What can I do about wedding music without hiring a DJ?

Q. OK I'm really anti-DJ, I think it's trite and lowbrow and I don't like their banter and volume at weddings and other events. My fiance and I are coming up with good organized playlists for our cocktail hour and reception, so all we really need are speakers and a mic. His cousin can announce us as bride and groom and introduce the wedding party at the start of the reception, and the only other thing would be the dessert announcement and best man's toast. I really just want to rent PA and a mic and hook up a laptop to it and let it run but then if it breaks there's no one there to fix it from the rental company. I won't hire a band because that steals even more focus from the event than a DJ. I'm hiring 2-3 string pieces for the ceremony and part of the cocktail hour, then the canned music will start. If we did hire a DJ, it would just be someone to babysit the equipment all night, make 2 whole announcements, but their music would not be allowed because we are doing that ourselves. What other options do I have to amplify the music and keep in mind I live 5 hours from where I'm getting married so I can't run all over town talking to rental companies or DJ's.

Answer
Some of the answerers here make very valid points regarding your music not necessarily appealing to all your guests. I also understand your concern over hiring a loud, obnoxious DJ (although there are professional DJ's out there) or an even louder focus-stealing band. Having performed at receptions for 16 years I think I can help.
As you are against having a DJ or band, I would suggest doing the following:

Select music and create a playlist with music for all age groups. Ask your family and friends what songs they might like to dance to at your reception.
Rent good sound equipment. Sound check it before renting it to make sure there are no problems.
Also, make sure your laptop connections are compatible with the sound equipment.
Get cordless mics if available. This way intros, toasts & announcements can be made from anywhere in the room.

Once you arrive at the hall:
Have your cousin handle intros and announcements (per your plan)
Introduce or acknowledge the parents
Introduce the bridal party
Ask everyone to stand, then introduce the bride and groom
Toast and Prayer before meal (if applicable)
Dinner music- use Earl Klugh's Sudden Burst of Energy (light jazz)
or other instrumental music (allows for dinner conversation)
Cut the cake (after dinner)
First dances-- songs for your first dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, bridal party dance and whole hall dance. These are traditionally slow dance songs, but it is entirely your choice.
Have Dance Set #1, usually 3-4 upbeat songs followed by 2 slow songs (so the guys can dance too)
Throw the bouquet and garter
Have Dance Set #2, followed by either a dollar dance or a Dash For Cash (a contest between the bride and groom, as they race thru the hall and collect as much money as your guests are willing to part with. This has been a big hit with our service the past 10 yrs, as it only eats up about 5 minutes of your reception instead of a 30 minute dollar dance).
Have Dance Set #3.
Your crowd tends to get younger as the night progresses, so you need to play music
that is appealing to the guests who are there at the beginning as well as the end.
These are some of the songs I would recommend to start the night:
1st set: Celebration by KC and The Sunshine Band
Old Time Rock & Roll by Bob Seger
Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry
YMCA by The Village People
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
When A Man Loves A Woman by Percy Sledge
2nd set: could be either a line dance set or country set
Electric Boogie by Marcia Griffiths (electric slide)
Cupid Shuffle by Cupid
Cha Cha Slide by DJ Casper
Sideways by Dierks Bentley
Would You Go With Me by Josh Turner
T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Travis Tritt
Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
Always and Forever by Heatwave
It's Your Love by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
From This Moment On by Shania Twain & Brian White
3rd set: Dance music for you, your friends and younger guests.
Your choice of songs (hip-hop, club,alternative)
As the evening gets later, extend your sets by 2-4 fast dance songs (more if people are really dancing) but never more than 2 slow songs (except to close out the night).

This should help get you headed in the right direction.
Good Luck & Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Sweet 16 dinner party :s?

Brownie_Bb

I want to be able to dress up a bit (not too fancy) for a dinner party for my sweet 16. Have any ideas of what we could do to have the dinner party at home? I am not gonna hire a caterer, but like how should the whole dinner part be arranged at home? decorations, and other activities to do while we r in our dresses, food, anything??

Answer
well if you can fit all the guess at your table
then you need a nice table cloth
your favorite flower for center piece's
set the table up with fork spoon knives glass plates
on the food it your birthday so fix your favorite food if it pizza then go for it
play your slow song at dinner then after dinner you can dance or Liston to all you favorites song do what you want your are only 16 for 1 year
wright down your favorite thing
1. food
2. if you have 2 favorites drinks one can be for the meal and the other for after the meal
3. what your favorites color you can use that color for table cloth and napkin and your flower
4. song
5.and guess it your birthday so please yourself not your fiends

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Parabola - Satellite Dishes?

JSJ

Why is it shaped in a parabola???
Explain the mechanics.
Other important informations
(add sources please)

Answer
The parabolic shape of a dish reflects the satellite signal from the focal point to the LNB. An LNB is a low-noise block converter. It converts the high frequencies (electromagnetic waves) received from the satellite to lower ones (electrical signals) that can be sent through coaxial cable. This signal is sent from the satellite dish to a special receiver and then to a television set. This allows the picture and sound quality to be reproduced at a higher level than if it was not converted.

The satellite dish can be set to pick up specific satellite signals.

There has to be a direct line of signal from the dish to the satellite in the sky to work. A coaxial cable is connected to the LNB, grounded through a grounding block and then run into the house. This cable is attached to a satellite receiver and then to a television. You must have an account with a satellite provider to be able to pick up their satellite programming.

The signal comes from the satellite in the sky to the dish and then is converted through the LNB. The cable carries it into the receiver, which will then broadcast it on the television.

More Detail>>
The satellite dish consists of a metal reflector (antenna) and an LNB held in front of it by a support arm called a feed horn. These are placed on a pole (mast) and mount. The satellite dish is the reverse of a parabolic floodlight in which the reflector picks up light from a single source and reflects out parallel light rays. Depending on the size of the dish, there is a significant amount of passive amplification that takes place at this stage. But the signal could never make it to the building via cable. It would disappear within 2 to 3 feet due to capacitive and radiation losses characteristic of these incredibly high microwave frequencies.

After it arrives at the dish, the signal transmitted by a satellite transponder is reflected and propagated by a circular or rectangular tube, which is part of the feedhorn. This tube, known as a waveguide, has dimensions based on the wavelength of the signal. Its purpose is to confine and funnel the signal, which zigzags or bounces wall to wall along its path. Thus, the feedhorn is a channel that brings the signal to a pickup probe attached to the low noise block (LNB). This LNB provides further amplification and, by combining it with an appropriate frequency generated by a local oscillator, reduces the carrier to a lower frequency so it can travel by coaxial cable to the receiver inside the building.

Also located inside the feedhorn is a polarizer. Satellite operators found that they could double the number of available channels by sending two separate signals on each frequency. Vertically and horizontally polarized signals can occupy the same frequency, but the desired signal has to be separated out within the feedhorn. Early models of satellite dishes required a servo motor to rotate a polarizer as the user selected different channels, but today the same thing is accomplished via electronics.

