| How to Tell if Ground Beef Has Gone Bad Posted: 30 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that you can use to make burgers, taco meat, spaghetti sauce, and so much more. If you have beef in your fridge and you're not sure if it's still good to use, you can check in a few easy ways to see if it's spoiled. Just remember never to eat meat that's gone bad! EditInspecting the Beef - Check to see if it has turned a dull brown or grey. Fresh beef will be bright red in color, but it may have a few brown spots in the middle since ground beef is taken from different parts of the cow. Your ground beef will turn more grey the longer you keep it. If all of your beef is grey rather than red or brown, it's best to throw it away.[1]
- Prepackaged ground beef develops a brown color on the inside because oxygen is not able to reach the center.
- Smell the beef to see if you notice a sour smell. Fresh beef will have a slight smell, but beef starting to go bad will smell rotten or sour. The smell is produced from gases made by some of the bacteria on your beef. If there is a strong smell, avoid eating it.[2]
- Many bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses like salmonella cannot be smelled and can be found on fresh beef. Always cook the beef thoroughly to kill bacteria. If you don't feel comfortable eating the beef, throw it away.
- Touch the meat to see if it feels slimy. Squeeze the meat in your fingers to feel its consistency. Fresh meat should break apart in your hands easily and separate into chunks. If the meat is sticky or has a slimy texture, it has most likely gone bad.[3]
- Always wash your hands before and after you handle raw beef so you don't spread bacteria or contaminate surfaces.
- Check the sell-by date on the packaging. Raw ground beef is safe to use only 1 or 2 days after the recommended sell-by date. Check the calendar to determine how many days have passed since you bought it and throw it away if it's old.[4]
EditStoring Ground Beef Properly - Store uncooked ground beef in the refrigerator at or below . If you plan to cook the beef soon, store it in your refrigerator. Beef left out at room temperature will start to form harmful bacteria within 2 hours. Never leave meat out for longer than 2 hours at room temperature, or for more than 1 hour if it is above .
- If you don't plan to cook your beef right away, freeze it.
- Cook the beef within 2 days of the sell-by date. If the beef has been in a refrigerator the whole time, it will stay fresh and safe to use up to 2 days after the date listed on the packaging. Make sure you use the beef soon after you buy it so it doesn't go to waste.[5]
- Keep raw beef in the freezer for up to 4 months. Keep the beef in freezer-safe plastic bags and label them with the sell-by date listed on the packaging. Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it to conserve freezer space.[6]
- You may start to notice white freezer spots on the beef after a few months. These areas can be cut off if there are only a few. Otherwise, throw the meat away.
- Thaw the beef in the fridge or in a sink filled with cold water. Transfer the frozen beef to the fridge 1 to 2 days before you plan to use it so it has time to completely thaw. If you want to thaw the meat in the sink, fill your sink with cold water and submerge the beef. Change the water every 30 minutes until it's completely thawed.[7]
- Beef thawed with water needs to be cooked right away.
- Never leave the meat to thaw at room temperature.
- Beef can be thawed in the microwave but it needs to be cooked right after it's finished thawing to avoid any contamination.
- Cook ground beef to before storing or eating it. The only way to kill the natural bacteria in your beef is to cook it entirely. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat while you're cooking it.[8]
- Store cooked ground beef in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooked ground beef can be safely stored in the fridge for 7 days before it starts to spoil. It can also be stored for up to 8 months in the freezer. Be sure to store it in an air-tight container!
- Always cook beef to an internal temperature of .
- Keep cold foods below and hot foods above . Anything in between these two ranges is in the "Danger Zone" and will start to develop bacteria.
- Wash your hands after handling raw beef so you don't contaminate other surfaces.
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| How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice Posted: 29 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Pass by those jars of pumpkin pie spice at the grocery store. You can easily make this mix of spices using seasonings that you likely have in your pantry. By making your own blend, you can adjust the quantities according to your own personal taste and also save some money. Store the mix for up to 1 year and use it in pumpkin pie, baked goods, coffee, and roasted vegetables. EditIngredients - 1 tablespoon (8 g) ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons (2 g) ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon(1 g) ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground mace or cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
Makes 2 1/3 tablespoons (13.5 g) of spice EditMixing and Storing the Spice - Measure all of the spices into a bowl. Put 1 tablespoon (8 g) of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons (2 g) of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of allspice, 1/2 teaspoon(1 g) of ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground mace or cardamom, and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground nutmeg into a bowl or dish.[1]
- It's fine to use purchased, ground spices although freshly ground spices will have a more pungent flavor.
