| How to Take Spirulina Powder Posted: 28 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT Spirulina is a type of algae rich with nutrients that serves as a great diet supplement, as it is very rich in protein, iron, B vitamins, and has antioxidant properties. It is especially good for vegetarian or vegan diets as it contains vitamin B12, which is usually only found in meat. Most find the savory sea flavors of spirulina powder off-putting, which is why it is often mixed into drinks and recipes to mask the taste. It is usually recommended to have no more than 2 tbsp (14 g) per day, as even just a little of this algae is packed with nutrients — 60 to 70 percent of its weight is pure protein! EditMixing Spirulina Powder in Drinks - Mix spirulina powder into a sweet smoothie to mask the sea flavors. You can mix spirulina into just about any smoothie, but sweet, fruity smoothies work better to mask its flavor. Sprinkle about 1 tsp (5 g) of spirulina powder into your smoothie before blending. It will turn the mix a deep, dark green, but the flavor will be covered up by sugar and fruits.
- Pineapple, banana, orange, and mango-based smoothies are best to mix with spirulina, but opt for any sweet, ripe fruit that calls to you.[1]
- Spirulina powder also works well in spinach superfood smoothies, as it blends well with the savory ingredients without becoming overpowering.
- Sprinkle some spirulina in your favorite juice to add a nutritional boost. In a bottle, combine the juice of a sweet fruit with about 1 tsp (5 g) of spirulina powder and shake it to dissolve the powder.[2] This will almost instantly turn the drink a dark green, nearly black color, but the fruity flavors will still come through.
- Mango juice, orange juice, or pineapple juice are perfect options to mix with spirulina powder.
- Don't add the powder to your juicer, as it won't effectively blend it with your drink. Pour the juice into a bottle afterwards and shake it to mix it with spirulina.
- Combine spirulina with matcha green tea for a creamy breakfast option. Matcha green tea is a calming and delicious coffee-shop drink, and it's already got a green color to it. Stir in about 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) of spirulina in a small matcha drink, or a full tsp (5 g) into a large one. The heat of the tea will quickly dissolve the powder and the fresh, green flavors blend well together.[3]
- This drink will have a relatively strong taste of spirulina, even mixed with the mellow and creamy matcha, so if you really don't like the taste of spirulina then opt to mix less into the drink. You can always have more later on in the day with other foods!
- Add spirulina to a lemony cocktail, such as a lemon drop. There are not many cocktails that benefit from tasting like the ocean, but a tart and sour cocktail like the lemon drop martini easily covers up the off-putting flavors of spirulina and even bring out some of its more appetizing, fresh flavors. Stir about 1 tsp (5 g) of spirulina into the drink, and watch it turn a deep sea-green color.[4]
- To make a lemon drop martini, combine a shot of vodka with 3 parts lemon juice and 1 part simple syrup. Mix in the spirulina powder before you stir the martini, and add a lemon twist for garnish.
EditMasking Spirulina in Recipes - Add spirulina powder as you make pesto sauce. As you combine pine nuts, basil, lemon, and garlic in a food processor to make pesto sauce, sprinkle in about 1 tbsp (7 g) of spirulina powder per serving. If you are making a lot of pesto, this will feel like a lot of spirulina, but the strong blast of flavors that are unique to this sauce will effortlessly cover up the taste of the powder on your tongue.[5]
- Pesto is already green, so you may not notice a change in color as the spirulina is mixed into the sauce. Check the food processor every couple seconds to see if you can make out any noticeable bits of powder, and stir it around before pulsing again to get an even mix.
- Make superfood bites with nuts, figs, and spirulina. Affectionately called "energy balls" by the health food community, superfood bites are usually made with various types of nuts, figs, cocoa powder, and coconut. As you combine the ingredients in a food processor, sprinkle in 2 tbsp (14 g) of spirulina powder.[6]
- There are a variety of ways to make energy balls, with and without nuts, with eggs, and even with juice. Opt for one that seems tasty to you and mix in the spirulina as you mix the ingredients together.
- Sprinkle spirulina into hummus for quick snacking. This is possibly the easiest way to incorporate spirulina into your diet for on-the-go snacking. Simply take a tub of your favorite hummus brand and stir in about 1 tsp (5 g) of spirulina. It will turn the hummus a deep green, but the Mediterranean flavors go perfectly with the sea flavors of this nutritious algae.
- It's best to avoid using flavored hummus with spirulina powder, but if you would prefer to have more flavor, opt for a spinach-based or artichoke-based hummus, as these flavors combine well with spirulina.[7]
EditSubstituting Spirulina for Other Ingredients - Substitute spirulina for ground seaweed for a more powerful flavor. Ground seaweed is used to add an oceanic taste to many Asian and coastal recipes around the world. Opt to use spirulina powder instead of seaweed to make the oceanic flavors much more potent and to add a boost to the nutritional value of your meal.[8]
- While they don't taste exactly the same, as long as seaweed isn't the main component of the dish, you won't be able to tell a difference.