Since the feedhorn contains active components, power supply voltages are required at the dish. As is the case in a lot of low-voltage equipment (e.g., centrally supervised fire alarm, telephone, or cable TV), a power supply voltage has to be sent out to the dish, coexisting with the signal but traveling in the opposite direction. Considering the fact that the feedhorn has no power supply of its own, this voltage is DC. In one system, two different voltage levels (13V and 17V) inform the polarizer inside the feedhorn of the desired version (horizontal or vertical) â or in the case of circular polarization, clockwise or counterclockwise â thereby doubling the number of channels available.

The signal, reduced to a workable frequency and correctly polarized, travels into the building where it enters the receiver, you choose the channel you want to view and the picture appears on your TV set.

Daal Baati -Rajasthani dish?

..C0ffe3..

Hey people
I just tasted this DAAL BAATI WITH GARLIC CHUTNEY at my friends place and i loved it ! It was simply awesome.
Could you please tell me the recipe for the same especially the garlic chutney.
thanks in advance :)

Answer
The Baati are traditionally roasted in an open coal fire but you can also cook them under a grill or in your oven. They are then eaten dipped in the thick, soup-like Daal. The Daal is traditionally made with a number of different types of lentils but you can use as many as you have at the moment. The Baatis can be made ahead of time. Just remember to keep them warm though. This recipe makes about 15-20 of them.

Ingredients:
For the Daal: 100 gms raw Moong Daal (split yellow lentils)
100 gms raw whole Urad Daal (black lentils)
100 gms raw Toor Daal (split yellow pigeon peas)
100 gms raw Chana Daal (split Bengal gram)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/4 tsp asafetida powder
3-4 tbsps melted ghee
2 green chillies washed and slit lengthwise
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsps grated ginger

For the Baati: 300 gms whole wheat flour
150 gms coarse semolina
5 tbsps Bengal gram flour
1 tsp salt
6 tbsps ghee/ clarified butter (see recipe below)
Preparation:
Mix all the Daals together in a bowl and wash thoroughly. Now put them into a pressure cooker and add 3 cups of water. Add the turmeric, red chilli and asafetida powders. Stir and cover the pressure cooker. Boil till the Daal are soft. This should take approximately 3 'whistles'. This means you start to cook on high heat until you hear one pressure release. Then you reduce the heat to low and cook till you hear two more subsequent pressure releases.
Turn off heat. Keep aside till all pressure is released and then open. You can also cook the Daals without a pressure cooker... it just takes longer. To do this you need to put the Daals in a heavy bottomed pan and add 4-5 cups of water. Cook on medium heat till the Daals are very soft. Add more water to prevent drying out, as required. The end result should be that the Daal mixture looks like a thick soup.
Once the Daals are cooked, it is time to temper them. To do this, heat the ghee a small pan. When it is hot, add the green chillies, cumin seeds and grated ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes and remove from heat. Immediately add to the boiled Daal mixture. Season with salt to taste and mix well. The Daal is now ready. Next we will prepare the Baati.

To make the Baati, put the flour, semolina, bengal gram flour, salt and ghee into a large mixing bowl. Mix well and then knead for 5-7 minutes till a a firm dough is formed. Keep aside for 10 minutes.
Now pre-heat your oven to 400 F/ 200 C/ Gas Mark 6.
Divide the dough into equal sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Press very lightly to flatten the balls just a little. Arrange them on a greased baking tray about 1" from each other.
Bake the Baatis in the oven till golden. You need to turn them every 5-7 minutes to ensure even browning and cooking.

To serve, put some Daal into a bowl (individual portion size) and set on a plate. Add some Baatis and serve. To eat, the Baati is broken in half and dipped in the Daal! To make this even more special, break the Baatis in half and lay on the plate. Now drizzle with melted ghee! Dip in the Daal and eat!

And yes it is simply incomplete without Garlic chutney for which the recipee is

Garlic Chutney
Ingredients:
Garlic - 4 cloves
Red chillies - 10 roasted
Coconut - 2 cups grated
Oil - 4 teaspoon
Tamarind - 1 piece
Salt To Taste

Method:
Sauté the garlic and grated coconut in oil.
Make tamarind pulp by soaking tamarind in water and strain it.
Grind the saute mixture with roasted red chillies and tamarind pulp.
Add the garlic and salt and grind once again to a smooth paste.

Im glad you have an interest in Indian Cuisine,

Edgar

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

can some one tell me where to sell my dinner ware i dont want or need utica ny area?

bluemystic

they are a very good set portmerion harvest blue 8 sets of 5 piece place settings thank you

Answer
Advertise on craigslist or eBay.

By using one or both sites, you'll have international access to people who have an interest in your dinnerware-therefore better profits for you.

You can decide to sell the sets individually, or as a lot. Maybe you want to trade or barter!

Who knows? Maybe a restaurant or Bed &Breakfast owner in another state or country is looking for exactly what you're selling. There may interest in your blue and white dinnerware for its design appeal.

Include some quality close-up pictures of your dinner sets in your ad. Some buyers/browsers (including myself) skip ads that do not have images

Get better acquainted with these two online marketplaces by visiting the links below.

Good luck to you!

Has anyone heard of the dinnerware manufacture Entrada?

Q. I bought 4 plates and 4 salad plates at ROSS in August, and really want more pieces to complete the set. I've gone to 5 different ROSS stores since, and haven't been able to find any more. I've also searched online multiple times. Does anyone know who carries this brand? The ones I bought are beige with brown/black cherry blossoms on them. Thanks in Advance!

Answer
Not exactly sure if you meant for infants.

mothersthis.info/baby-vroom-
dinnerware-collection.asp

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Yummy lunch/dinner ideas?

Q. What are some yummy, healthy lunch and dinner ideas I can make myself? Im 13 and I gotta make some for my brother to, he's 15 but he's a dude so he can't cook:) help

Answer
THESE ARE THE EASIEST AND CHEAPEST I HAVE IN MY RECIPE BOX------. HOPE THEY HELP!

AND MY BROTHER SAID FOR YOU TO TELL YOUR BROTHER THAT I TAUGHT HIM TO COOK WITH THESE RECIPES AT AGE 14 SO HE BETTER GET WITH THE PROGRAM! (LOL)

Spaghetti and Meat sauce

1 large can of Hunts Spaghetti Sauce with Garlic & Herbs
1-2 lbs Hamburger
2 tbs butter or margarine
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cumin (OPTIONAL)
1 regular size box of any pasta bits (NOT the long straight kind or elbow noodles). Examples are small shells, small bow ties, small Penne, twisters, etc.

