| How to Buy Wine for a Gift Posted: 28 May 2019 05:00 PM PDT Wine can make a good gift for a newly married couple as a housewarming gift, the hostess of a dinner party, or your boss. However, if you don't know much about wine, picking one out can be pretty daunting. It's important to think about the person and the occasion, as well as how you'll present the wine. EditPicking a Out a Bottle - Go mid-range to high end. It's tempting to buy a cheap wine to give as a gift, particularly if you don't know much about wines. However, cheap wine will taste cheap. That's not to say that you can't get a decent wine for a reasonable price. You just don't want to pick the cheapest wine, especially if you've never tasted it yourself.[1]
- Also, consider who you're buying the wine for. Buying a very cheap bottle of wine for your boss won't endear you to them. Similarly, you may not want to buy the cheapest bottle you can find for a close friend (unless you have a habit of drinking cheap wine together).
- In addition, if you're known as someone who appreciates wine, buying a cheap bottle for someone else can come off as you underestimating their taste or simply not appreciating them as much.[2]
- Also, how much you spend can depend on the wine. For instance, you can get a very tasty Cotes du Rhône (pronounce it "Coats Do Roan") for about $15. However, with a Burgundy, you'll need to spend more to get a better wine, usually upwards of $50. Another relatively cheap option is a Cabernet Sauvignon, as even cheap versions of this wine are fairly decent. For Pinot noir, go for at least a $20 bottle, as anything less won't be very good.[3]
- Consider the season. If you don't know where to start, picking wines by the season is a good bet. You don't necessarily want the same wines in the summer that you do in the winter. In the summer, you want something lighter, for instance, than you do in winter.[4]
- White wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling are good summer choices. Rose and Merlot are also a good bet. These wines are bit lighter.
- For fall, you want fuller bodied whites, such as oaked Chardonnay or Viognier. You still want a somewhat lighter red wine, so stick with Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, or a sparkling variety.
- During the winter, you can go with heavier wines since you'll have heavier dishes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blend, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Malbec are fine in the reds. For whites, choose oaked Chardonnay. You can also go for a sparkly wine.
- In the spring, you want lighter, fruitier wines, such as Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Unoaked Chardonnay, or Rose. You can also choose Riesling, Moscato, or Pinot noir.
- Ask questions. If you're not a wine connoisseur yourself, gazing at a liquor store's collection of wines can be quite daunting, as you may be faced with hundreds of different bottles of wines. If you're a bit lost, don't be afraid to ask the person in charge of wines for advice. Many will work within your price range to help you find a good, drinkable wine, especially if you can specify a few parameters, such as whether you want a sweet or dry wine.[5]
- Don't be afraid to pick something unusual. If you know your wines, a unique wine is a good choice because you can introduce your friend or friends to something new. However, don't pick something so obscure that they won't be able to find it again. You don't want to whet their appetite for a wine they can't buy.[6]
- Know the person's tastes. If you're buying wine as a gift, it's best to know what the person likes to drink. Most wine drinkers have particular tastes, whether they like a dry white wine or a fun and fruity sparkling rose. Consider what you've seen the person drink in the past, and then go for something the same or similar.[7]
- If you're not sure what the person drinks, consider their general tastes. If they have a sweet tooth, they might prefer a sweeter wine, while if they like to avoid sugar for the most part, they may prefer something drier.
- If you're still not sure, ask someone at the store to recommend a reasonably priced popular wine.
- Pick a pretty label or bottle. Of course, you don't want to pick a wine solely on what the label looks like. However, when you're giving a wine, the packaging matters. A pretty, well-designed label will be more appreciated than a subdued, boring label, especially since many people will associate the latter with cheaper wine.[8]
- Consider a wine subscription. If you're looking for a substantial gift for someone, think about buying the person a subscription to a wine delivery service. Usually, you pay one price (or a monthly price) for the service to deliver wine for a specified period of time.[9]
- Some just send a curated selection, while others base the delivery on the person's preferences.
- Some also include food with the subscription that pairs with the wine.
- Check to make sure wine can be delivered in the state where the person resides, as some states don't allow alcohol to be shipped to people's homes.
