| How to Bake Mini Cupcakes Posted: 29 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST Mini cupcakes are the perfect bite-sized treat, and they can be made just as easily as regular cupcakes with a few modifications. You'll need a mini cupcake pan and liners that fit the pan. Prepare a batter, either by using a recipe or buying a cake batter mix from the store. Remember that mini cupcakes won't take as much time as normal cupcakes to bake, so keep an eye on them when they're in the oven to ensure they come out great. [Edit]Ingredients - butter at room temperature
- sugar
- 2 large eggs
- vanilla extract
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
- milk
- heavy cream
[Edit]Preparing the Batter - Use a mixer to beat together butter and sugar. You can use a stand mixer or a handheld one. Turn on the mixer and stir up butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until they create a fluffy consistency.[1]
- If you don't have a mixer, you'll need to mix the butter and sugar by hand using a spoon spatula.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Crack open 1 egg into the large mixing bowl and starting mixing it. Once that egg is mostly mixed, crack open the second egg and mix it together again. Pour in vanilla extract after both eggs have been added.[2]
- Mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. In the new bowl, pour in flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to stir these 3 ingredients together so they're well-mixed.[3]
- Use a fork if you don't have a whisk.
- Combine the milk and cream before adding everything to the large bowl. Mix milk and cream together in another separate bowl, and then start slowly pouring the dry ingredients and milk/cream into the large bowl. Do this in 3 batches instead of all at once, pouring half of the dry ingredient mixture into the large bowl, followed by all of the milk/cream mixture, and then the rest of the dry ingredients.[4]
- Beat the ingredients together in the large bowl for 1 minute. If you're using a mixer, turn it on medium-high and beat the ingredients for 1 minute. If you don't have a mixer, stir the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and ready to be poured.[5]
- Use a store-bought batter mix as an alternative to making your own. If you're low on time or ingredients, pick out a cake batter mix from your local grocery store. You'll have lots of options to choose from, such as chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet. Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the batter for pouring.
- Even though the directions may be instructing you on how to make a cake, the ingredients and directions for preparing the batter will be the same for making mini cupcakes.
[Edit]Distributing and Cooking the Batter - Line a mini cupcake pan (or silicone baking cups) with mini muffin liners. Make sure that the liners are mini muffin liners and not candy cup liners—candy cup liners will be too small. If you have 2 mini cupcake pans, fill both with mini muffin liners, as you'll most likely be able to make 48 mini cupcakes.[6]
- 1 mini cupcake pan makes 24 mini cupcakes.
- If you only have 1 mini cupcake pan, you can bake the cupcakes in batches.
- You can find mini cupcake pans at a big box store, home goods store, or online.
- Use a cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon to distribute the batter. A cookie scoop works well because you can easily pour it into each liner. If you don't have a cookie scoop, you can just use a tablespoon or small spoon. Dip the cookie scoop or spoon into the batter to start pouring.[7]
- You can also pour the batter into a sealable plastic bag and snip off a bottom edge of the bag, creating a unique piping bag that you can squeeze the batter from easily.
- Fill ⅔ of each liner with batter. Scoop batter into each liner, going slowly around the entire pan until you've done all 24. You may need to experiment with how much batter you scoop up each time—it's better to fill the liners with too little batter than too much at once, as you can always add more.[8]
- Filling the liners all the way to the top will cause them to overflow when baked.
- Bake the mini cupcakes at for roughly 15 minutes. Check on the mini cupcakes after 9 or 10 minutes, sticking a toothpick into the center of one. If the toothpick comes out clean, they're done! If batter shows up on the toothpick, leave them in for about 5 more minutes.[9]
- The edges of the cupcakes will turn golden when they're done.
- Keep a close eye on the cupcakes as they're baking—mini cupcakes tend to cook very quickly, and you don't want them to burn.
[Edit]Decorating the Cupcakes - Make your own frosting if you have all of the ingredients. Most frostings require simple ingredients such as butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream. There are lots of different recipes to choose from when it comes to creating a frosting, so peruse your pantry and see which ingredients you can turn into a frosting for your cupcakes.[10]
- For example, you can create a simple frosting using heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate.
- Buy store-bought frosting for a quick fix. Visit your local grocery store to pick up a container of frosting, available in flavors like chocolate and vanilla. 1 container should be plenty of frosting to ice mini cupcakes.
- Buy vanilla frosting and use food coloring to make it a different color, if desired.
- Store-bought frosting works best when you spread it directly onto the cupcake with a spreading knife.
- Create a piping bag to frost the cupcakes in a quick and elegant way. Fill a disposable decorating bag (or just a resealable plastic bag) with the frosting. Cut off the bottom tip of the bag, and then squeeze the frosting out in a swirl on top of the cupcake.[11]
- Test your piping abilities out beforehand by squeezing the frosting out onto a napkin or plate before frosting the cupcakes, if desired.
- When cutting off the bottom tip, make a small cut. You can always make the cut bigger if you want more frosting to come out at once.
- Use a spreading knife to decorate each cupcake with a flat layer of frosting. Dip a spreading knife into your frosting and start layering the frosting onto the cupcake. Smooth the frosting out over the cupcake so that the entire top is covered, going around in circles with your spreading knife until you're satisfied with how it looks.[12]
- Since they're mini cupcakes, you won't need to scoop out a ton of frosting—1 small spoonful should do the trick.
- Add any embellishments onto the mini cupcakes, if desired. You can add sprinkles, candies, or any other small edibles onto the cupcakes. It's best to add the embellishments right after you've added the frosting. If the frosting has already hardened, things like sprinkles or small edible flowers won't be able to easily stick to the frosting.[13]
- You can find cupcake embellishments at your local grocery store, right next to the cake batter mix and frosting options.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Mixer
- Spoon spatula
- 2 mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Mini cupcake pan
- Mini muffin liners
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Small spoon (optional)
- Disposable decorating bag
- Sealable plastic bag (optional)
- Scissors
- Spreading knife (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Learn Rock Climbing Holds Posted: 28 Jan 2020 04:00 PM PST Whether you're rock climbing indoors or outdoors, it's important to recognize the various types of holds you will encounter. Holds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you'll need to learn how to identify each kind so that you can grip it correctly. Once you know the basic hold types, take some time to learn how to use them. [Edit]Recognizing the Types of Holds - Look for an easy grip to spot jugs. Jugs are holds that you can easily wrap your fingers around. They have a large "positive" (easy to grab) area on top, and are usually wide enough that you can hold them with all 4 of your fingers. Jugs are widely considered to be the easiest hold, and they are the type you will encounter most frequently on beginner climbs.[1]
- Identify undercuts by their downward-facing edges. Undercuts are similar to jugs, except that the positive area is oriented downward.[2] They are also known as underclings.[3]
- Undercuts look like upside-down jugs when viewed from below. They tend to have strong positive edges that are easy to grab onto.
- Check for a sideways-facing edge to identify sidepulls and gastons. Sidepulls are also similar to jugs, but they are oriented perpendicular to the floor, with the positive grip facing away from you.[4] When the hold is oriented like a sidepull but the positive grip faces toward you, it is called a gaston.[5]
- Some sidepulls or gastons have relatively small positive edges, making them more like sideways crimps than jugs.
- Recognize crimps by their narrow positive edges. A crimp is a small hold, shaped similarly to a jug but with a much smaller positive edge. It's impossible to fully wrap your fingers around a crimp—the positive edge is so narrow that you can fit only your fingertips on top of it. They are named for the specialized crimp technique that you must use to grab onto them.[6]
- Crimps vary in size and shape, with some providing a better gripping surface than others.
- Identify a pinch by its paired gripping surfaces. As the name suggests, pinches are holds that are designed to be grasped between your fingers and thumb. They have edges on both sides that you can grip onto.[7]
- Pinches can be angled in any direction, so you may have to get creative when using them.
- Spot a pocket by looking for holes. Pockets are holds with holes in them that you can insert your fingers into. The holes vary in size and depth, with some of them allowing you to fit all your fingers into the hole and others accommodating only 1 or 2 fingers.[8]
- A pocket that only has enough room to hold a single finger is sometimes called a mono.[9]
- Check for a rounded surface to identify a sloper. Slopers are some of the most difficult climbing holds because of their lack of lips or edges. They can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but are typically rounded, with only a rough surface to provide purchase.[10]
- While many climbers dislike slopers because they're so hard to grip, others are quite comfortable with them. Your preferences will depend on your personal climbing style.[11]
- Look for a large, angular shape to identify a volume. Volumes are smooth-sided, angular protrusions in a rock-climbing wall. They are considered a type of hold in themselves, but often have other holds bolted to them.[12]
- Volumes are typically roughly triangular in shape, but they can come in other shapes as well (such as diamonds or trapezoids).
[Edit]Learning to Use Holds - Grab a jug by wrapping your fingers around it. Climbing on jugs is pretty straightforward. Simply curl your 4 fingers around the positive edge of the jug, allowing your thumb to relax. Use as little energy as possible when grabbing the jug so that you can save your strength for harder holds.[13]
- On more difficult climbs, jugs offer a good opportunity to stop and rest, shake out your wrists, or adjust your gear.
- To minimize wear and tear on your hands, try to resist readjusting your grip after you grab a jug.[14]
- Pull downwards instead of upwards to use an undercut. Despite their easy gripping surface, undercuts or underclings are challenging because they require a lot of biceps strength. You'll need to get a strong, open-handed grip on the hold and pull down with your arms at the same time that you push up with your feet.[15]
- Body position is important when using an undercut. They work best if the hold is positioned at chest level and your feet are planted solidly and relatively close to your upper body.
- Execute a sideways pull on a sidepull or gaston. Sidepulls and gastons require you to grip the hold from the side and pull horizontally. The difference is in the orientation of the positive edge. To use one of these holds:
- Keep your arm straight and lean away from a sidepull while using your feet to push in the opposite direction. This will keep you balanced while you reach for the next hold.[16]
- Hold a gaston with your thumb facing downward and push against it as if you were opening a sliding door. Use your feet to oppose the motion and propel you toward your next hold.[17]
- Use your fingertips to hold a crimp. Crimps are challenging because of their small positive surface. To use a crimp, you'll need to place the pads of your fingers firmly on the edge and pull up, with your fingers slightly bent. There are 3 basic crimping techniques:[18]
- For the open crimp, place your finger pads on the edge of the crimp and keep your fingers extended as much as possible, with your thumb completely relaxed. This crimp is the easiest on your hands, but does not provide much purchase.[19]
- To perform a half crimp, place your fingertips on the edge and bend your fingers 90° at the second knuckle. This will help you get a better grip, but it also puts slightly more strain on your fingers than an open crimp.
- To do a full crimp, put your fingertips on the edge of the crimp and bend your knuckles, then position your thumb on top of your fingers. This is the strongest crimp, but it can also place a lot of strain on your hands.
- Maximize your surface contact to use a sloper. Since you can't wrap your fingers around a sloper, you have to rely on friction to use them. Place the palms of your hands on the sloper with your fingers close together and following the curve of the surface. Lean in so your forearms are close to the rock and keep your arms straight, then pull yourself up while pushing with your feet.[20]
- Try to keep your feet spread out and firmly planted while you're using a sloper.
- If possible, chalk up your hands before grabbing at a sloper. If your hands are slippery, you'll have a hard time getting the friction you need.
- Grip pinches with your thumb and fingers. To use a pinch, squeeze the hold on both sides with your fingers and thumb. The use of the thumb will make your grip more secure. The pinch grip should feel similar to the act of picking up a book by the spine.[21]
- The way you use the pinch will depend on how the hold is oriented.[22] For example, if it's horizontal, you can use it much like a jug or crimp. If the pinch is vertical, use it more like a sidepull.
- Insert your middle and ring fingers into a pocket. Monos and pockets typically require you to pull yourself up using a small number of fingers (e.g., 1 or 2). Because of this, you risk putting strain on the tendons in your hands.[23] You can minimize the strain by using your strongest fingers, which are the middle and ring fingers for many people.[24]
- Try to fit as many fingers into the pocket as you can. You may be able to squeeze more fingers in by stacking one finger on top of another instead of fitting them in side-by-side.
- Analyze the route before you climb. If you have some idea of what to expect before you begin to climb, it's easier to plan which holds and grips you will use. Take a look at the climb and try to identify some of the holds that you see. Consider how you'll use them to complete the climb.[25]
- For example, if you know ahead of time that your climb will involve an undercut, you can look for good footholds and handholds beneath and above the undercut to help you navigate past this challenging hold.
[Edit]References |
| How to Get the Best Deal Booking a Hotel Posted: 28 Jan 2020 08:00 AM PST Hotel prices can change from day to day, and it can be frustrating to try to find the best deal amidst all the available resources. Whether you are planning a trip months in advance or looking for a last-minute booking, you can use online tools to compare rates, as well as talk to the hotel directly to find the best possible price to fit your budget. Finding a good hotel in your price range is possible with a little time and effort. [Edit]Booking a Room in Advance - Reserve a room in a business hotel to save money. During the summer and on weekends, business hotels are less busy than they are during the week. They may be able to accommodate you at a lower price than traditional hotels because of this.[1]
- Checking in on a Thursday or Friday is advantageous because that's when most business travelers will be heading home.
- Browse booking sites to find out about potential deals. These sites do some of the legwork for you in that they can compare multiple locations for your booking. Input the dates you will be arriving and leaving, how many people are in your party, and any other amenities you require (workout facilities, internet access, handicap accessibility).[2]
- Sites like Kayak, Expedia, and Priceline will give you an overview of the available hotels at your destination.
- Check the hotel's website directly. Some hotels promise the best pricing when you book directly through them versus through a booking website. Select the dates you'll be traveling, how many people will be sleeping in the room, and any other details the site asks for. This will show you what pricing looks like so you can compare with other hotels in the area.[3]
- If you are unfamiliar with the hotel, look up some reviews to see what other customers have said about the accommodations, cleanliness, and service quality.
- Call the hotel directly after you've looked at online pricing offers. If you found an online price for a room cheaper than what is offered on the hotel's website, ask if they are willing to match that price. You can also tell them if you found a less expensive room with a competitor. They may be willing to offer you a different price than what they have listed online in order to secure your business.[4]
- This is one of the best ways to get a better deal on pricing.
- If you are celebrating a special event, like a wedding, anniversary, or birthday, mention this while you are on the phone. You may get a free room upgrade or a special amenities kit.[5]
- Ask about event or group discounts. The hotel may offer senior rates, business traveler rates, veteran rates, discounts for booking more than one room or one night at a time, or discounts if you're attending a certain event in the area. The only way to find out is to ask![6]
- Bundle your flight and hotel together. This can sometimes lead to big savings, but it may make it harder to change your reservations if you have something come up last minute. Look for vacation package deals online or use a travel agent to have someone else do the research work for you.[7]
- Sites like Travelocity and Orbitz let you input your travel dates, locations, and preferred travel class and will give you a list of paired flights and hotel bookings that you can choose from.
- Some of these bundles will also include a car rental, which could potentially save you even more money!
- Join loyalty programs through the hotel or booking websites. If you prefer to stay at a particular hotel, joining their loyalty program can pay off big time. Most programs guarantee the best pricing for members, free Wi-Fi, or free nights for every so many bookings. Similarly, some booking websites will offer a free night for every 10 nights booked.[8]
- If you are going to join a loyalty program, pick 1 and stick with it to ensure you are using all the available discounts.
[Edit]Securing Last Minute Deals - Take advantage of upgrades by booking later in the day. Hotels want to book as many rooms per night as they can, and later in the evening they will have a good idea of how much availability they have. Check booking websites and the hotel's website directly to see how much a room would cost that night and to see if there are any last minute deals.[9]
- You can also take advantage of booking someone else's cancelled reservation this way.
- This option works best if you are traveling for leisure or by yourself for business, rather than if you are attending a big event or conference. Bigger events mean rooms will be booked up early in the season.
- Call the concierge directly rather than the 800 reservation number. The people who work at the hotel are more likely to offer you a discount or upgrade. Be friendly and polite, and don't be afraid to ask about getting a better price.[10]
- Better yet, go to the hotel directly and talk to someone at the desk. Face to face is often a better way to make a connection with someone if you're asking for a deal.
- Stay at a newer hotel to save money. New hotels are looking to get the word out about their hotel and will likely offer discounted prices to drum up more business. You may even be able to book your stay with the manager directly, who can offer a bigger discount.[11]
- Stop into these new hotels rather than making a reservation on the phone. This way you can check out the surroundings to make sure they'll meet your expectations.
- Redeem credit card points for hotel bookings. Many credit cards offer travel deals or points that can get you a few bookings for free every year. Using these to make a day-of reservation will give you more flexibility in where you stay because you won't be as concerned about your budget.[12]
- Cards like Discover and Capital One Venture offer cash back money or bonus points that can be redeemed for hotel stays. Check what discounts your current credit card company can give you.
- Bid on a room to get a good deal on a last minute booking. Hotels that have available rooms often place them on booking sites with their lowest acceptable booking price. When you're ready to make a bid, go to a booking site, select your preferred neighborhood and star levels, and the price you're willing to pay. The name of your hotel won't be revealed until your bid is accepted.[13]
- You have to be okay with leaving things to chance a little bit, but this can be a great way to get a good room for a good price last minute.
- Your credit card is charged as soon as your bid is accepted, so you have to be willing to go with the flow to take advantage of this option. You can't change or cancel the reservation.
- If booking a room ahead of time, check the cancellation policy—many hotels require a partial payment if you cancel 24-48 hours before your reservation.
- Request a corner room—this will give you more square footage for the same price as other rooms in the hotel.[14]
- Mention if you are celebrating a special occasion—like a birthday or an anniversary—when booking your room. This might result in a free upgrade or a special amenities kit.
[Edit]References |
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