In medium size pot fill 3/4 way with water and put on medium heat to boil. in another medium pot add butter on medium heat to melt then and bits and pieces of the hamburger on it and using a cooking spoon stir the meat with cumin (optional) until thoroughly broken down and brown, add to the meat mixture pot the sauce and veggies, reduce hear to low and cover to simmer. Meanwhile add pasta to boiling water, stir occasionally until soft when taste tested,, but not gooey..Turn off meat sauce, sieve the pasta and combine in larger pot or bowl or platter if for company. Serve with flatbread

Creamy Mac n' Cheese

one box of your choice small pasta bits
16 slices of american or cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/4 lb stick butter or margarine
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

Boil pasta until cooked to your taste, drain, cover and set aside.

In a microwave bowl or small stove pot heat milk and butter until butter is melted and put aside.

In a another small pot put in oil on low heat and sprinkle flour/corn starch and make a roue--- gradually add a little of the butter/milk mixture and slices of the cheese stirring all the while until cheese is thoroughly melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Blend contents of both pots together and then into a casserole dish, Spread even and top with your choice of bread crumbs, sliced black olives, sliced hot dogs, mini meatballs, or sprinkle paprika on top, add some salsa or some dabs of relish. Remember to coat all toppings with melted butter before placing into 350 F oven for anothrt 10 minutes then serve.

Baked Apple Du Jour

(This is for one person.. Obviously, you multiply it if you need more)

1 HUGE Red Delicious Apple, cored and peeled (peeling is optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 Karo Light Syrup or any non-butter pancake syrup
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup crushed walnuts OR almonds OR peanuts

ina small baking plate center cored apple standing up if possible. Ina bowl combine the rest of the ingredients. Now stuff the core of the apple and with any extra allow to pour over the apple and down the sides and cover entire top of plate with aluminum foil.. Bake in oven at 350F degrees for 20 minutes.

when finished add ice cream on top, OR whipped cream OR pudding OR.....whatever you like.

New Ideas for Dinner Time?

Sienna THE

Hey Everyone,

I need some new ideas on what to cook my girls for dinner. They are 5,3, & 15 months. They always have the regular mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, things like that..

Any new ideas of what I can cook for them ?
Thanks!

Answer
Monday
Breakfast â A

Fresh berries (buy whatever is in season where you are â or use frozen)
Yogurt
Granola
Beverage Of Choice
Mix Berries, yogurt and granola.

Lunch â B
Stroganoff Stew
Apples
Beverage Of Choice

Stroganoff Stew

1 lb stew beef, browned and cubed

2 cups of water
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp worstershire sauce
1 8 oz container sour cream

Cook beef in water until fork tender. Stir in remaining ingredients except for sour cream and warm over medium high heat until bubbly. Stir in sour cream and serve. May add cooked, drained egg noodles to make this recipe stretch for a larger crowd.

Tuesday
Breakfast â C

Grilled Bulls-eye
Juice

Grilled Bulls-eye
For each serving, butter one slice of bread. Cut large circle out of the middle. Place bread in hot skillet or on hot griddle. Place one egg (can be beaten if you prefer scrambled eggs) in center. Cook until egg is set on both sides.

Lunch â D
Meatball Subs
Beverage Of Choice

Meatball Subs

1 lb ground beef
½ cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp seasoned salt or herb seasoning mix
1 cup meatless spaghetti sauce
grated mozzarella cheese
hoagie buns

Mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, egg and seasoning. Shape into 1 ½ inch sized balls. Brown in skillet over medium heat. Add in spaghetti sauce and heat thoroughly. Spoon meatballs and sauce onto split rolls, sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Wednesday
Breakfast â E
Maple Oatmeal
Milk

Maple Oatmeal
Cook oatmeal according to package directions except substituting milk for ¼ of the water. During final minutes of cooking, stir in 1 tbsp of maple syrup per serving. Serve while hot.

Lunch â F
Meat and Cheese Pita-Wiches
Apples
Beverage Of Choice

Open pita pockets and fill with your favorite meat and cheese sandwich fillings. Try to cook extra meat the night or two before and save for this lunch so you can have something fresh for these sandwiches. Add your favorite grated cheese, veggies and sandwich spread.

Thursday
Breakfast â G
Western Scramble
Beverage Of Choice

Western Scramble

2 tablespoons butter
6 large eggs
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup chopped cooked ham
3/4 teaspoon salt
dash pepper

In skillet melt butter. Beat eggs and whisk in remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into hot skillet. Cook, stirring to cook evenly.

Lunch â H
Chili Potatoes
Beverage Of Choice

Chili Potatoes
1 baked potato for each serving
Cooked chili (see week four for recipe - Wednesday)
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream

Split open potatoes. Spoon chili into potato cavity. Sprinkle with cheese and top with dollop of sour cream.

Friday
Breakfast â I
Banana Muffins
Milk

Banana Muffins
2 cups self-rising flour
2-3 over-ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
¾ cup sugar (may reduce if too sweet for your tastes)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Using recipe from week three, prepare banana muffin batter. Pour into greased and floured or paper lined muffin tin. Bake 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Lunch â J
Teryaki wings
Cooked rice
Pineapple chunks
Beverage Of Choice

Teryaki Wings
10-15 chicken wings or drumettes
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp oil

Preheat oven to 425° F. Toss wings in large plastic bag with soy sauce, brown sugar and oil until coated. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake until juices run clear.

Shopping List
(Ingredients should be purchased in proper amounts for your family if an amount is not noted.)

Fresh Produce
(A) fresh berries
(B, F, G, J) apples
(F) fresh veggies for pita-wiches
(G) ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
(G) 1/3 cup chopped onion
(H) baking potatoes
(I) 2-3 overripe bananas
(J) pineapple chunks

Beverages
favorite beverage(s)
fruit juice

General Grocery / Cooking and Baking
(B) 1 tsp onion powder
(B) ¼ tsp garlic powder
(D) 1 tsp herb seasoning blend
(E) oatmeal
(I) 2 cups self-rising flour
(I) ¾ cup sugar
(I) ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
(J) ¼ cup brown sugar
(J) oil

General Grocery / Bakery and Breads
(C) sliced loaf bread
(D) hoagie buns
(F) pitas

General Grocery / Condiments and Sauces
(B) 1 tsp worstershire sauce
(E) maple syrup
(J) ½ cup soy sauce
General Grocery / Dry Food and Mixes
(D) ½ cup dry bread crumbs
(H) 1 pkg dry chili seasoning mix

General Grocery / Canned and Bottled
(B) 1 can cream of mushroom soup
(D) 1 cup meatless spaghetti sauce
(H) 1 can tomato sauce



or u can make hawaiian food

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

murder mystery dinner party?

running

I want to host a murder mystery dinner party for 8 to 10 people. Any suggestions on which are the best kits and/ or themes?