EditBuying Wine for Parties and Dinners - Consider a magnum for a party. A magnum is a double bottle of wine or champagne. One reason it works well for a party is it's fairly impressive to look at. Plus, because it's double the size, it will last much longer than a single bottle of wine. Your host will appreciate your thoughtfulness.[10]
- When choosing a wine for a party, sparkling is usually a good option.
- If you insist on bringing a standard bottle of wine to a party, give it to the hosts before the party, and let them decide whether they want to serve it at the party or not.
- Buy standard bottles for dinner. On the other hand, when you've been invited for dinner to a small gathering, such as a dinner for about four people, a regular bottle is appropriate. A regular bottle will provide enough wine for each person at the dinner, which is why it's appropriate.[11]
- Ask the hosts ahead of time what they will be serving. Then you can get a wine that matches the dinner, such as a white wine for fish. If you're not sure what goes with what type of food, ask at the store.
- Go more expensive for special occasions. When it comes to weddings or other big special occasions, such as birthdays or Christmas dinner, plan to spend a bit more on the bottle. Weddings especially call for a more expensive bottle. If you don't want to spend that much, skip the wine. You'll be safer buying something off their registry.[12]
- Make sure it's appropriate. That is, you don't want to buy wine if the host doesn't drink wine. For instance, maybe the host enjoys alcohol, but they don't like wine. Another situation you may run into is the host may not drink at all, due to personal choice, health reasons, or religious reasons. If you're not sure, ask.
EditPresenting the Wine - Make the wine the package. That is, a wine doesn't necessarily need to be wrapped or put in a bag or box. If the bottle is pretty enough, adding a bow or ribbon is pretty much all you need to do. Besides, most wine packaging doesn't actually hide the fact that you're giving a bottle of wine, which defeats the purpose.[13]
- In addition, putting wine in boxes can heat them, which can be a problem for more expensive wines. It's much better to try to keep the wine cool. If it's a particularly expensive wine that should be kept in a cellar, consider holding it in a cooler until you give it to your friend.
- Think about adding an accessory. If you want the gift to be extra special, include a gift that goes with the wine. You could pick a funky and fun corkscrew or carafe, for instance. You could also choose a wine thermometer, so the person can serve the wine at the proper temperature. Other options include fancy or unique wine glasses or a wall rack.[14]
- Wait for a good time. If you and your friend are both wine connoisseurs, pick a moment when you can tell the person a little about the wine. Of course, you don't want to bore someone who's not interested in all the details about the wine, but if you know the person will be interested, wait until they aren't busy doing something else.[15]
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| How to Replace Eggs in Your Cooking Posted: 28 May 2019 09:00 AM PDT If you're avoiding eggs, you can still prepare many dishes without sacrificing too much in the way of taste or texture. Bananas and applesauce can be used to add moisture and thickness to recipes. Use baking powder, ground flax seeds, or agar to replace eggs in baked goods. When eggs are the main ingredient, substitute with tofu. EditEgg Replacements EditReplacing Eggs in Baking - Replace 1 egg with 1/4 cup (30 g) of banana puree to add moisture. Banana is one of the most popular choices for egg replacements in sweet recipes like muffins, breads, and cake. Use 1/2 banana to yield 1/4 cup (30 g) of puree.[1]
- The banana will alter the taste of your baked goods, so make sure you like banana-flavored muffins, breads, etc. before you add it to your recipe. Otherwise, look for something with a milder taste.
- Use applesauce to add moisture, density, and sweetness. Applesauce works great with recipes like brownies and chocolate cake, because the chocolate hides the flavor of the applesauce. Use 1/3 cup (43 g) of puree to replace 1 egg.[2]
- Applesauce and other fruit purees will add heaviness and density, so if you want something lighter, use 1/4 cup (30 g) of puree with 1 Tsp baking powder for a lighter, fluffier product.[3]
- Try 1/3 cup (43 g) of pumpkin to replace 1 egg in muffins and breads. Pumpkin can also leave a distinct flavor in baked goods, so it's best to incorporate it in a recipe that works well with pumpkin. Bread, muffins, and spice cakes will all benefit from the moisture, binding properties, and taste of pumpkin.[4]
- Make sure the pumpkin is pureed so that it is smooth and won't make lumps in your baked goods.