- Raw spirulina can be used instead of raw seaweed as well in just about anything except sushi, as the algae doesn't exactly wrap around other ingredients very well.
- Replace spinach in your recipes with spirulina. Spinach and spirulina have wildly different flavors, but they have the same color. If you want to "trick" your kids into eating spirulina for its nutritional benefits, substitute it for spinach in your recipes. Plus, it has more than 2000 percent more iron than spinach, bringing a boost to your iron intake each day.[9]
- While you can't substitute spirulina for cooked spinach, it works well if the spinach component of your dish is not the main element. Test it out with a few small recipes before you commit to making a meal out with it.
- Use small amounts of spirulina in place of green food coloring. One of the most common ways for people to take spirulina is to simply mix 1 tsp (5 g) with a full glass of water.[10] You can use a tiny amount of spirulina in place of food coloring for a more natural option. Pour tiny amounts of spirulina while stirring into the recipe you want to turn green.
- Most recipes call for at least 1 tsp (5 g) of spirulina to get its full nutritional value, but if you are just changing the color of a dish, opt to go for a 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) at a time so you don't add any extra oceanic flavors.
- If you add too much, the recipe will turn a deep, dark green. Make sure to use a pinch of powder so you don't overwhelm your guests with a surprising algae taste.
- It's generally advised to have no more than 2 tbsp (14 g) of spirulina powder every day, as it is super nutritious and will satisfy your daily nutrition requirements easily.
- Nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor and is a perfect substitute for parmesan cheese in pesto for vegans.
- Wear gloves while juicing lemons if you have cuts on your hands. The juice will sting a lot if it gets into your wound.
- Always make sure the cover is securely tightened on your blender or food processor before you turn it on. Keep a hand on top to make sure it doesn't fly off while processing your ingredients.
EditThings You'll Need - Blender
- Food Processor
- Lemon juicer
- Chef's knife
EditReferences
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| How to Toast Sliced Almonds Posted: 28 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT Almonds, like many other nuts, have a wonderfully rich, earthy flavor when toasted. However, store-bought toasted almonds can have a stale taste—along with added fat and salt content—since the nuts are not freshly roasted. There are several methods for toasting almonds at home and each can be accomplished quickly, with great results. Learning how to toast sliced almonds is primarily a matter of paying careful attention to the nuts to ensure that they don't burn. EditCooking Sliced Almonds in the Oven - Preheat your oven to . Most ovens require somewhere between 5-15 minutes to heat up to the desired temperature. Your oven may alert you when it is fully pre-heated.[1]
- If not, consider purchasing an oven thermometer to determine precisely when it's reached the correct temperature.
- Spread up to of sliced almonds on a baking sheet. Make sure the sliced almonds are arranged evenly in a single layer. You can use anywhere between and of sliced almonds. Spread them across an ungreased, rimmed baking sheet.[2]
- A rimmed baking sheet prevents the sliced almonds from spilling over the edges and burning in the oven.[3]
- Place the almonds in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Put the baking sheet on the middle rack so the nuts aren't too close the heating elements, which could cause them to burn. After about 8 minutes, the almonds should begin to smell nutty and fragrant.[4]
- Try not to get distracted by something else or leave the nuts unattended—almond slices burn easily, so you should stir them right at the 8-minute mark.
- Take the almonds out of the oven, stir, then put them back. Using pot holders to protect your hands from the heat, pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Stir and flip the almond slices with a spatula or wooden spoon. Return the baking sheet to the oven and close the door.[5]
- You can also shake the baking sheet to help redistribute the nuts.
- Cook the almonds for another 5-8 minutes or until they are golden-brown. The almonds will take 10-15 minutes to toast completely, but pay careful attention to avoid burning them. You'll know the almonds are done when they're fragrant and golden brown around the edges.[6]
- Take the almonds out before they turn dark brown since they'll continue to cook for a bit after you take them out of the oven.
- Cool and then store the sliced almonds. Allow the nuts to cool completely before using. This will make them extra crunchy. If you left the almonds in the oven for slightly too long, transfer them immediately to a cool tray or bowl to prevent further toasting from the hot baking sheet.[7]
- If you're not using the almonds right away, store them in a sealable plastic bag to preserve their flavor and texture. They will retain their texture and flavor for up to 2 weeks.
- Use the sliced almonds as a topping or eat them alone. Toasted sliced almonds are very tasty and versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They can add color, texture, and flavor when sprinkled on top of salads, desserts and even pizza.[8]
- Eat them on their own as a quick and healthy snack. Drizzle them in a little olive oil and sprinkle them with salt first, if you like.