Answer
The BEST kit is the
How To Host A Murder series
They have a lot of choices depending on what style you want to do, great suggestions, menus and everything you need in the kit.
I've got three of them and they are always a huge hit!
They sell them in the toy section on Amazon. com, and here are a couple of other sites where you can read summaries of each game.
One tip though: the first time you do one, make sure you DON'T include yourself as one of the characters. It's better if you run the game and manage the food, etc. your first time. We did the one that is set in an English Manor, so I dressed up as a French Maid and my date came as the butler to help me.
The other tip I have to be sure you stress to your guests that if they say they will come that they don't flake out on you. IT WON'T WORK with less than 8 people (also a good reason not to assign yourself a character at first, as you may have to fill in for someone who doesn't show up!)!
You will have a great time! Good luck!
P.S. you get GREAT pictures if you encourage everyone to dress up like the part you assign them!

Suggestions for dinner?

Just me.

No pork or shellfish suggestions because my family won't eat it. No spaghetti either.

Thank you.

Answer
Baked Chicken #1

Marinate your chicken in Italian dressing for about 1 hour then roll in Italian style bread crumbs that have Parmesan and Romano cheeses mixed in - bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending upon how thick/big they are. Serve with roasted potatoes, a veggie or salad.

Baked Chicken #2

1 box of stuffing mix like Stove Top
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can condensed Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken soup - I like Campbell's but any brand will work
1/2 soup can of milk
1/4 cup bread crumbs - I like Italian style
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix the can of soup and milk; set aside. Make stuffing mix according to package directions and spread into a greased 13x9 in baking pan. Place chicken pieces over the stuffing. Cover with the soup mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and bread crumbs over the top of the chicken and bake for 45 minutes to one hour depending upon how thick you chicken pieces are. Serve with a green salad.

Prepared macaroni and cheese can be substituted for the stuffing.
**************************************...

Stove Top BBQ'd Chicken

Melt a little butter in a big heavy frying pan, add some slice onion and cook until tender. Put you pork chops in the frying pan and brown on both sides. Cover with your favorite BBQ sauce, cover the pan and simmer until the chops are tender. Serve with rice, potato salad or mashed potatoes and a veggie.
**************************************...

Classic Potato Salad

Ingredients
2 pounds potatoes (6 medium) - Use red or Yukon Gold potatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise - I prefer Miracle Whip, it gives the potato salad a bit more of a zing
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery (2 stalks)
1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)
6 Hard-Cooked Eggs, coarsely chopped

Directions
In a medium saucepan place potatoes, the 1/4 teaspoon salt, and enough water to cover. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until just tender. Drain well; cool slightly. Cube the potatoes.

Meanwhile, for dressing, in a large bowl combine Miracle Whip, mustard, the 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the pepper.

Stir in the celery and onion. Add the potatoes and eggs. Toss lightly to coat. Cover and chill for 6 to 24 hours.
**************************************...

Macaroni and Cheese - add a pound diced ham, a pound of browned hamburger or a package of sliced hot dogs and a package of frozen mixed veggies, peas or corn to the mac and cheese before pouring it into the baking dish to make a hearty meal.

Ingredients
8 ounces dried elbow macaroni (2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard - I like Coleman's English
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2-1/2 cups milk
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
1-1/2 cups shredded American cheese (6 ounces) - I like to use Veleeta

Directions
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

Meanwhile, for cheese sauce, in a medium saucepan cook onion in hot butter until tender but not brown. Stir in flour, dry mustard and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened and bubbly. Add cheeses, stirring until melted. Stir in cooked macaroni. Transfer mixture to a 2-quart casserole.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Saucepan Macaroni and Cheese: Prepare as above, except reduce milk to 2 cups. After draining macaroni, immediately return macaroni to the saucepan. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; stir to coat macaroni with sauce. Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
**********************************************************************

Meatloaf - served with mashed potatoes and whole green beans or steamed baby carrots.

Meatloaf
3 pounds ground beef
3 large eggs
1/2 to 3/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs
1 packet Lipton's Onion or Beefy Onion Soup Mix
1 can sliced mushrooms - drained
1/2 cup sliced black olives
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon A-1 sauce
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheese - I use a combination of Cheddar, Italian Blend and Pepper-Jack cheeses or whatever I have on hand

Mix all ingredients, form into a loaf in a loaf pan, bake at 350 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours.

WA

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Quick easy dinner for vegetarian?

Q. i need something that someone young can make

Answer
pesto sauce for pasta

Cooking Time

25 minutes
Add ingredients to shopping list
Ingredients

* 45g (1/4 cup) pine nuts
* 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
* 2 small garlic cloves, halved
* 60g (3/4 cup) shredded parmesan
* 5 tbs olive oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Spread the pine nuts over a baking tray. Bake in oven for 5 minutes or until toasted. Remove from oven and set aside for 10 minutes to cool.
2. Place the pine nuts, basil, garlic and parmesan in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely chopped. With the motor running, gradually add the oil in a thin steady stream until well combined.

Notes & tips

* To freeze half (for up to 4 months): Transfer half the pesto to a small airtight container and smooth the surface. Drizzle with olive oil to cover. Label, date and freeze.
* To thaw: Place in the fridge for 3-4 hours or until thawed. Stir to combine.
* Get the most out of summer with salad recipes, the barbecue recipes collection, picnic recipes and plenty of low kilojoule recipes for a top start to the New Year on Taste.com.au

Ideas for dinner?

Q. I know, everyone posts this question. But I am out of ideas! rWe've had chicken and ground beef this whole week. Any one have yummy ideas? By the way, my boyfriend is a super picky eater, no veggies unless it's corn or onions and he'll eat about any meat except fish!

Thanks for the help and idea!

Answer
I would say you could grill some steaks and serve with baked/fried/mashed potatoes and grilled corn on the cob.

You could also do italian... I have a really good stuffed shells recipe that's delicious and easy.

1 box jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing baking sheet
6 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, diced
2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups marinara sauce
2 (15-ounce) containers whole milk ricotta cheese
1 1/3 cups grated Parmesan
4 large egg yolks
Italian parsley leaves
basil leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Lightly oil the baking sheet and set aside.
Partially cook the pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water until slightly tender but still quite firm to the bite, about 4 to 6 minutes. You will continue cooking the shells in the oven after they have been stuffed. Using a slotted spoon, drain pasta shells and place on oiled baking sheet, spreading them out so that they don't stick together and allow to cool.

Heat the oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes. Add the garlic and saute until tender, about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring often.

In a medium bowl, stir the ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolks, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spoon 1 1/4 cups of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Fill the cooked shells with the cheese mixture, about 2 tablespoons per shell. Arrange the shells in the prepared dish. Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the mozzarella.

Bake in the lower third of your oven until the filling is heated through and the top is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Engagement party gift?

twix

My good friend is getting married(no date set yet)and they are having an engagement party in a few weeks. I have never been to an engagement party. I know when you go to a wedding the rule of thumb is usually 50.00 per person as a gift. What applies to an engagement party gift. She already owns her own home so really doesnt need stuff like that. HELP!!! Thanks to those who answer.