- Make use of baking soda and vinegar to help your recipe rise. Substitute 1 egg with 1 Tbsp. vinegar plus 1 Tsp. baking soda, whisked together. Baking soda will give your baked goods a warm, golden brown color.[5]
- Baking soda will react with acids in your recipe (like vinegar, buttermilk, cream of tartar) and release carbon dioxide, causing your baked goods to rise.
- Try baking powder and vegetable oil to help baked goods rise. Substitute 1 egg with 2 Tbsp. water plus 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil plus 1 Tsp. baking powder. Whisk them together thoroughly. Using baking powder will result in a lighter, fluffier product.[6]
- Substitute egg whites with agar powder. Mix 1 Tbsp agar powder in 1 Tbsp water. Whip the mixture, then let it chill in the fridge. Whip it again and it will be ready to use. This is equivalent to 1 egg white, so increase as necessary for the recipe.[7]
- Agar powder is also known as agar-agar, Kanten, Japanese isinglass, or Ceylon moss.
- Agar is vegan and can also be used to replace gelatin.
- Replace 3 eggs in boxed cake mixes with 1 can of soda. This isn't exactly the healthiest egg alternative, but it will leaven your cake and can add an interesting flavor! A can of soda (12 ounces) is equivalent to adding 3 eggs to your recipe. When using soda, omit the oil in the recipe to avoid runniness.[8]
- You can choose the type of soda based on its flavor and how well it combines with your cake. For example, you could combine French vanilla cake mix with orange soda to create a creamsicle cake. Ginger ale would pair well with spice cake mix. Chocolate cake mix and root beer would result in a chocolate root beer float cake.
- Use finely ground flax and chia seeds to add a nutty flavor. Grind the seeds as finely as possible in a coffee or spice grinder. Mix 1 Tbsp. ground flax seed or 1 Tbsp. ground chia seed with 3 Tbsp. of water to replace 1 egg. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, until it thickens and has a jelly-like consistency.[9]
- Flax seeds have a slightly nutty flavor, so use it in recipes that would benefit from this flavor.
- Chia seeds will deepen the color of your baked goods.
- If the eggs are meant to bind and leaven, add an additional 1/4 Tsp. of baking powder.[10]
- Use gelatin to bind sweet recipes like cookies and muffins. Gelatin will not alter the flavor in things like cakes and cookies. 1 Tbsp. gelatin plus 3 tablespoons warm water will replace 1 egg.[11]
- Be aware that gelatin is not vegan. If you're looking for something vegan that will give you similar results, try agar powder.
- Avoid powders entirely, if you don't like powders at all. Instead, use 2 tablespoons of an oil and 1 tablespoon of water per egg you'd like to replace. Eggs can also be substituted for 2 tablespoons of a liquid plus 2 tablespoons of flour plus half a tablespoon shortening, but there are other alternatives.[12]
EditReplacing Eggs in Main Dishes - Use store-bought egg replacer products for recipes with lots of eggs. Look for egg replacers, not egg substitutes, since egg substitutes can sometimes still contain egg. Use egg replacer products in dishes that are mostly eggs, like scrambles.[13]
- Ener-G Egg Replacer is a popular vegan product you can try out. Check for it at your local health food store.
- Follow the directions on the box for each product. Generally, you mix the egg replacer with water and add it to your recipe.
- Avoid products like Egg Beaters and Better'n Eggs. These are egg substitutes, and they still contain egg!
- Use tofu to replace eggs when they make up the majority of the dish. Tofu makes a great egg substitute in breakfast scrambles, quiches and custards. Puree the tofu to make sure there are no lumps or chunks in your dish. Use 1/4 cup tofu per egg.[14]
- Use silken or soft tofu -- firm tofu won't blend very well.
- Make sure the tofu is plain and neither baked nor seasoned.
- Tofu will not fluff like eggs, but the texture is otherwise very similar to eggs.
- Use mashed potatoes as a binder. Starchy mashed potatoes work especially well in savory dishes like meatloaf, a veggie loaf or burgers. Add 1/4 cup (30 g) of mashed potatoes to replace 1 egg.[15]
- You can use mashed potatoes made from scratch, but dehydrated potatoes and instant mashed potato products work, too.
