it and will overcome dry skin conditions more easily.
3. Exposure to the sun. Sunburn is very damaging to the skin. It dries it out and can cause skin cancer. Avoid sunburn like the plague.
4. Weather. This also can cause dry skin conditions by reducing humidity and dry your skin out. For example those living in cold dry winters may well find that they suffer from dry skin in winter, but if it is more humid in summer they don’t. This can usually be corrected with a high quality natural moisturizer, or even better, a complete natural skin care product.
5. Soaps and detergents. Modern soaps and detergents can also do this. And shampoos. Many of these contain harmful ingredients as well, and should be avoided. Deodorizing and anti bacterial soaps should be avoided, you don’t need them. Any soap that makes a huge lather and makes you feel squeaky clean isn’t good. Try changing your soap, choose a natural soap, deodorant free and fragrance free, and keep changing till you find one friendly to your skin.
6. Medical conditions like psoriasis, and drugs. There is a range of different medical conditions that can cause dry skin. For conditions like psoriasis and eczema consult your doctor, and be aware as well that there are some drugs that can also cause dry skin conditions.
7. And you can also get skin dryness from itchy clothes, so don’t wear clothes that itch
There’s 7 causes of dry skin. But what do you do about it? Well for medical conditions as I’ve said, see a doctor or dermatologist. But often this isn’t necessary.
So remember, use natural soaps and shampoos, and keep trying them until you find one that suits your skin. And remember that any time you’re buying something that goes on your skin look for a natural alternative with no nasty chemicals. Natural alternatives are often cheaper and safer. And keep showers shorter and cooler.
And consider using a range of natural skin care products. The best natural skin care products contain natural oils like avocado oil and Babassu oil from the nut of the Babassu tree, both excellent and perfectly safe natural moisturizers. These will do wonders for any dry skin conditions.
But surprisingly, although the ingredients in natural skin care products are more expensive than those in regular anti aging skin care products the products themselves are very cost competitive because the small niche skin care company that makes them doesn’t spend on TV advertising.
There’s 7 dry skin causes for you to consider. Combine some or all of the treatments I’ve mentioned here and you should be well on your way to relieving that dry skin that is so bedevilling you.
Read more about natural skin care at my website.
Tags: anti aging, beauty, causes of dry skin, cosmetics, dry skin, dry skin causes, Family, health, health and fitness, home and family, medical conditions, natural skin care, organic skin care, skin care, women, women's interests
Tips on Cinnamon Bark Oil
The dried inner hark of C. verum contains a steam-volatile oil, fixed oil, tannin, resin, proteins, cellulose, pentosans, mucilage, starch, calcium oxalate and mineral elements. The relative abundance of these components can vary somewhat according to the geographical origin of the spice, its quality and the duration of storage.
Collaborative studies between the Imperial Institute and the Seychelles ‘Agricultural Department to improve the quality of the product showed that the cinnamaldehyde content was similar to that of Sri Lankan bark oil but the eugenol content could range from 2 to 8 per cent – usually 3 to 5 per cent. Camphor was not identified in the oil in these investigations.
The oleoresin may be prepared by extracting cinnamon bark with a variety of organic solvents. It contains the steam-volatile oil, fixed oil and other extractives of the spice soluble in the particular solvent employed. Little published information is available on the detailed composition of cinnamon oleoresins, but the volatile-oil content has been reported to range upwards from 16 per cent.
The characteristic organoleptic properties of the spice and its oleoresin are determined by the composition of their steam-volatile (essential) oils. The small amount of coumarin present also influences the flavour but other non-steam-volatile constituents appear to be unimportant. Detailed analyses of the composition of the natural steam-volatile oil occurring in the spice have not been reported, and its composition must be inferred from the information available on the distilled bark oil. The latter, however, contains some artefacts produced by the distillation procedure and is less esteemed than the spice and oleoresin in organoleptic terms.
Only a few studies of Malagasy cinnamon hark oil have been reported. Distillation in Europe of imported material gave oils in yields of 0.6 to 1.0 per cent, which possessed aldehyde contents of 62 to 65 per cent. Guenther’s oil contained 10 per cent phenols and its odour was considered inferior to that of Sri Lankan bark oil but superior to oils from other sources.
Seychelles cinnamon bark oil is generally considered to be inferior in odour and flavour to the Sri Lankan product. The original Seychelles product was very sub-standard in a number of respects: a musty odour resulting from improper drying of the bark, and a low yield and cinnamaldehyde content (not more than 36 per cent) owing to usage of old and corky trees and crude distillation techniques. Seychelles cinnamon bark oil was analysed by chemists of the Schimmel Co. (1908, 1910, 1913), who found its general composition similar to Sri Lankan cinnamon bark oil but noted the presence of camphor.
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What is the Role of Continuing Care Assistance?
This is a question that no one ever really wants to have to think about, but unfortunately, almost everyone will be put in a position where they have to choose at least some facet of continuing care for themselves or one of their loved ones.