Answer
registered anywhere?
Simple gifts for engagement party, something like a gift card for dinner out.. lots of pre-wedding stress, people tend to not want to cook for themselves. ( they might be looking for that perfect place to do the rehearsal dinner, and you can suggest a place)

DIY anniversary gift?

Q. So this year is our 3rd year (dating) anniversary. Last year I made him a "100 reasons why I love you" scrap book. He loved it. Does anyone have similar ideas? Its not something we go all out on, we are both college students and are super tight on money. I just want to be able to give him something special(:

Thanks for any help!!

Answer
Set the bar now, me and my wife agreed on no gifts for Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, we just go out for a nice dinner to celebrate.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What size table setting?

Bella

My fiance and I are getting married soon and are doing our gift registry list in a few weeks. We already have an 8 person cutlery/dinnerware set from our engagement. We are considering increasing it to a 12 or 16 place setting so we can accommodate more people and to account for breakages - what size setting do you think should we get?

Answer
The standard has been twelve for years, but many manufacturers are now selling boxed sets of eight. That being said, most "good" china is sold open stock which means you can buy whatever pieces you want individually, so your options are basically endless!

We have two sets of "good" china and one set of "everyday" china. One of the sets of "good" china is 16 place settings, but that's mostly due to a screaming deal on ebay! When we have gatherings that are too large for one or the other set we just alternate the two patterns around the table!

As for flatware, trust me, you can never have too much! We have 4 different sets, with one being strictly for everyday use, one in silver, and two for larger parties. We actually have one pattern in which we have thirty place settings just for really large parties.(it still wasn't enough for Christmas last year!)

Do whatever feels right for you! If you think you'll do a great deal of entertaining or if you both have large families plan accordingly!

Congratulations! I hope you have a very long and happy life together and many wonderful dinner parties!

What's the difference between stoneware, earthware, everyday china, and fine china?

Q.

Answer
If you ant the chemical compunds you should do a google search. Stoneware as a rule is the heaviest type of dinnerware. Earthenware is similar and chips easily if banged, and some of it is not dishwasher safe. Everyday China is something you would get in a box as a set of 4 bowls, plates cups and saucers. Corningware is actually glass and supposedly unbreakable, but light weight. Fine china you usually buy by the piece. Like one place setting per 50 dollars. It is very expensive and very thin, but well made. If you are looking to get something nice for yourself I would reccomend a nice set of corningware dinnerware. It has matching bowls plates and completer sets as well. Good luck!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

different uses in preparing table set-up?

nick

Answer
the question is not very clear. do need advise how to set up a table for a sit down dinner.
stand up buffet
cocktail reception
in a fine dining room
in a fast food restaurant
in a (for instance) italian restaurant
table set up for a buffet.
be more specific and i can help you

anybody got any good recipes for an easter dinner party?

mum of 2

all recipes welcome as there will be quite a lot of kids aswell as 15 adults

Answer
Easter Dinner

Hereâs my interpretation of Easter Dinner

Prime Rib

For roast:
1 [4 rib] prime rib roast with ribs [sometimes called standing rib roast; 9 to 10 lb]
1/2 oz dried porcini mushrooms, ground to a powder in a blender
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper

For sauce:
2 small onions [1 left unpeeled and halved lengthwise, and 1 peeled and chopped]
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large shallots, chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 sprigs parsley
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 Turkish bay leaf
4 black peppercorns
1 [750 ml] bottle dry red wine such as a good-quality Côtes du Rhône
1/2 oz dried porcini mushrooms
2 cups boiling-hot water
2/3 cup veal demi-glace
1/2 teaspoon salt

Special equipment: an instant-read thermometer

Cook roast:
Let roast stand at room temperature 1 hour.

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°. Trim all but a thin layer of fat from roast, then rub roast all over with porcini powder, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a rack set in a 13- by 9-inch roasting pan. Roast beef 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350° and roast until thermometer inserted into center of meat registers 110°F, 1 1/2 to 2 hours more. Transfer to a large platter and let stand, uncovered, 30 minutes. [Internal temperature of meat will rise to 130° for medium-rare].

Prepare sauce while meat comes to room temperature and roasts:
Cook halved onion, cut sides down, undisturbed, in 1 tablespoon butter in a 2-quart heavy nonreactive saucepan over moderate heat until browned well, about 4 minutes. Add chopped onion, shallots, carrot, celery, garlic, and 2 tablespoons butter and reduce heat to moderately low, then cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until chopped vegetables are softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste, herbs, bay leaf, peppercorns, and 2 cups wine and boil, uncovered, over moderately high heat until liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup, 25 to 30 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve set into another 2-quart heavy saucepan, pressing on and then discarding solids.

While wine reduces, soak porcini in boiling-hot water [2 cups] in a bowl until softened, about 20 minutes. Drain porcini in a paper-towel-lined sieve set over a bowl and reserve soaking liquid. Rinse porcini and pat dry, then finely chop. Set aside.

Add porcini-soaking liquid, demi-glace, and remaining 1 3/4 cups wine to reduced liquid in saucepan and boil, uncovered, over moderately high heat, skimming off froth occasionally, until reduced to about 2 cups, 20 to 35 minutes. Stir in reserved porcini, then reduce heat to low and whisk in 1/2 teaspoon salt, any juices from meat accumulated on platter, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter until incorporated.

Slice roast across the grain and serve with sauce on the side.

Cooks' notes:
⢠Sauce can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat before using.
⢠Stainless steel, glass, and enameled cast iron are nonreactive; avoid pure aluminum and uncoated iron, which can impart an unpleasant taste and color to recipes with acidic ingredients.


Popovers

I developed this recipe without a popover form pan, so even if you donât own one, you
can make these light and airy popovers in a regular muffin tin.

Ingredients
1 cup sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
melted unsalted butter for brushing the popover or muffin pan

Method
Heat oven to 450°

Into a bowl sift together the flour and the salt. In a small bowl whisk together the eggs and the milk. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring, and stir the batter until it is smooth. Heat a six-cup popover pan or six 2/3 cup custard cups or nine 1/2 cup muffin
tins for 5 minutes, or until it is hot, brush the cups with the melted butter, and fill them half full with the batter.

Bake the popovers in the middle of the 450°. oven for 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 375°., and bake the popovers for 20 minutes more, or until they are golden brown and crisp.


Garlic Sautéed Broccolini

Ingredients
2 lb Broccolini [sometimes called baby broccoli] ends trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chicken broth [low - fat and/or low - sodium recommended]

Method
Cook Broccolini in a large pot of boiling salted water until stems are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain in a colander, then plunge into a large bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry with paper towels.

Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Add half of garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes and sauté, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Add half of Broccolini and 2 tablespoons stock and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.

Transfer to a serving dish, then repeat with remaining oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, Broccolini, and stock. Season with salt.