- Use soft tofu as an emulsifier in vegan condiments. Tofu contains lecithin, which acts as an emulsifier, and will thicken and stabilize vegan recipes for mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and hollandaise sauce. Make sure you use a soft, unflavored tofu, not firm, seasoned, or baked.[16]
- 1/4 cup puréed tofu replaces 1 egg.[17]
- Use turmeric to color your egg-free dish. If you are making vegan scrambled eggs and still want that golden egg color, turmeric will do the job. It can also add a peppery, tart flavor to your dish.[18]
- Use just a pinch of turmeric in your recipe to turn your tofu or other egg substitute yellow.
- Make sure you stir well to incorporate the turmeric into the dish.
- The best thing to do is to try out different types of egg replacements on your favorite recipes until you find the one that suits you best for each recipe. There are no hard and fast rules.
- Do not use gelatin as a substitute for eggs if you are vegan.
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| How to Make Good Decisions Posted: 28 May 2019 01:00 AM PDT Whether at work or in your personal life, making informed decisions is crucial for you to succeed and be happy. It can feel overwhelming to think about how many decisions each person is required to make in a lifetime, but learning different strategies for improving your decision-making abilities can make it all seem more manageable. EditUnderstanding Your Choices - Know your objectives. Understanding the desired outcome of a given situation can help you work backwards and take steps to achieve that outcome.[1]
- Objectives should anticipate the future, taking into account what you hope to accomplish. Articulating what you want is a crucial first step before you begin trying to achieve your goals. Keeping these factors in mind will help you formulate the best plan to meet those objectives.
- Think about how your goals and objectives fit in with your larger plans. For example, if you're considering whether to leave your current job for a new career opportunity, ask yourself what your long-term career goals are. Think about how a new job might help you reach those long-term goals, or if there is any chance a new job could prevent you from achieving those goals. You should also consider all aspects of your life--for example, think about how your professional goals might affect your personal goals, and vice versa.
- Gather evidence and weigh the pros and cons. Evaluate your sources of evidence and understand the trade-offs of each choice. Having a clear idea of what might happen, both good and bad, can help you make a more-informed decision.[2]
- Writing out your pros and cons and comparing them side-by-side can help you compare the trade-offs.
- Manage your time. If you have a series of decisions to make, it's important to be mindful of which choices need a decision first. Some decisions may even be contingent on the outcome of another decision.[3]
- In addition to organizing situations that require a decision by time requirements, you may also need to adjust your priorities in order to best meet your goals. Day-to-day situations will change, but some decisions will require you to reevaluate your values and goals. Give time and priority to choices that require you to reflect and adjust to change.
- Write down what needs to be done. Seeing it all in a manageable list can make it easier to weigh the possible outcomes of your decision and prioritize which decisions need to be made first.
- In addition to the pros and cons of a given choice, consider the unknown variables. Every decision may have unpredictable outcomes, but anticipating those outcomes can help you evaluate whether or not a possible outcome is worth the risks involved.[4]
- Sometimes it will be necessary to make decisions without all of the information that you want. It's important to remember that you will need to make decisions with the best information you have available at the time. It's a good idea to leave yourself an opportunity to make adjustments in your decision once more information comes in.
- Remember that no plan is exempt from unforeseen obstacles. Build in alternative plans or prepare "what-if" scenarios for each of your choices.
- Consider whether a deeper issue may be complicating things. Certain developmental issues have a direct effect upon many parts of your life. If an underlying issue is not successfully resolved at the appropriate time, there may be significant repercussions related to your ability to make wise decisions.
- For example, fear and discomfort can prevent you from making good decisions. It's easy to justify a decision that helps you avoid discomfort, even if it's not the best decision. Try to be self aware and recognize when you are lying to yourself or avoiding something when making a decision.
EditSeeking Assistance - Make a list out of your support system. Think about the people you know, personally or professionally, who have had to make similar decisions in the past. Do your best to find a trusted source that has experience and knowledge about what you're dealing with.
- Sharing similar values and interests is a crucial factor in building your support system. You certainly want a broad spectrum of advice, but it should be from people who, if put in your situation, would make a decision based on the same values and goals you have in mind. It's also a good idea to ask them about their background.
- Make sure that you only take advice from people who are knowledgeable and experienced. Some people will eagerly offer advice, even if they don't know anything about the topic.
- For example, the Small Business Administration is a great support system for small business owners. You can get more information by visiting their website here: https://www.sba.gov/.
- Reach out to the people you listed in your support system. Tell the people you trust about the decision at hand, and ask for advice on the matter. Having a support system can help you emotionally, by providing comfort, and physically, by lowering stress levels and blood pressure.
- Ask for advice, not validation. You don't want people to tell you what you want to hear; you should be asking others in order to make an informed decision.[5]
- Ask a variety of people with varying backgrounds. Having a pool of responses can help you evaluate how a majority of other people view the decision. Just be sure that everyone you ask has your best interests in mind.[6]
- Don't forget that you are the only person who can make the final decision. You can ask for advice on how others might approach the situation, but ultimately, the decision must be yours.
- Ask your support system for advice by email. That way, you can carefully consider how best to ask your question, and they can think carefully about how best to respond. You'll also have a written record of the conversation, in case you can't remember a piece of advice someone offered to you.
- Give context to the people you are asking for advice. Let them know the details of the decision you must make, and what the stakes are regarding that choice. And of course, always thank your support system for their time and assistance.[7]
- Be comfortable asking for assistance. There's nothing wrong with needing to ask others for advice. In fact, some research suggests that asking for advice is perceived by others as a sign of intelligence.[8]
EditFollowing Through - Set a deadline for yourself. Having a deadline and a step-by-step plan of action will allow you to have a better understanding of the issues at hand and to know that you've thoroughly considered the situation.[9]
- You may find it helpful to set a series of deadlines for yourself. For example, make a decision by one deadline, then formulate a course of action by a second deadline, then implement that course of action by a third deadline, and so on.
- Put your choices into action. Now that you've carefully considered every angle of the issue and consulted with trusted sources, implement your choice by the deadline you've set yourself.
- Assess whether you've made the right decision. Examine where your decision falls with relation to your principles. Clear values, a consistent commitment to dealing with reality, and the formulation of a constructive personal philosophy are important elements that contribute to the decision-making process in the future.[10]
- Give yourself a performance review. Ask yourself whether you were open and honest with others about this decision. Did you make the best, most-educated decision you could make? Considering questions like these can help you honestly evaluate your choices and make better decisions in the future.
- Anticipate that not everyone will agree with your decision. That does not necessarily mean that you made the wrong choice. It could merely reflect on the difficulty of the choice you had to make. Be sure to communicate all of the factors and circumstances surrounding the issue to those who will be affected by your decision.[11]
- Some people may disagree with your decision simply because they are fearful of change. Do not let one or two negative reactions lead you to believe that you were wrong; instead, seek out feedback, and inquire into why the decision was poorly received.
EditMoving Forward - Don't let the past inform your decision-making process for the future. Just because you may have made poor choices in previous circumstances, it does not mean you cannot begin to make better decisions immediately. Also, just because something worked in the past, it does not guarantee that it will work well in the future. Treat each issue that arises as a unique situation and a valuable learning experience.[12]
- Don't beat yourself up if you make a bad decision. There is no right or wrong, there is only what works and what doesn't work. When you have unpleasant experiences, think of them as learning experiences.
- Take your ego out of the equation. Doing this will help you evaluate whether the choice you made was honest and well-informed, rather than simply seeking affirmation and praise.[13]
- Don't personalize rejection or criticism. Rather than looking for "proof" of a decision being good or bad, or thinking that the value of your decisions determines your own value, look for opportunities to learn and grow from your decision-making process.[14]
- Cultivate your intuition. By making informed decisions, you are gradually learning to trust your intuition and teaching yourself to think things through in the best way possible. Over time, you will learn to feel good about the choices you've made as you become more confident in your decision-making abilities.[15]
- Don't let fear guide your decisions. Fear is one of the biggest obstacles toward developing and trusting your intuition.[16]
- Focus on one single event or situation that requires a decision and try meditating on that issue. Think deeply and openly about all of the implications, possibilities, and circumstances of the issue, and then consider the most likely outcomes of each choice you could make.[17]
- Keep a diary or journal to document your intuitive reaction to various issues and how each decision played out. This can help you look for patterns in your judgment and learn to better trust your intuition.[18]
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