| How to Cook Steel Cut Oats Posted: 16 Mar 2022 01:00 AM PDT Steel-cut oats are whole grain oat groats that have been chopped into a few pieces, rather than rolled. They require a much longer cooking time than rolled or quick oats, but their chewy texture and rich, nutty flavor makes them well worth the extra wait. Steel-cut oats can be made on the stovetop or baked in the oven and enriched with spices, fruit and maple syrup. Read on for instructions on how to make basic stovetop steel-cut oatmeal, baked steel-cut oatmeal, and overnight steel-cut oatmeal. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Basic Stovetop Steel-Cut Oatmeal - 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
(optional) - Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or ground cloves
- Maple syrup or brown sugar
- Fruit such as berries, chopped apples, or chopped bananas
[Edit]Baked Steel-Cut Oatmeal - 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups milk
(optional) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 apples, cored, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
[Edit]Overnight Steel-Cut Oatmeal - 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
(optional) - 2 apples, skinned, cored, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
[Edit]Basic Stovetop Steel-Cut Oatmeal - Boil the water. Pour the three cups of water into a small pot, and bring to a boil. You may also boil the water in the microwave if desired.
- Add the steel-cut oats to the pot, along with a pinch of salt, and bring back to a boil. Stir the oats with a wooden spoon.
- Reduce the heat to medium low and cook uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes. Start checking for doneness at about the 20-minute mark.[1] For chewier oats, cook less. For more done oats, cook more.
- Do not stir the oats as they simmer. Allow them to rest in place as the water cooks them.
- Turn the heat lower if the oats seem to be drying out too quickly.
- Add the milk to the oats. Stir the mixture well using a wooden spoon. Let the oatmeal simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove the oatmeal from heat. Spoon into bowls for serving. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, maple syrup, or fruit.
[Edit]Baked Steel-Cut Oatmeal - Preheat oven to .
- Boil the water. Pour the water into a small pot, and bring to a boil. You may also boil the water in the microwave.
- Remember that a little bit of water will get lost through evaporation as you boil it. If you want 2 cups of boiling water for your oats, think about bringing about 2 1/4 cups of water to a boil.
- In the meantime, set a medium pot on the stove over medium heat. Place the butter in the pan and let it melt.
- Add the steel-cut oats to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to toss the oats with the butter. Toast the oats, stirring occasionally, for about three minutes, or until brown.[2]
- Pour the boiling water into the pot with the oats. Stir the water into the oats with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the cinnamon, apples, salt, and milk.
- Scoop the mixture into a greased glass or metal baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake the oatmeal for 50 minutes to one hour. Check on it after 30 minutes to make sure it isn't burning. The oatmeal is ready when the top has browned.
- Serve with cream, fresh apples, or the toppings of your choice.
[Edit]Overnight Steel-Cut Oatmeal - Grease your slow-cooker with a little bit of vegetable oil cooking spray. If you don't grease your pan first, you'll have a mighty tough time extracting the oats from the slow-cooker in the morning.
- Place the steel-cut oats, salt, milk, and water in a crock pot or slow-cooker. Optional: Place the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and/or nuts in the crock pot or slow-cooker along with the oats, salt, milk, and water.[3]
- Mix all the ingredients together until incorporated.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and turn the setting to low. Let the oatmeal cook overnight.
- In the morning, remove the container from the slow cooker and stir the oatmeal. Spoon into bowls and stir in the toppings of your choice. In order to avoid overcooking the oats, try these tips and tricks before you cook your first batch of overnight oats:
- Try the same recipe in your crock pot or slow-cooker during the day, not overnight. Keep an eye on the oats and begin checking for doneness after 5 hours. This way, you'll learn how long it takes to cook oats using your hardware. If you have a slow-cooker with a clear top, you can eyeball the oats. If you have to open the pot in order to check for doneness, know that this will add approximately 30 minutes to your cooking time.
- Plug your crock pot or slow-cooker into an on/off light timer if you don't have a programmable slow-cooker. Set the on/off timer to the time it usually takes you to cook your overnight oats, and you have a life-hacked programmable slow-cooker.
- Make sure any time you cook steel-cut oats that you use a pot that's much bigger than the contents, or you are likely to have boil-over problems.
- Make a double or triple batch and store it in the refrigerator in a tightly-sealed container, for microwaving individual servings on weekdays.