Limoncello Cheesecake Squares

Ingredients
butter, for the pan
8 ounces purchased biscotti
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1 12 ounce container fresh whole milk ricotta, drained, at room temperature
2 8 ounce packages Mascarpone, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup limoncello liqueur [see Bakerâs Note]
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs, at room temperature

Method
Preheat the oven to 350°

Butter the bottom of a 9 x 9 x 2 baking pan. Finely grind the biscotti in a food processor. Add the melted butter and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and process until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom [not up the side] of the prepared pan. Bake until the crust is golden, about 15 minutes. Cool the crust completely on a cooling rack.

Blend the ricotta in a clean food processor until smooth. Add the cream cheese and sugar and blend well, stopping the machine occasionally and scraping down the sides of the work bowl. Blend in the limoncello, vanilla, and remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Add the eggs one at a time, and pulse just until blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the baking pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking pan. Bake until the cheesecake is golden and the center of the cake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour [the cake will become firm when it cools].

Transfer the cake to a rack; cool 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold and firm, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days. Cut the cake into squares and serve.


Bakerâs Note: Limoncello liqueur can be found at most liquor stores and in the liquor department of some specialty markets. If Limoncello is unavailable, make your own!

Limoncello

Ingredients
10 lemons
1 750 ml bottle vodka
3 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar

Method
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel from the lemons in long strips [reserve the lemons for another use]. Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith. Place the lemon peels in a 2 quart pitcher. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature.

Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. Strain the limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the limoncello to bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Extremely discounted stuff online?

Q. Hey, I really want to find a website where i can get stuff for seriously cheap. Not ebay (which i love but cant find want i want) or overstock.com (also love) what i am really looking for is a 16 or 12 piece dinnerware set for $20 or under.
Gotta be online, i only have debit no cash, and i dont drive

Answer
Craigslist is your answer, or any local resale or consignment shop, including Goodwill.

First apartment, what are the top necessities to have?

NaTiVe Nu_

I'll be moving very soon and everything in my apartment will be brand new. I'll first start off with the bed and bath necessites. What else should I look for?

Answer
Here is a list of the bare neccesities you'll need when first moving in.
*Bedroom:
-Bed (of course) along with all the bedding that goes along with that. Fitters, sheets, pillow cases and blankets. And pillows of course!
-A night table, alarm clock and small lamp.
-Blinds/Curtains for privacy and to block out sunlight.
-Not sure about your closet space but think about storage.
*Kitchen:
-Get an inexpensive but nice (not cheap) dinnerware set, drinkware set, flatware set, some mugs for hot drinks and a serving set. Get it for atleast 8 people...trust me, you'll end up using it!
-Get basic baking/cooking tools. You'll need atleast one medium frying pan and one medium pot. Don't waste money on a million pots and pans.
-Get a whisk, measuring spoons, spatula, laddle, cutting board and atleast one good knife for cutting veggies and meat/poultry.
-The best thing to get for food prep and storage is the Pyrex 16 piece starter ste. It comes with measuring cup, mixing bowls, glass bakeware and containers, etc:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pgb_r_2_1_4037001/601-7060848-6874514?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B00005OTX4
-Oven mits, apron, dish towels and a dish rack are must haves.
-You don't 100% need this item but I 100% recommend getting a George Forman grill. Its a God-send for easy healthy cooking (chicken, meat, fish, veggies, paninis, etc).
-A Brita or Pur filter is good to have. Trust me, you'll get sick of running out to buy bottled water! Plus its better for the enviroment.
-Also, get as many of the basic spices you commonly use.

General Items You'll Need:
-Iron and ironing board
-Hangers
-Vaccum
-TV and TV stand
-Towels and a bath mat
-Rags for dusting
-Cleaning supplies & laundry detergent
-Shopping cart for laundry and groceries

This link is to Target Wedding Registry basics. Although you aren't getting married it'll help you get an idea of all the items you'll possibly need:
http://sites.target.com/site/en/clubwedd/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-004045

Your first apartment is so much fun! Congrats!!!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Do standard definition digital set top boxes you can buy now apply when digital tv comes in?

Q. I have a normal non-digital tv, and I am thinking of buying a standard definition digital set top box for our current tv. So like, would they work together now, and when digital tvs come out? Thanks in advance.

Answer
The box you have now will work with any TV set, all the box does is change the signal from analog to a digital signal. It does not matter if you have a very old TV or a new flat screen TV. The box just changes the way the signal comes into your home.

If the new Digital TVS have the converter built in then you won't need a converter box for that particular set. Or if you have cable or dish antenna because they already are sending out a digital signal.You will be fine, don't worry about it.

What is set -top box?

Eyayu G

really i couldnt't know about this product guys,if i buy this item need i extra parabola(dish)to watch tv?and what should i have also pls guys tell me more about this product ?

Answer
Set top Box is the digital video receiver for receiving audio video signal to TV directly from satalite via Dish antena.

Your must need to buy set top box along with dish to watch tv. that it in case of free to air channels, like DD direct in India which give free channel along with some radio, if else where U can check for free to air service , or Paid service provider where U will have to get set top box from respective service provider only.

Have good weekend.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

green dinner!?

Q. i need a recipe that includes green vegetables, normally i eat squash and broccoli but i need to get more green leafy vegetables and beens; cheese, milk, and eggs are also applicable. currently i have so cabbage and spinach in my fridge, as well as 1/3 lb portabela caps (sliced), eggs, milk chedder chesse(no rennet from animals), about half an onion, and cellery.

please no salads, im not a fan.

Answer
omelets for dinner aren't bad... just chop and stir-fry your cabbage and onion and portabela in a bit of olive oil, then set a side. crack open a few eggs and beat in a bowl with a bit of half and half ( the sweet flavor is good. mix in some red pepper like what you put on pizza if you like it spicy and some salt. fry this up for a little while until the bottom is browned. lift the sides of it with a fork to cook the rest of the egg and then flip. now pile on the veggies and the spinach (it'll cook in the omelet.) add in some cheese and set a pan lid on top the steam the spinach. after about two minutes uncover and fold in half. enjoy!

Pasta for dinner....?

Q. I'm planning on making some kind of pasta dish for dinner for me and my bf but I'm not sure what to make. Anyone have any ideas? I have Roasted Garlic pasta sauce,mushrooms, tomatoe slices and onions but I have to stop and get noodles. Any ideas on what type of noodles and what dish? No spaghetti or lasagna. Thanks!
The more details, the better.

Answer
pasta with prosciutto, peppers, and herbs

1 small red onion, chopped fine
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped fine
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
a 7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped fine
3/4 cup finely chopped prosciutto or other ham (about 3 ounces)
1/2 pound gigi del gargano (ruffle-edged, cone-shaped pasta) or rotini (spiral pasta)
1 cup packed mixed fresh herbs such as basil, mint, and parsley leaves, chopped fine
lemon wedges as an accompaniment
freshly grated Parmesan cheese as an accompaniment
Preparation
In a heavy skillet cook onion and yellow pepper in 1 tablespoon oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened and stir in red peppers and ham. In a kettle of salted boiling water cook pasta until al dente and drain well. In a bowl toss pasta with pepper mixture, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, herbs, and salt and pepper to taste.