People sometimes confuse continuing care with sticking one of their loved ones away in some cold, dank, understaffed institutional nursing home, but the types of continuing care available today are much better and much more diverse than they used to be.
Many nursing homes and assisted and independent living communities offer nicer living conditions than some new residents are used to and there are continuing care options that will take place right in the persons current residence. If you or someone you love is in need of assisted care ” then there is surely a comfortable option available for your situation.
Current Residence Care
Elderly persons who would most likely have a difficult time adjusting to a new environment may benefit most from remaining in their own home and receiving regular visits from a continuing care assistant. A predetermined number of visits per week from a qualified continuing care assistant can help with a variety of things that family members are simply incapable of handling, and the time that the aide is in the residence with the patient will allow the family members who are providing the rest of the care to get out of the home and take care of necessary things like shopping and errands without the worry of leaving the patient unattended.
This type of situation is good for someone who is in need of some minor assistance and some limited medical treatment, but would feel comfortable receiving it without having to uproot or disturb their current living situation.
Independent Living and Assisted Care Communities
These communities are the next best thing to having the care provided in your own home; in fact the difference between the type of lifestyle in an independent living community and entirely living on ones own is negligible. These types of communities can be housing developments or apartment complexes, and often the independent living and assisted care buildings are located within close proximity on the same grounds. This allows the easy transfer of residents from one area to another should their level of care change while they are residing there.
These residences can be single family homes or one, two or three bedroom apartments. There are truly accommodations for every type of situation. These communities offer very flexible levels of care, so if and when a resident needs change for the better or worse, there can be a seamless transition into the type of care that they are currently in need of.
Full Care Communities/Nursing Homes
The nursing home atmosphere of care is often like that of a hospital or rehab center, with private or semi-private rooms with a communal hallway linking them to each other and areas where staff members are stationed. Many nursing homes have a good bit of medical equipment for treatment on hand as well as full time registered nurses and some doctors on staff. Though major medical procedures often arent conducted on site, some treatments that it would be difficult to provide in an outside assisted living community can be taken care of right on nursing home grounds.
Staff members are on site twenty-four hours a day seven days a week to care for the many residents who require almost constant care and assistance with even some of lifes most basic tasks.
Even though some nursing homes offer top notch staffs and wonderful accommodations, nursing homes are often reserved for a last resort when there are no other viable options for the level of care that someone will need to continue on.
The type of assisted living environment that is right for someone is entirely dependent on what type of care that they need as well as what they are physically and mentally prepared to deal with. Regardless of situation or level of care needed though, there is a comfortable solution for every situation.
Tags: career, colleges, continuing care, education, health, medical, Online Education, physician, School, schools, universities
Combat Gout with Apple Cider Vinegar
Gout can be controlled using Apple Cider Vinegar as a remedy. To make a Gout fighting drink, mix 1 tablespoon of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar that contains “Mother” which is the organic cloudy substance at the bottom of the bottle, with 1 teaspoon of organic honey and some warm water and drink.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar to combat gout is a great healthy alternative. Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV stops harmful bacteria from growing, it can aid in any respiratory infections, it can help alleviate sore throats, nasal problems and it also helps purify blood and blood circulation. The health of the Kidneys and Bladder can also benefit from ACV.
AVC also contains carbolic acids and ketone potassium which removes toxic waste from the body and helps regulate blood pressure. There are also Malic Acids and Acetic acids which fight fungal infections and give painful joints some relief. ACV also contains Pectin which attaches to globules of cholesterol and fights free radicals and aids cell rejuvenation.
Malic acid is an organic compound which aids in the reduction of the body’s toxicity. Uric acid is dissolved by Malic acid which makes this a very gout friendly crystalline compound, plus it acts as a antiseptic and antibiotic for the body which is a great benefit for Gout control.
ACV combined with Gotu Kola has major arthritic healing benefits. For all people using Apple Cider Vinegar to fight gout , I can only stress that you use a low acidity version of ACV. Ask your local health store for advice on this as if you can try and use a 5% acidity to lessen other effects from the acid.
Honey is a major ingredient to be added to with Apple Cider Vinegar, as it will make the taste of ACV more enticing. Try and use organic honey as it is an alkaline forming food, if you use processed honey there will be little acidifying benefits , but would make the ACV still taste better. Try Organic unprocessed Honey, as this has the biggest benefits for you as an addition to ACV.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar containing Mother, is the best ACV to use in your Gout fight. I still use the NSAID’s in the case of an extreme gout attack but I generally use ACV for my regular gout maintenance. I strongly suggest you speak to your physician before taking any Gout herbs, remedies or medicines. Better safe than sorry.
There is a major problem using Apple Cider Vinegar as a remedy for gout and that resides in the Acid levels that ACV has within it. Constant sipping of ACV and water throughout the day can lead to enamel corrosion on the teeth and the acid and teeth staining can occur. I strongly suggest that you brush your teeth after drinking ACV or at least wash your mouth out.
AND make sure you CLEAN YOUR TEETH AFTER DRINKING AVC to make sure your enamel is safe.