- You can easily scale the recipe up. Just double or triple the ingredients and put them in a larger bowl.
- Whisk the spices until they're combined. Break up any lumps and keep whisking until the spices are a uniform brown color.[2]
- If you don't have a whisk, use a spoon or fork instead.
- Store the pumpkin pie spice in an airtight container at room temperature. Use a small jar or old spice container with a sturdy lid. Keep the pumpkin pie spice out of direct sunlight so the spices stay flavorful for longer.[3]
- Consider using a funnel to transfer the spice into the storage container or jar.
- Try to use the pumpkin pie spice within 1 year.
EditUsing Pumpkin Pie Spice - Use 1 3/4 teaspoons (8.5 g) of spice in pumpkin pie. Instead of measuring cinnamon, ginger, and cloves as called for in a recipe for pumpkin pie, use the spice mix. Stir the spice into the filling mixture until it's incorporated and then bake the pie according to your recipe instructions.[4]
- Beat 1 teaspoon (1.8 g) of spice into whipped cream or frosting. Make your favorite buttercream or whipped cream even more flavorful. Add the spice to heavy cream or your buttercream ingredients and then beat the mixture until the cream is whipped or the frosting is fluffy.[5]
- To make pumpkin pie spice cream cheese, soften a package of cream cheese until it's at room temperature. Then beat in pumpkin pie spice and sugar according to your taste. Spread the cream cheese on bagels.
- Brew pumpkin pie spice coffee or stir it into hot cocoa. Prepare your coffee as you normally do, but add 1 tablespoon (6 g) of pumpkin pie spice in with the coffee grounds. The spice will flavor the coffee as it brews. If you prefer, stir 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) of spice into your favorite hot cocoa.[6]
- You can also stir pumpkin pie spice into white hot chocolate.
- Blend 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) of spice into batter for baked goods. For every 1 cup of batter, add 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) of spice when you mix in the dry ingredients. Pumpkin pie spice is great in pancakes, waffles, muffins, and quick breads.[7]
- Try adding pumpkin pie spice to granola. Drizzle the oats with a little maple syrup to add sweetness.
- Mix 2 teaspoons (4 g) of spice into roasted vegetables. Cut your choice of vegetables into 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5 cm) pieces and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the vegetables with oil and toss them with the pumpkin pie spice. Roast the vegetables at for 20 to 40 minutes.[8]
- Consider using a mix of carrots, sweet potatoes, and onions.
- You can also blend pumpkin pie spice into blended vegetable soups such as sweet potato, potato, or cauliflower.
- Toss 1 1/2 tablespoons (8 g) of spice into 8 cups (64 g) of popcorn. Make or buy 8 cups (64 g) of popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle a little butter over the popcorn and sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice over it. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the seasoning into the popcorn.[9]
- For a sweet popcorn, make a quick caramel sauce and pour it over the popcorn. Then toss in the pumpkin pie spice and white chocolate chips.
EditThings You'll Need - Measuring spoons
- Bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Storage container or spice jar
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| How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks at Home Posted: 29 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT Almost everyone has some part of their body that they aren't completely happy with, but there are ways to be more confident in your own skin. Stretch marks (also called striae) are discolored lines on your skin that can appear almost anywhere on your body. It's almost impossible to entirely get rid of your 'tiger stripes,' but there are a few ways to minimize their appearance. Taking excellent care of your skin via moisturizers and hydration is a good start. Getting a prescription for a retinoid medication can help as well.[1] EditMinimizing the Appearance of Marks - Ask your doctor about a prescription for a Retinoid medication. This topical treatment helps to boost elastin and collagen production, leading to healthier skin. It comes in a lotion form that you can apply at home. In most cases, you'll need to rub the lotion on to the areas of your skin with stretch marks once daily for 16 weeks.[2]
- During each application session, keep going until the skin feels saturated with lotion and almost slick to the touch. Read the bottle carefully to see if a specific amount or application method is suggested.
- Don't take any retinoid medications if you are (or might be) pregnant or nursing. Read the side effects of the medication before starting it.
- Retinoid medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and prone to burns. Limit your sun exposure during the application period.
- Apply cocoa butter cream daily. Look for a lotion that lists cocoa butter or cocoa powder as one of the primary ingredients. Some products specifically state that they are designed to reduce or prevent the appearance of stretch marks. Read the directions on the bottle carefully and rub the lotion into your skin every day until it feels soft and supple.[3]
- There is no guarantee that these lotions will minimize your marks. However, the cocoa butter is supposed to have a hydrating effect.
- Rub on a skin product that contains centella asiatica daily. Another ingredient in some lotions and creams is centella asiatica, which is supposed to increase your skin's collagen production. Look for a lotion that contains this herbal oil as a primary ingredient. Follow the products directions for application.[4]
- Since centella asiatica is also used to reduce scarification and treat wounds, you might find it in the wound care section of your local pharmacy.
- Massage your marks for 15 minutes daily with almond oil. Get almond oil at your local health food or grocery store. Apply the oil liberally to your hands and rub it all over your marks. Continue gently massaging for 15 minutes and repeat this action daily for best results.[5]
- There is no set amount of oil that you should use for each massage. However, don't let your marks dry out in the middle of the massage.
- Dab potato juice on to your stretch marks. Slice up a potato (any variety will do) and place the slices into a juicer. Collect the juice in a container and dip a cotton ball into it. Then, hold the cotton ball on top of your marks for 1-2 minutes. Repeat until you've coated all of your marks in potato juice.[6]
- This is a method that you can repeat daily for maximum effectiveness. However, there is not guarantee that it will reduce the appearance of your marks.
- The vitamin C and potassium from potatoes will help to lighten the appearance of your marks over time. However, it usually won't make them completely disappear.
- If you don't have a juicer, place a piece of sliced potato directly on to your skin marks.
- Cover your marks with a primer before applying other make-up. Look for a primer that has a greenish tint that will help to counteract and minimize the redness of your marks. Follow the directions on the primer bottle and use your fingertips to dab the primer on to your marks until they blend in with the surrounding skin.[7]
- After you've applied the primer, use a brush or your fingertips to put a thin layer of foundation on your skin. For even more concealment, brush some finishing powder on top.
- Experiment with various tones of primer, foundation, and powder until you find the combination that works the best for you.
- Although make-up is usually used on your face, it can actually be applied anywhere on your body to minimize the appearance of marks.
EditCreating Healthier Skin - Apply a skin repair lotion daily. Look for an over-the-counter lotion that is advertised as a healing and moisturizing product. Check to see that the label lists petroleum or petrolatum as one of the first ingredients. The lotion will provide a barrier that will help your top layer of skin to heal and stay protected.[8]
- If you have sensitive skin, look for a lotion that is approved by the National Eczema Association. This means that it's less likely to cause skin irritation or redness.
- Drink plenty of water each day. A good general rule is to aim to drink around 8 glasses of water each day, although some people need more and some require less. Reduce the amount of other beverages, such as alcohol or soda, if you are in the habit of consuming these. Staying hydrated with water can improve the overall health of your skin and help to heal stretch marks.[9]
- For women, the suggested daily fluid intake is . For men, it is . This amount includes fluids from all beverages and foods.
- Eat 2-3 squares of dark chocolate each day. The flavonols in dark chocolate are an antioxidant that can help to reduce redness and puffiness of your skin and around your stretch marks. The cocoa in chocolate also helps to hydrate your skin, making your marks look less sunken in. For best results, look for a dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa.[10]
EditPreventing Additional Marks - Maintain a healthy weight via diet and exercise. Eat a diet rich in fresh produce and unprocessed foods. Work out at least 3 days a week, including both cardio and resistance exercises. Losing and regaining weight can stretch your skin and lead to stretch marks.[11]
- Talk with your doctor about your ideal weight and work toward that goal.
- It's normal to gain some weight during pregnancy. However, work with your doctors to keep your weight at a healthy level to reduce skin stretching.
- Give yourself daily skin massages. Gently, but firmly, rub the skin surrounding your stretch marks for 15-30 minutes each day. A sophisticated massage technique is not required. Simply move your fingers in small circles over the area. This action helps to increase blood flow to the area which can stimulate healing and reduce redness.[12]
- You can also, of course, pay for professional massages on a regular basis if you'd like even better results.
- Regular massages can lower the possibility that additional stretch marks will form in that same area, too.
- Treat any underlying medication conditions. Some diseases, such as Cushing's syndrome, can cause skin discoloration on the body and face. These color changes may appear as stretch marks and might be larger or wider than usual. Talk with your doctor about how to balance your medications so that your skin changes only minimally.[13]
- For example, if you have Cushing's syndrome, you'll likely need to take a medication that can control your cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol hormones have been linked to stretch mark development.
- If you do decide to seek medical treatment for your stretch marks, there are a number of options available. Laser or microneedling treatments often create the best results. Talk with your primary doctor or dermatologist for details.
- Stretch marks can make some people feel very uncomfortable with their body. If you ever feel depressed about your body, reach out to your doctor for advice and help.[14]
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