Serve pasta with lemon and Parmesan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

pasta with sausage, tomatoes, and mushrooms
2 1/2 pounds Italian sweet sausages, casings removed, crumbled
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds mushrooms, thickly sliced
3 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup dry white wine
5 cups canned crushed tomatoes with added puree
2 cups diced tomatoes (about 4 medium-large tomatoes)
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

1 1/4 pounds pappardelle or mafaldine pasta (or any wide, flat noodles)
1 1/2 cups grated pecorino Romano cheese (about 4 1/2 ounces)
Preparation
Sauté sausage in heavy large pot over medium-high heat until brown, about 12 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer sausage to large bowl. Add oil to drippings in pot. Add mushrooms and onions; sauté until tender and brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in 1 cup chopped basil, oregano, and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add wine; cook until almost absorbed, about 4 minutes. Add sausage and crushed tomatoes; cover and simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 25 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and butter; simmer until tomatoes are soft, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.)

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain well; return to pot. Pour sauce over pasta; toss to coat. Add 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 cup basil; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to serving dish. Serve, passing remaining cheese separately.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

pasta with summer vegetables

1 1/2 pounds fava beans, shelled (about 1 cup)
2 zucchini (about 1 pound) scrubbed, the skin and 1/4 inch of the flesh removed with a knife in wide strips and cut into 2-inch julienne strips, reserving the core for another use
2 pints cherry tomatoes, quartered lengthwise
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, soaked in cold water for 10 minutes if strong
2 garlic cloves, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 2-inch julienne strips
3/4 cup fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound gemellini (small pasta twists, available at some specialty foods shops) or other small tubular pasta
freshly grated Parmesan as an accompaniment if desired
Preparation
In a saucepan of boiling water boil the fava beans for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the beans, let them cool until they can be handled, and peel off and discard the tough outer skins. In a steamer set over boiling water steam the zucchini, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until it is just tender. In a large bowl combine the beans, the zucchini, the tomatoes, the onion, drained well if soaked, the garlic, the bell pepper, the parsley, the oil, and salt and black pepper to taste and toss the mixture until it is combined well. In a kettle of boiling salted water boil the gemellini until it is al dente>, drain it, and while it is still hot add it to the vegetable mixture, tossing the mixture until it is combined well. Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature with the Parmesan.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I need christmas ideas!! Its time to go shopping already!!?

Greyt

12 Year old girl who is interested in clothing, computers, watching tv. What games are out that interest girls this age?

Grandmother enjoys cooking, nick nacks

Uncle enjoys gardening and birds

Mother enjoys cooking, cozy clothing(to stay at home in), likes fancy platters/plates

Father enjoys gardening, books, comfy clothing, fishing, building, playing lottery.

Ok, Just let me know what you think of what I've got so far and are they good gift ideas.

-Mother: Buying her a nice set of silverware, couple pairs of comfy socks, maybe a kohls giftcard?
-Father : Book him two nights in a hotel near the beach and buy him a fishing boat ride? Gift card to a sporting goods or fishing store?

- 12 year old :Gift card to aeropostale? Gift card to target for computer games? Whats something I can actually give to her?

- Grandmother: Maybe some baking pans? What kind though?

-Uncle???
Oh yes some of you may think its too early to celebrate and buy things . But, since I live so far away and can only take certain days off. We get together in October.
Oh yes some of you may think its too early to celebrate and buy things . But, since I live so far away and can only take certain days off. We get together in October.

Answer
12 year old - Most 12 year old's love Hannah Montana, if this is the case for your 12 year old, why not buy here the Hannah Montana CD. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8466595 Most 12 year old also have a huge crush on the Jonas Brothers, again why not buy there CD if that is the case http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7957849 12 year old love purses why not buy her a nice little bag to carry her stuff in. Here is a nice purse that is resonably priced: http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3163801
12 year old's also adore playing games. Some great games are any one of these http://www.walmart.com/search/browse-ng.do?ic=24_0&ref=125871.128793+500552.501073&catNavId=4191 How about some toiletries like fancy bubble bath, body sprays, lotions, nail polish, they are cheap yet she will love them. http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg.asp?G=600&P=42&Rec=1&Ntt=nail+care+kits&N=37&Nao=0&R=443065-8DK4HSM1

Uncle- He loves birds and gardening? Well how about a nice bird bath. Again anyone of these bird baths will do just fine. Some are better than other, but it depend on what they like: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&search_query=bird+bath&ic=48_0
If you want something else how about this gardeing stoarage center/seat so when he is gardeing he will be comfy and have everything he needs http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2132501

Mother- Something cozy- how about this robe http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2790971&cp=&kw=robe&origkw=robe&sr=1
She fancy platers? Then her is the perfect ones http://www.pier1.com/TopMenu/Products/tabid/260/Default.aspx?task=viewproduct&id=1083&urlname=white-divided-serving-dish or http://www.pier1.com/TopMenu/Products/tabid/260/Default.aspx?task=viewproduct&id=1090&urlname=white-scalloped-serving-bowl
How about this nice bath set http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg.asp?G=565&P=116&Rec=30&N=37+15&Nao=0&R=437193-6O6MHON1

Father- Fishing, that's fun! How about some gear from Gander Mountian (sorry there site is being fixed so no links) they have nice poles and gear. A nice sweater from there is a good idea too. He likes gardening, so how about this solar wind chim http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg.asp?G=594&P=21&Rec=29&N=37+10&Nao=0&R=441032-0WM3---1
How about this it's usefull http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg3.asp?G=600&P=346&Rec=10&N=37+15&Nao=0&R=443439-5M4I---1

Grandma- Baking pans are a great idea why not some from Pamper Chef thoes are great quality http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/overview.jsp?categoryCode=KW
or any one for Pier 1 looks great http://www.pier1.com/catalog/browse/0401.dinnerware/

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Thanksgiving cookies?

Tasha

Does anyone here have any good ideas, or even recipes, for Thanksgiving cookies? Like some with a "Fall flavor" or some kind of Fall or Thanksgiving theme.
I'm bringing them to dinner with my bf's family, so, I don't want anything to cheesy, like little turkeys with candy corn tails...lol. I think those are meant for kids. :)

Answer
Tender Sugar Cookies
about 60
Prep: 40 min.
Chill: 30 min.
Bake: 15 min. per batch

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions
1. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add 1 cup of the sugar, the baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. If necessary, cover and chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes or until dough is easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 300F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in preheated about 15 minutes or until tops are slightly crackled and sides are set (do not let edges brown). Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool. Makes about 60 cookies.

3. Tip: For a colorful platter of cookies, roll the dough balls in different colored sugars instead of the white granulated sugar.

4. To store: Place cookies in layers separated by pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies, if frozen, before serving.