Use the Liquid and not the pill as you cannot trust what the ACV pill has in it, the pills are known to be acidic and can also give heartburn.
As the taste of ACV is unpleasant I suggest taking this gout remedy with cherry juice as cherries are a great Gout fighter, or some other fruit juices and teas, or just add water and organic honey.
Good luck in your Gout fight.
Tags: aged health, alternative cures, alternative health, arthritis, Family, family health, gout, health, lifestyle, men's health, mens health advice, uric acid, women's health, womens health advice
Free Stuff For New Babies
What could be better for a mother than the gift of a new child? Obviously, not much but there is free stuff for new moms that cannot not only help them in raising their new bundle of joy but in also in easing the financial burden associated with a new child.
And free stuff for new moms not only includes products for their new bundle of joy but also parents. Lets start by looking at some of the products that can help with rearing a new child. Among them are: Diapers, Baby food, Skin care products, Shampoo and powders, Clothing
Yes it is. But companies, that give away free stuff for moms, are creating goodwill and get more publicity. It’s a win-win situation, per se.
Companies are very much eager to give away free gifts for moms too, such as skin care products, magazines and even gift certificates. Such are offered so moms can pamper themselves and relax while waiting for the new baby to come.
Where are some of the places to find information about free stuff for new moms? Among them: (1) The best place to start is with an Internet search of the different companies offering free baby supplies and specific products available to parents; (2) Doctors offices. Companies are likely to place information in the offices of physicians because they know they have a high probability of being seen by parents who will be interested in their offers; (3) Parenting magazines. As with doctors offices, companies know that placing advertisements for free stuff for new moms in parenting magazines is a wise investment because they know the ads will be seen by their target audience; (4) The specific Web sites of companies that are involved with the production of baby supplies such as Johnson & Johnson (shampoo, powder and other products), Huggies (diapers), Gerber (baby food), etc.; (5) Speaking with other parents who have the recipients of free stuff for new moms or who have heard of offers. It makes sense to seek advice from parents who have already had a baby and asking for suggestions on the best places to find free baby supplies would make sense also.
Along with the financial advantage, there other benefits that can be derived through the free stuff for moms that a family enjoys. The major plus is that most, if not all of these free items, are delivered right to the mothers home.
Home delivery saves the time of the moms-to-be. It is more convenient and economical too. Having free stuff delivered straight to mom’s house is such a great benefit especially now that gas prices continues to escalate.
Of course, the savings will be more significant for those parents who take the time to locate free gifts.
Tags: Babies, free baby stuff for new moms, free gifts for new moms, free stuff for babies, free stuff for expecting moms, free stuff for moms, free stuff for new babies, free stuff for new moms, gifts for new moms
Homemade Gravy Recipe
As I recall the first time I prepared a homemade roast and potato dinner everything went splendid, (crock pots are amazing) until I realized I didn’t know how to make gravy. Not a clue, my mom wasn’t available to call and the world wide web wasn’t an option back then!
I had to finish the meal with one of those store bought powdered gravy packets. The meal was great but the gravy was gross. In time I was taught to make a simple homemade gravy with flour.
The only problem with my mom’s recipe for homemade gravy, not enough directions. She simply added some flour, stir until boiling and strain any lumps. I didn’t have her skill for creating meals from memory.
After trying her basic recipe I realized this wasn’t working. I had all the necessary measuring spoons and cups. Now I just needed a recipe with step by step directions.
After years of lumpy gravy that tasted more like flour than anything, I was able to find the detailed recipe I needed. (Thanks to the world wide web being bigger and better and FREE!) So to those of you that need the exact recipe on how to make gravy, here is my easy recipe for making gravy.
1. Step 1 – After cooking the meat (roast, chicken, turkey or whatever it is) remove the meat and use a ladle or strainer and transfer the cooking liquid into a measuring cup ( I use a glass 4-cup one). Let the cooking liquid stand for about 5 minutes. You will see the fat raise to the top, skim that off and toss it, the fat that is. Take note of amount left in the measuring cup once the fat has been removed.
3. Use a small saucepan, pour the liquid from the glass cup to the pan and start cooking on medium heat. While the liquid is cooking use a small Ziplock container with a lid and add 2 tbsp. of flour and 1/4 cup of cold water for each 1 cup measurement of the liquid in the saucepan. Mix this until smooth and lump free.
3. Once the liquid in the saucepan is boiling, add the flour mixture and stir until thickened or about 1 minute.
So there it is, that’s how I make gravy. It’s simple and quick. But wait one more thing, if you have a big family like mine, sometimes the cooking liquid will not make enough gravy for everyone. No worries- add canned broth to the measuring cup with the cooking liquid, but remember to take note of the amount for proper measuring of the flour mixture.
You can substitute water for the canned broth if you don’t have any but make sure you add more pepper and salt or you will have a flour taste to the gravy.
Tags: cooking, Family, food, homemade gravy, how to make gravy, recipe, recipe for homemade gravy, recipes