- Try adding dried fruit while cooking. Increase the water, since the fruit will absorb quite a bit.
[Edit]Warnings - Some recipes suggest soaking the oatmeal all night. This may not be safe, because of bacteriological concerns.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Ingredients listed above
- Big pot with a lid
- A spoon
- Glass or metal baking dish
- Slow cooker
- Heat-safe glass container
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Cure Cracked and Dry Elbows Posted: 15 Mar 2022 05:00 PM PDT Dry, flaky elbows are an annoyance—they will certainly make you more self-conscious if you're trying to rock the sleeveless look—and if left untreated can become uncomfortable and painful. If you're suffering from dry cracked elbows, you most likely have a general problem with dry skin, and should check out our corresponding articles on how to deal with dry skin (see below for links). Dry elbows are an especially common and often stubborn problem to deal with, so read the following tips on how to restore your skin to a soft and smooth state. [Edit]Treating your Dry Elbows - Use mild cleansers. If you're suffering from dry, cracked elbows or dry skin in general, it's important to avoid harsh soaps and cleansers, which can further dry out your skin. Choose a product which is formulated for dry skin.
- Avoid fragrances and dyes. Fragrances and dyes are often irritating to the skin and can cause further redness and dryness. Choose cleansers and moisturizes which are fragrance and dye free.
- If you're having trouble sorting through selection at the drugstore, try looking for products designed for babies. They are typically much milder and are often fragrance and dye-free.
- Be gentle with your skin. Don't over-exfoliate; scrubbing your skin too roughly will only further strip your skin of important moisturizing oils. It's recommended that you use your hands or a soft washcloth to exfoliate. [1]
- Choose your moisturizer carefully. An important step to curing your cracked and dry elbows is to properly moisture and smooth them out. Not all moisturizes are created equally, though.
- Cream-based moisturizers are particularly effective at hydrating skin.[2]
- Products with ceramide and hyaluronic acid will help your skin retain moisture. [3]
- Products with dimethicone and glycerin are useful for drawing water to the skin. [4]
- Products with lanolin, mineral oil, and/or petroleum jelly are also recommended and are excellent at helping you retain water. [5]
- Look for lotions with lactic acid; beyond moisturizing your elbows, the lactic acid gently exfoliates your flaky skin. [6]
- Apply your moisturizer (fragrance and dye-free) immediately upon getting out of the shower. Don't dry off completely; it's better to apply lotion while your skin is still damp.[7]
- Try natural food scrubs and lotions. Your dry, cracked elbows may find relief from a variety of home remedies starting in the kitchen.
- Use yogurt on your elbows. Yogurt is high in lactic acid, which will gently help exfoliate your flaky skin. Greek variety yogurt is particularly thick and concentrated. Leave on your elbows for up to 15 minutes. [8]
- Try using organic honey on your ailing elbows, which has long been lauded as an excellent remedy for dry chapped skin. You can mix the honey with your yogurt spread (above), or apply straight to your elbows. [9]
- Treat your elbows with lemon. The citric acid in lemon can work to lighten the dark and dry skin on your elbows, and will also help to gently exfoliate. [10]
- Use natural food oils, like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil as a moisturizer. Apply these straight to your elbows for a long-acting dose of moisture.
- Cover your elbows after moisturizing. After you've applied your moisturizing lotion or oil, cover your elbows with soft tube socks (cut off the toes and the tight elastic). This will help protect your elbows as you sleep, keep the product from rubbing off, and lock in the moisture as you sleep.
[Edit]Changing your Environment and Lifestyle - Keep the temperature low. Dry skin and cracked elbows can become a problem at any time of the year, but they are particularly common during the winter months as the air tends to be drier.
- Experts recommend you resist the urge to crank up the heat when the temperature outside falls.
- Keep the temperature slightly cooler, at 68 degrees. [11]
- Use a humidifier. In an effort to counteract dry indoor air, you may want to use a humidifier in order to keep the air moist.[12] Set it at 45-55% humidity. [13]
- Limit hot showers. Fewer things are more relaxing than a long, hot, steamy shower, but hot temperatures, and indeed exposure to water, have a drying effect upon our skin.
- In order to maintain your skin's natural protecting oils, it's best to keep your water temperature on the cooler side.
- Try to keep your bathing time as short as possible, 5-10 minutes top. [14]
- Limit time spent swimming. Swimming is an excellent source of exercise, but the exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine can contribute to your dry skin. You should either limit your time in the water or avoid it altogether until you are able to heal your dry skin.
- Cover up when exposed to the elements. If you're suffering from dry skin in general, you'll find it helpful to protect your skin from the wind and the sun. Our elbows take extra abuse, so particularly while you are working on curing them, you may want to wear long sleeves.
- Wear natural fibers, such as cotton, and avoid synthetic fabrics which may be irritating.
- Wool, while a natural fiber, can often be irritating to the skin, so you may want to avoid shirts and sweaters spun from wool, regardless of their wintry appeal.
- Stay hydrated. In order to treat your dry skin and elbows from the inside out, be sure to drink plenty of water.
- Change your diet. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help protect our skin from harsh environmental factors and bolster our oil-protecting barriers.[15]
- Fish such as salmon, halibut, and sardines are excellent sources of Omega-3.
- Walnuts, safflower oil and flaxseed are similarly good sources of Omega-3 and are relatively easy to add to your diet.
- Before making any changes to your diet or taking fish-oil supplements, you should of course consult with your physician.
- Keep at your new regimen for at least two weeks. If you aren't seeing noticeable improvements after that time, you should consult with your doctor.
- Start with the simplest products first, and avoid using multiple products at once. The more ingredients you throw into the mix, the more likely it will be that you'll have a reaction or be unable to pinpoint the product or method that is working (or not working) for you.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer Posted: 15 Mar 2022 09:00 AM PDT How wonderful it is when someone presents you with flowers, wrapped in paper or in a box, straight from the florist. It seems to say that "I am thinking of you" in such a warm and romantic way. Flowers show feelings, thanks, or welcoming to their recipient. Making flowers last longer will add to your enjoyment of them, so they will not wither and wilt so fast. [Edit]Using Warm Water - Place flowers in warm water as soon as possible. Once the stems of flowers have been cut, you have removed their life support system.[1]
- Remove the wrapping paper, as paper can bruise the flowers and cellophane can cause them to sweat.
- When cut flowers have been left out of water for any length of time, cells start to form over the cut ends of the stems, which will prevent the stems from taking up water readily. To remove this sealed portion, snip off about 2.5cm (1") from the stem ends and then place in water preferably with preservative added, and allow the flowers to have a long drink before arranging.
- Fill a plastic bucket, one-third to one-half full, with warm water. Warm water should be used as flowers take up warm water more readily than cold.
- Flowers only drink through the ends of the stems and not through the sides of the stems, and for this reason, buckets should not be filled right up to the top with water, as foliage left on stems below the waterline will rot and pollute the water. This will feed bacteria and the flowers will die more quickly.
- The foliage of Marigolds, Chrysanthemums, Stock, and Daisies send off a particularly strong odor when left standing underwater over a period of time.
- Take the bucket of water into the garden with you. Use a sharp pair of secateurs and cut the flower stems on an angle - a slanted cut allows a better intake of water. Remove all foliage from the lower portion of the stems which would stand under the waterline. Place the flowers immediately in the water.[2]
- Avoid overcrowding flowers. Allow enough air to circulate between each flower. Too many flowers crowded together in a bucket may cause the petals to become squashed and bruised. Place the bucket in a cool dark place and allow the flowers to have a long drink before being arranged. When picking short-stemmed flowers, use a smaller container.
- Allow flowers to have a good drink for four to five hours, preferably overnight before arranging. This step is called conditioning. It allows the stems to fill up with water and the flowers will become crisp. These flowers will last twice as long as those that have not been conditioned properly.
- Use a flower preservative to destroy bacteria in the water. Flower preservatives are available in garden centers or supermarkets. Another alternative is to use a cap-full of household bleach in the water. If a preservative is not used, the water needs to be changed and the stems cut on an angle daily. If a preservative is used, the stems do not require re-cutting and water needs changing only about twice a week. Flowers, like Freesias, Spray Carnations and Liliums, have lots of buds. By using a preservative in the water, it helps develop the buds to open.
[Edit]Adding Aspirin - Put a cut flower in a pot or vase. Fill half the pot or vase with water.
- Add one tablet of aspirin.[3]
- Wait for 1 day. Repeat; add another tablet.
- Leave the flowers be after this. The aspirin will help the flowers to stay fresh for around five to nine days without putting in new aspirin pieces.
[Edit]Using Homemade Plant Food - Make homemade plant food. Flowers need food, water, and a clean environment. As such, their water should have a little food, like sugar, and some bleach to slow fungi and bacteria growth. Here's a basic home recipe:
- Mix together 1 quart water + 2 tablespoons lemon juice + 1 tablespoon sugar + 1/2 teaspoon bleach. Pour into the vase.[4]
- Trim the flower stems. This is to open the stems up to the water. Cut off the dried bottoms at an angle, the angle allowing them to take up as much water as possible.
- Trim the ends, which tend to get gummy and closed, every three or four days to keep them fresh longer.
- Remove leaves. Leaves left on the stems below the water level will quickly deteriorate and promote mold. Remove all leaves from the stems below the waterline.
- Place the trimmed flowers into the homemade plant food. Top up with water as needed.
[Edit]Trying Other Options - Try one of the following reader suggestions:
- Add a teaspoon of sugar or a pinch of salt mixed with baking soda.[5]
- Crush a multivitamin tablet and add it to the water.
- Use aspirin. Keep the cut flowers cool and put aspirin in their water. Crush the aspirin in the water before adding the flowers.
- Cut off the white portion at the bottom of bulb flowers, like Tulips, Daffodils, Jonquils, Narcissus, Irises and Hyacinths. Only the green part of the stem can take up water. Daffodils, Jonquils and Narcissus have a thick sap which oozes from the end of the stems when they are cut. Wipe it off before placing the stems in water. Keep these flowers separate from other flowers when they are being conditioned as the sap can affect other flowers. The thick sap can clog the ends of stems and prevent the uptake of water. Stand the stems in about . (3") of water and allow to stand at least six hours before arranging. Bulb flowers prefer shallow water. If daffodils, jonquils and narcissus are placed in deep water, the thick stems can become waterlogged and the stems shrivel up and the petals go papery.
- Wilted flowers can often be revived by standing the stems in fairly hot water right up to the flower heads. After the water has cooled, allow the flowers to stand in the water for a few hours before arranging. Roses can often be perked up by floating the whole stem, head and all, in warm water for half an hour.
- Give special treatment to certain flowers to give them the longest life possible. Flowers with woody stems do not take up water readily. Woody-stemmed flowers include Lilac, Hydrangea, and Rhododendrons. To help break down the thick fibers, you can split the ends of the stems upwards for about . (2") After this treatment, place the stems in a container filled with warm water and give the flowers a long drink before arranging.
- Most flowers should be picked when they are in bud or half open. You will then have the pleasure of seeing them slowly open up. The color of the petals should be starting to show. If picked too tightly in bud, they may never open. This is especially true of tulips and roses. The green pointed sepals around the base of the rose should be starting to turn downwards. Irises and Daffodils should be half opened. Gladioli should be picked when the bottom three or four florets are open and the top florets are still in bud. Carnations, Dahlias, Marigolds, Hydrangeas, Camellias, Gerberas and Chrysanthemums should be picked when they are fully opened.
- If you are unable to place flowers in water, place them in a strong plastic bag with some water in the bottom. Secure the bag with a rubber band. Another method is to wrap flowers in damp newspaper. If traveling by car, place the flowers in the coolest spot. As soon as you get home, re-cut the ends of the stems, place them in water and allow them to condition overnight before arranging.
- If you are picking your own flowers, it is best to do this in the morning or the late evening. Sugar reserves in the stems are at their highest in the mornings or evenings. Ideally, the best time is early morning when flower stems are filled with water after the cool night air. You should never pick flowers in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. The heat of the sun lowers the water content in the stems and the flowers will not last nearly as long. If it has been raining and the flowers are wet, shake them gently to remove the excess water. Too much water will often damage flowers - especially delicately petaled flowers.
[Edit]Warnings - If you place flowers near a fruit bowl, ethylene that fruit emits will cause flowers to decay very quickly.
- Do not place flowers near a heater, on top of a television set or direct sunlight as the heat will affect the life of the flowers. Do not place flowers near a fan or in a drought. Do not place flowers near a microwave due to the radiation.
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