Maple-Nut Diamonds 72 Prep: 30 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Bake: 7 minutes per batch
Ingredients
1 recipe Basic Dough (see Recipe Center)
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
3 tablespoons maple syrup
Maple sugar or raw sugar
Finely chopped pecans (optional)

Directions
1. Prepare Basic Dough. Knead in the 1/2 cup nuts and the maple syrup. If necessary, cover and chill dough 1 to 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time to a 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-1/2x1-3/4-inch diamond-shape cookie cutter, cut out dough. Place cutouts 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet; sprinkle with maple sugar and, if desired, additional nuts.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 72.

To Store: Place cookies in layers separated by waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Basic Dough
Prep: 15 minutes

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon.

2. Continue as directed in individual recipes.

To Store: Pack dough into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Old-Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Estimated Times:
Preparation - 10 min | Cooking - 18 min | Cooling Time - 2 min cooling | Yields - 36 cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze (recipe follows)

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking power, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

FOR GLAZE:
COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.

NOTES:
For a variation add 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts to the recipe.

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Estimated Times:
Preparation - 30 min | Cooking - 12 min | Yields - 60 cookies (5 dozen)

Ingredients:

COOKIES
4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
2 cups vegetable shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
2 large eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
2 cups raisins
1 cup nuts, chopped
FROSTING
2/3 cup butter, softened
3 teaspoons to 4 rum extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup NESTLî CARNATION® Evaporated Milk


Directions:
FOR COOKIES:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and allspice in medium bowl. Beat shortening and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl for 30 seconds. Add pumpkin, eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; beat until blended. Gradually add flour mixture into pumpkin mixture at low speed until combined. Stir in raisins and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely. Spread each cookie with frosting.

FOR FROSTING:
BEAT butter, rum extract and remaining vanilla extract in medium mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and evaporated milk until smooth (frosting will be thin).

Can someone tell me about Tales from Topographic Oceans from the rock band Yes?

Q.

Answer
Tales from Topographic Oceans is the sixth studio album by British progressive rock band Yes. It is a double album, released on Atlantic Records in December 1973 in most of the world and in January 1974 in North America.

According to the documentary Classic Artists: Yes, Jon Anderson was originally going to call the album Tales From Turbographic Oceans. He mentioned the title while having dinner with Atlantic CEO Phil Carson, who noted that "turbographic" sounded like "topographic". Anderson liked the word and changed the album title accordingly.

Tales from Topographic Oceans was recorded in studio 3 of Morgan Studios at the same time heavy metal band Black Sabbath was recording their fifth album, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, in studio 4. According to Sabbath lead singer Ozzy Osbourne's 2010 autobiography I Am Ozzy the band decorated their recording studio with model cowsâcomplete with electronic uddersâbales of hay, and a small barn, to give the room an "earthy" feel.[1]

The album's concept, a two-disc, four-piece work of symphonic length and scope (based on the Shastric scriptures, as found in a footnote within Paramahansa Yogananda's book Autobiography of a Yogi), was their most ambitious to date. The four songs of the album symbolise (in track order) the concepts of Truth, Knowledge, Culture, and Freedom, the subjects of that section of text. According to drummer Bill Bruford in his autobiography (p. 72), former King Crimson percussionist Jamie Muir introduced vocalist Jon Anderson to Paramahansa Yogananda's work during Bruford's wedding in March 1973, and therefore had an indirect impact on the album's concept.

On release it received notably hostile reviews. Gordon Fletcher in his review in Rolling Stone described it as "psychedelic doodling".

Despite acquiring a reputation as an example of the worst excesses of "prog rock", Topographic Oceans became the band's fourth consecutive gold album. The album reached #1 in the UK as well as reaching #6 in the U.S. during a chart stay of 27 weeks; the album even went gold in both countries from advance orders, before any fans had ever heard the content.

The list "40 Records That Captured The Moment," published in NME's 40th Anniversary Issue (9 May 1992) named "Tales From Topographic Oceans" as their selection for 1974. "The Music That Hit The Bullseye Through All Those Changing Styles, Tastes, Faces, Fashions And Fads Of What We Call 'Rock 'N' Roll'." (Source: http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/nme_d&d.html

A special promotional only, white label, "branded for airplay" version of the 2 LP set was sent to US radio stations by Atlantic Records in 1974 (the date is 1973 on the record labels.) This was done to try to increase radio exposure, as most radio stations did not want to air such long songs. This promo release divided the long tracks into 4 or 5 segments per side. Most of the segments were in the range of 3 to 5 minutes, and all were clearly marked on the record to assist disc jockeys. This promo version is now a rare collectible.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Letter to my soon to be in laws?

Q. Id love some help on what to say in a thank you card to my future in-laws for the dinnerware set they (both parents) got for us for our housewarming gift? Id also really like to say something nice about what their son means to me but im just having the worst writers block on getting started. Anyone have an example?

Answer
dear mr and mrs JOnes,

As much as I look forward to starting my new life with Joe, and enjoy receiving gifts that symbolize the beginning of "ours,"as I imagine our lives together, family meals shared on these plates, holiday gatherings years from now with our own family, I want to express gratitude for your sharing with me the greatest gift in my life, and that is your wonderful son. I know how very much the two of you love him and want the best for him in all things. In that respect, I feel so honored to be the one he has chosen to spend his life with. He is the finest man I have ever known, and I have the two of you to thank for bringing him up to be a kind, caring, thoughtful, and hardworking young man. The values you instilled in him are what I always held very highly as well. We appreciate everything you do for us and I look so forward to becoming a member of your family.

The china is symbolic, in a way, of how you nurture our love for each other. We will enjoy it for many years to come as we build a partnership and a home that we hope is as loving and as strong as your own.

Does anyone know of some feminine looking tools and sports equipment?

Q. Hi, I'm a bit of an oxymoron. I'm girly, but a bit of a tomboy. I like playing sports and I like working on my car and motorcycle. I was hoping though that I could find some more feminine looking tools or sports equipment? Like in feminine colors to fit my girly side (like pink?) and to keep my brother and my guy friends from touching my stuff since they always lose them or destroy them.

Answer
Try Tractor Supply if there is one near you. I saw a cool pink tool box out there last year with pink handled tools in it.

I dipped all my tools in pink enamel paint to keep the men from borrowing them, but they did anyway then denied they came out of my tool box.

My daughter is a certified airline mechanic and has 5 huge toolboxes! She put the last 4 digits of her social on the handles with etching machine then put lavender paint on it so the paint was embedded in the etchings. She is anything but girly!!

Also in this mail order catalogue, Kotulas, there are some dinnerware stuff with tool handles!! You didn't ask or even know about them, but they are totally cool for the girly part of you. Got daughter a set of the flatware for her lunch box. Online they are Kotulas.com

You are not an oxymoron or bit of tomboy!! You are a modern girl with progressive attitude!! I like that!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers