| How to Make Reese's Peanut Butter Cups at Home Posted: 05 Mar 2020 12:00 AM PST If you're craving the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, create a batch of your own Reese's peanut butter cups. To make the cups, mix a peanut butter filling that also uses graham crackers and powdered sugar. Then layer the filling in a muffin liner with melted chocolate. If you prefer, make a low-carb and low-sugar version that uses coconut oil and cocoa powder. For a fun take on the cups, scoop peanut butter balls and dip them in melted chocolate. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Reese's Peanut Butter Cups[1] - 3/4 cup (65 g) of graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup (125 g) of powdered sugar
- 1½ cups (375 g) of creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups (525 g) of milk chocolate chips
Makes 16 to 18 cups [Edit]Low-Carb and Low-Sugar Reese's Peanut Butter Cups[2] - 2/3 cup (165 g) of creamy all-natural peanut butter, divided
- of melted coconut oil, divided
- of vanilla extract, divided
- 3 tablespoons (22 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder
- of maple syrup, divided
- Himalayan sea salt to garnish
Makes 12 cups [Edit]Reese's Peanut Butter Balls[3] - 1 cup (226 g) of butter, softened
- 2 cups (500 g) of creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) of dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped
- of powdered sugar
- 3 cups (525 g) of milk chocolate chips, melted
Makes about 30 balls [Edit]Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - Put cupcake liners into a muffin tin. Put 1 cupcake liner into each space of muffin tin. Since you'll be making 16 to 18 peanut butter cups, you'll need two 12-hole muffin tins or four 6-hole muffin tins.
- If you prefer to make mini-Reese's peanut butter cups, use a mini-muffin tin, but spray the tin with cooking spray instead of lining them. You'll probably get around 30 mini-cups.
- Mix the graham crackers, sugar, and peanut butter. Put 3/4 cup (65 g) of graham cracker crumbs into a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup (125 g) of powdered sugar and 1½ cups (375 g) of creamy peanut butter. Use a spoon or hand mixer to combine the mixture.
- To make it easier to mix, consider microwaving the peanut butter for 30 to 40 seconds before adding it to the bowl.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave at 30 second increments. Put 3 cups (525 g) of milk chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat the chips for 30 seconds. Stir them and then microwave them for another 30 seconds. Keep doing this until the chocolate is melted.
- If you don't want to microwave the chocolate chips, heat them in a double-boiler until they melt.
- Layer the chocolate and peanut butter in each cupcake liner. Put of melted chocolate into each liner. Tilt the liner or use a spoon so some of the chocolate comes up the sides a little. Then put (16 g) of the peanut butter mixture in the liner. Top the peanut butter with of the melted chocolate.
- To make the tops level, use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly.
- Chill the cups for 1 hour before serving. Put the muffin tin into the refrigerator. Let the peanut butter cups chill until the chocolate is completely set and hard. Then remove them and serve.
- To store leftover peanut butter cups, put them into an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 weeks. If you prefer cold cups, store them in the refrigerator.
[Edit]Low-Carb and Low-Sugar Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - Fill a muffin tin with liners and spray them with cooking spray. Put a cupcake liner into each cavity of a muffin tin. Spray each liner with cooking spray and put the tin aside.
- Mix half of the peanut butter, oil, vanilla, syrup, and all of the cocoa. Put 1/3 cup (82 g) of the creamy peanut butter into a bowl along with of the melted coconut oil, of the vanilla, of the maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons (22 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir to combine the chocolate mixture and set it aside.
- Avoid using peanut butter that has added oils to make it spreadable.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in another bowl. Get out another mixing bowl and put in the remaining 1/3 cup (82 g) of the creamy peanut butter, of melted coconut oil, of vanilla extract, and of maple syrup. Stir the peanut butter mixture until it's smooth.
- Divide the chocolate into the muffin tin and spread it. Spoon about of the chocolate mixture into each cupcake liner. Once you've put all of the chocolate into the tin, pick up the tin and shake it around a little so the chocolate spreads across the bottom and sides of the liner.
- Divide the peanut butter into the tin and spread it over the chocolate. Scoop about of the peanut butter mixture directly onto each chocolate-filled cup. Spread or shake the peanut butter so it covers most of the chocolate.
- It's fine if some of the chocolate is still visible around the peanut butter. This will just make the chocolates look hand-crafted.
- Garnish with salt and freeze the cups for 30 minutes. Sprinkle a little Himalayan sea salt over the top of each peanut butter cup. Then put the muffin tin in the freezer for 30 minutes so the chocolate and peanut butter set. Remove and serve the cups.
- Freeze the leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
[Edit]Reese's Peanut Butter Balls - Mix the butter and peanut butter in a bowl. Put 1 cup (226 g) of softened butter into a bowl along with 2 cups (500 g) of creamy peanut butter. Use a spoon or hand mixer to beat the butters until they're completely combined.
- You shouldn't see any streaks of butter in the mixture.
- Stir in the ground peanuts and powdered sugar. Stir in 1 1/2 cups (190 g) of finely chopped dry roasted peanuts. Then stir in of powdered sugar. Continue to stir until it makes a firm dough.
- If the dough is still sticky, stir in more powdered sugar until it stiffens.
- Scoop the peanut butter mixture into small balls. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form the mixture into truffle-sized balls about (20 g) in size. If you prefer, make mini-balls that are about 1 teaspoon (7 g) in size.
- You should get about 30 peanut butter balls.
- Chill the balls on a waxed baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and leave at least 1/4 in (6 mm) of space between each ball. Put the sheet in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
- Chilling the filling will help the chocolate harden faster.
- Dip the balls in melted chocolate. Put 3 cups (525 g) of melted milk chocolate chips into a bowl and set it on your work surface. Take the chilled balls out of the fridge and dip 1 ball at a time in the melted chocolate. Turn the ball or use another spoon to pour chocolate over the entire ball. Then set it back on the waxed paper.
- Repeat this with all of the peanut butter balls on the baking sheet.
- Chill the Reese's peanut butter balls for 30 minutes. Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator. Chilling the balls will help the chocolate harden faster. Then you can remove them and serve them.
- Store the leftover balls in an airtight container for up to 1 month at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Try substituting another nut butter (such as almond or cashew butter) for the peanut butter.
- Use your favorite type of chocolate such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Spoons
- Muffin tins
- Cupcake liners
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave
- Hand mixer, optional
[Edit]Low-Carb and Low-Sugar Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Cooking spray
[Edit]Reese's Peanut Butter Balls - Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
- Spoons or cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Waxed paper
- Hand mixer, optional
[Edit]References |
| How to Design a Small Garden Posted: 04 Mar 2020 04:00 PM PST Even if you don't have a large area in your yard, you can still make a beautiful garden that maximizes the space you have. Before you begin digging or planting, make sure you have a detailed plan for the layout of your garden and the plants you want to include. Look for plants that grow well in your area and are small enough to fit in your garden when they reach their full size. With the right plants, you'll only have around 1 hour of weekly upkeep for your small garden. [Edit]Choosing the Best Location - Choose an area that gets 6–8 hours of sun daily. Since most flowering plants and vegetables require full sun to grow properly, opt for the sunniest area in your yard to place your garden. If the area doesn't get a lot of light during the day, you may still be able to grow plants that thrive in the shade.[1]
- Plants that don't receive enough light won't produce as many blooms or grow as well.
- Pick a spot that's close to a water source. Try to find an area that either has a natural water source or sits close to your outdoor hose attachment. That way, the soil will stay moist and make it less likely to dry out and kill your plants. If you aren't able to place your garden directly by a water source, make sure it's as close as possible.[2]
- You can also try building an artificial pond or water feature if you want to help keep the soil hydrated.
- Opt for a place where you can easily access your garden. Look for a place in your yard where you can see your garden from a window or a spot in your yard so you're able to enjoy it. Make sure you can walk into your garden with ease to make it easier to take care of your plants. Avoid placing it anywhere that's difficult to get to, or else it may become more of a hassle.[3]
- Measure the space you have available for your garden. Stretch a measuring tape across the length of the area, and record the measurement on a piece of paper. Then take the measurement for the width of the area. Double-check your measurements to make sure they're accurate so you can plan the space efficiently.[4]
- Typically, plots grow best in rectangular areas, but you can make your garden a different shape, such as a triangle or circle, if it fits the space better.
[Edit]Following Design Principles - Plan the layout for your garden to scale on a piece of graph paper. Draw the outline on the paper so each grid square equals . Start by sketching longer rectangles for your garden beds so they're to scale for the actual size you want them. Then divide the rectangles into smaller sections for each different plant you want to put in them, assuming that 1–2 plants usually take up . Be sure to leave a space between garden beds so you can easily walk between them and care for your plants.[5]
- For example, if you want a garden bed that's and each square on the graph paper equals , then you would draw a rectangle that's 3 squares tall by 8 squares long. This bed would leave enough room for 24–48 plants.
- Work in pencil so you can erase and make changes to the design easily.
- Look online for digital garden planners to help you design the layout.
- Use square-foot gardening for the most compact growing system. Make a grid on your design so each square is . Make a list of the plants you want to grow and label each square on the grid with one of the plants from your list. Make sure you know the final growing sizes so you can easily manage how many plants of a species you'll be able to grow in the square.[6]
- Typically, you can fit 1–2 individual plants of a species in area, but you may be able to plant more if they're small growths. Talk to an employee at a gardening center since they can help you choose plants that will work the best.
- Arrange your design so there are focal points. Aim to have 1–2 aspects of your garden design unique so they stand out from the rest of your plants. This could be a statue, fountain, or small tree placed in the center or on either side. Take into consideration where you want people to focus or have their attention drawn to when they look at your garden, and plan your design around those spots.[7]
- Focal points help your garden feel more inviting and make them more visually pleasing.
- Paths in your garden can also help draw people's eyes in certain directions to help then flow visually.
- Put similar plants across from one another to create rhythm and symmetry. Rather than putting different plants in each of your garden beds, opt for using the same plant or ones that have similar textures or colors so they're across from one another. That way, when you look at your garden, it will look inviting and make the area feel more balanced. Make sure the plants on each side of your garden have approximately the same sizes, or your garden design may look messy or unbalanced.[8]
- Make the edge height ⅓ of the horizontal length to help it feel enclosed. Making your garden feel enclosed will make you feel more comfortable while you're working in your garden. Measure the horizontal length of the garden area and opt for plants or design features that are at least a third of that length in your design.[9]
- For example, if you have a garden that's long, aim to have plants that reach up to around the edges
- Include room for seating in your design if you want a place to relax. Look online or at gardening stores to find outdoor seating that fits your space and matches your style. Draw the seating in your design, and make sure you have paths that lead to it. You can place the seating directly in the grass, or you can set it on tiles or pavers for a flat, even surface.[10]
- Avoid using furniture made for indoor use since it could easily develop mold or get dirty from the weather.
- You don't need to include seating in your garden if you don't have the space.
[Edit]Selecting Your Plants - Opt for raised beds that are deep for better soil. Look for raised beds or containers that are around wide and deep so the plant roots have room to grow. Avoid getting beds any wider since it can make it more difficult to care for and harvest your plants. If possible, orient the beds so they run from north to south to allow your plants to get the most amount of light during the day.[11]
- Raised beds are easier to manage since you can more easily control the soil and nutrients inside the container.
- If you don't want to use raised beds, you can still plant in rows directly in the ground.
- Build the planting beds if you aren't able to find preconstructed ones in the sizes you need.
- Mix ornamental and edible plants together in your garden. Try to include at least 1–2 types of flowering ornamental plants in each of your garden beds where you plan on growing vegetables. Opt for plants that have different leaf shapes and a variety of blooms to make your garden look visually interesting. Talk to the employees at a local gardening center to find out what plants are the most compatible so they don't compete for nutrients.[12]
- Some ornamental plants you can use in your garden include hostas, hibiscus, allium, salvia, lavender, and sedum.[13]
- Flowering ornamental plants also attract beneficial insects that kill other pests and help pollinate.
- You don't need to include vegetables in your garden if you only want ornamental or flowering plants.
- Choose compact varieties of plants to maximize the space. If you like the look of larger plants and want to grow them, check your local gardening center to see if they have compact versions of them. Check the final growing size on the packaging to make sure they'll still properly fit in your garden beds at the end of the season. Include the plants in your garden design drawing so you see how much space they'll take up.[14]
- The most common vegetables that have compact varieties are cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and squash, but you may be able to find others.
- Avoid planting anything melons or fruit trees, since they can be difficult to control and can steal nutrients from other plants.
- Use companion planting to reduce competition for nutrients and manage pests. Talk to an employee at a gardening center or look online about the plants you want to grow and what pairs well with them. Try to position smaller plants in between larger ones so you can make the most of the growing space. Make sure the plants you select are compatible with one another, or else they may not grow to their full potential.[15]
- Include a fence or trellis to help plants grow vertically. Try to put the trellis or fence along the north side of your garden so plants growing on it can get the most light throughout the day. Aim to have a tall trellis to help it support the most growth.[16] Avoid placing a trellis or fence where it casts shade on other plants, or else you could make them grow less efficiently.[17]
- Trellises and fences work well for plants vine-like plants, such as peas, beans, squashes, and tomatoes.
- You may also attach shelves or containers directly to a fence if you want to grow flowering plants off of the ground.
- Try succession planting if you want a large variety of vegetation. Look for plants that stop blooming or are ready to harvest in the middle of the growing season. Then choose varieties of plants that thrive in the latter half of the growing season to replace the plants that grew earlier. That way, your garden will always produce fresh vegetables or blooms throughout the entire year.[18]
- For example, you can plant radishes or lettuce in the spring to harvest in the late summer. Then you may grow summer squash in the same location to harvest in the fall.[19]
[Edit]Tending Your Garden - Mulch between your plants to help the soil retain water. Aim to have a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, leaves, or peat moss. Spread the mulch evenly across your garden so it's about away from any of your plants' stems. Reapply mulch throughout the season if you notice it getting thin.[20]
- Mulch also prevents weeds from growing in your garden beds.
- Water the soil when it feels dry below the surface. Dig a hole in the soil that's deep and touch it with your finger. If it feels dry, use a watering can or a hose to water the soil until it's wet deep. Check the soil daily to make sure it doesn't dry out and kill your plants.[21]
- Plants in containers or raised beds usually need to be watered more often than those directly planted in the ground.
- Apply fertilizer in the beginning and middle of the growing season. You can either use liquid fertilizer or buy granules that soak into the soil. Apply half of the fertilizer amount on the soil near your plants and spread it evenly throughout the garden bed. Immediately water the soil so the fertilizer can soak in and give nutrients to your plants.[22]
- Be careful not to get any fertilizer directly on your plants since you could damage them.
- Pull weeds out by hand when you see them growing. Check your garden beds weekly for weeds growing between your plants. Grab the weeds as close to the soil as you can and pull them straight out of the ground. If you don't want to pull them by hand, use a hoe or trowel to dig out the roots and remove them from your garden.[23]
- Avoid leaving the weed's roots in the soil since they could grow back.
- Prune plants to control their sizes. Begin pruning at the start of the season to help promote new growth, and in the middle of the season to help keep your garden looking clean. Remove any stems or branches that have damage or look leggy with a pair of hand pruners. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle to help reduce the chance of rot.[24]
- Don't cut off any more than a third of the vegetation, or else the plant may not grow back as easily.
- Get inspiration for designs and layouts from gardening magazines.
- Go to a local gardening store to ask about plants that work well together and find new additions to add to your garden.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Tape measure
- Graph paper
- Raised garden beds
- Fencing or trellis
- Outdoor seating (optional)
- Watering can or hose
- Mulch
- Fertilizer
- Hand pruners
[Edit]References |
| How to Make an Aloe Vera Face Mask Posted: 04 Mar 2020 08:00 AM PST Aloe vera is a plant that's rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and E, which makes it a great ingredient for homemade face masks. While aloe isn't a miracle cure for all skin conditions, it can help to make your skin more vibrant, reduce inflammation and blemishes, moisturize, and reduce signs of aging. When applying an aloe mask, use a thick brush to spread an even layer of the mixture over your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. After letting the mixture sit for several minutes, rinse it off with cold water. Experiment with different face masks and see which one works best for you! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Glowing Papaya Mask - 1 tbsp (7.4 g) of cacao powder
- ¼ of a papaya
- About of aloe gel
[Edit]Acne-Reducing Turmeric Mask - of aloe vera gel
- of fresh honey
- 1 tsp (3.2 g) of turmeric powder
[Edit]Rejuvenating Matcha Mask - of aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp (9 g) of bentonite clay powder
- 1 tsp (1.75 g) of matcha powder
- of water, as needed
[Edit]Brightening Coffee and Sugar Mask - of aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp (3 g) of coffee grounds
- 1 tsp (4 g) of granulated sugar
[Edit]Creating a Refreshing Mask - Mix papaya, cacao powder, and aloe vera to create glowing skin. Cut a papaya into quarters and peel away the outer layer. Add the fruit into a small bowl, along with 1 tbsp (7.4 g) of cacao powder and a grape-sized amount of aloe vera gel. Using a fork or spoon, mash and mix the ingredients together until they form a smooth paste.[1]1
- You can use this mask whenever you want.
- Papaya makes your skin look glowing, and can help get rid of acne.
- Reduce acne with a turmeric, aloe gel, and honey mask. Stir each of aloe gel and raw, liquid honey together in a small bowl. Once these ingredients are thoroughly combined, mix in 1 tsp (3.2 g) of turmeric powder. Continue stirring until there are no visible powder lumps within the mask mixture.[2]
- Turmeric is a great remedy for inflamed skin, while honey is known for its antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
- Soothe your skin by making a mask with matcha, aloe gel, and bentonite clay. Scoop (9 g) of bentonite clay powder into a small bowl, then pour in of water or so, until the clay becomes a paste. Next, mix in of aloe vera gel with 1 tsp (1.75 g) of matcha powder. Continue stirring these ingredients together in a bowl until they form a thick, consistent paste.[3]
- Bentonite clay is especially beneficial for oily skin, while matcha powder helps to fight skin inflammation.
- Make your skin look vibrant with coffee, sugar, and aloe gel. Scoop of aloe vera gel, 1 tsp (3 g) of coffee grounds, and 1 tsp (4 g) of white sugar into a small bowl. Next, stir the ingredients together until they form a smooth, consistent gel-like mixture.[4]
- The graininess of the coffee grounds can exfoliate your skin.
[Edit]Applying the Aloe Mask - Wash your skin with cleanser and exfoliant. Using the cleanser of your choice, clean off any oils, dirt, and cosmetics from your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and under eye area. Next, rub a cherry-sized amount of exfoliant onto your skin to clear away any dead skin cells. After this, you can rinse off the exfoliating product with lukewarm water.[5]
- Don't exfoliate every day; instead, do it about 3 times each week. If your skin is especially acne-prone, you can exfoliate every day.[6]
- Take a shower to open up your pores. Before applying any aloe masks to your skin, unwind by taking a hot, steaming shower. Stay there for several minutes, so your pores can naturally open up. This way, your skin will be more receptive to the mask![7]
- Brush the mixture over your skin. Dip a wide makeup brush into the mask. After coating the brush completely, spread the mixture along your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. As you go, try to apply the mixture in an even layer.[8]
- If your hands are clean, you can also apply the mask using your fingers.
- Leave the mask on your face for 10 minutes. Set a timer for 10 minutes and relax while the mask soaks into your skin. Try not to lose track of time—if you leave the mixture on your skin for too long, it might be difficult to rinse off later.[9]
- You need to keep the mask on for several minutes for your skin to benefit from the nutrients.
- Rinse off your face with cold water. Use your hands to splash cold water across your skin. As you work, use gentle motions to clear the mixture off of your skin.[10] If you'd prefer, you can also use a soaked bath tissue to dab away the mixture.[11]
- Cold water helps your pores to close and absorb the nutrients from the mask.[12] makeup brush, then use your fingers to rub a thin layer of tretinoin cream into the gel. Instead of rinsing off the products, let them soak into your skin.[13]}}
- You can apply your normal moisturizer after rinsing off your aloe mask.[14]
- Combine aloe gel with a basic sheet mask to rejuvenate your skin.[15]
[Edit]Warnings - Before preparing any masks, rub a small amount of aloe gel on your skin to make sure that you're not allergic. If you notice swelling or hives near the applied area, you're likely allergic.[16]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Bowl
- Fork, spoon, or whisk
- Bath tissue
- Thick makeup brush
- Tretinoin treatment
[Edit]References |
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