- Mix them into cake, bread, and muffin batters. Toasted almonds are less likely to sink to the bottom than regular almonds.
- Store the nuts in an airtight container for a maximum of 2 weeks. They will still be safe to eat after 2 weeks but will start to lose their texture and flavor. If you plan to store the almond slices immediately after toasting them, make sure you've allowed them to cool completely before storing.[9]
- You can also freeze the nuts, which will keep them fresh for up to 3 months.
EditUsing a Toaster Oven - Spread up to of almonds on your toaster oven tray. Depending on the size of your toaster oven, you may need to use a smaller amount of sliced almonds. Make sure the nuts are spread evenly with minimal overlap, to ensure that they toast evenly.[10]
- Consider lining your tray in foil for easier cleanup. However, make sure to check the instructions for your specific toaster model first, to confirm that it's equipped to handle aluminum foil.[11]
- Set the toaster oven to and place the tray inside. The process for toasting almonds in a toaster oven is very similar to toasting in a regular oven. The major difference is that the heating elements are much closer to the almonds in a toaster oven, meaning that they can burn more easily.[12]
- Keep a close eye on the almonds throughout the entire process to make sure they don't burn!
- Bake the almond slices for 3-4 minutes, then stir. Open the toaster oven and use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir and flip the almond slices. This will ensure they cook evenly. Then, close the toaster oven door.[13]
- You can also shake the tray to redistribute the nuts. If you use this method, make sure to use hot pads to avoid burning yourself on the hot tray.
- Repeat in 1-minute intervals until the nuts are golden-brown. Make sure to stir or shake the almonds each minute to keep them toasting evenly. Depending on your toaster oven and the amount of nuts you're cooking, it could take anywhere from 5-10 minutes.[14]
- The almonds will be done when they begin releasing a rich, nutty fragrance and appear golden-brown.
- Pour the nuts into another container and let them cool. Remove the tray from the toaster oven, then transfer the nuts to a bowl or another tray. This prevents the nuts from continuing to cook on the hot metal tray.[15]
- Let the nuts sit for at least 15 minutes to fully cool.
- Store the nuts for up to 2 weeks. Toasted almonds can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. After that point, they will still be safe to eat but will start to lose their texture and flavor.[16]
EditHeating Sliced Almonds on the Stovetop - Place a sauté pan on the stove over medium heat. Use a heavy-bottomed pan for best results. Make sure you have your ingredients within arms' reach before you turn on the heat.[17]
- For this method, you'll need of sliced almonds and, optionally, a small amount of butter or coconut oil.
- Add a small amount of butter to increase flavor if desired. Toss a small pat of butter or a dash of coconut oil in the pan and allow it to heat up for roughly 1 minute. It's not necessary to grease the pan, but adding butter or coconut oil can enhance the flavor of the almonds.[18]
- Shake the pan a bit to let the melted butter or oil coat the bottom.
- Pour of almonds into the preheated pan. Once the pan heats up, sprinkle the almonds across the pan in an even layer. This method works best for smaller amounts of nuts.[19]
- Try to keep the slices from bunching up in one section of the pan, which will prevent them from toasting evenly.
- Stir or shake the pan every 30 seconds. Use a wooden spoon to stir, or simply shake the pan using the handle. This will prevent the nuts from burning. As they start to cook, you will see a small amount of moisture forming on top of the almonds. This is the oil being released from the nuts by heat, which will create a rich, nutty flavor.[20]
- Although the stovetop method is quick and easy, the almond slices tend to roast a little unevenly. It's important to keep the almonds moving.
- If the pan you are using has a metal handle, make sure to use an oven mitt when shaking to avoid burning your hand.
- Turn off the heat when the almonds develop browned edges. The almonds should take between 3 and 5 minutes to toast on the stovetop. Remove the almonds from the heat when they begin to smell fragrant, but before they start to fully brown.[21]
- Once the almonds brown, it's likely that they will burn.
- Pour the toasted almond slices into another dish to cool. Transfer the toasted almonds to a bowl or tray immediately, to keep them from cooking further in the heated pan. Allow them to cool for roughly 15 minutes.[22]
- Use the almonds immediately or store them for up to 2 weeks. You can store the nuts on the counter or in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Make sure they are stored in an airtight container.[23]
- If you freeze the nuts, they will last anywhere from 1-3 months.
EditCooking Sliced Almonds in the Microwave - Spread up to of sliced almonds on a microwave-safe plate. Arrange them in a single layer with minimal overlap. Do not grease the plate. Place the plate into the microwave.[24]
- Add a small amount of margarine, butter, or oil if desired. Use approximately of butter or oil per 1/2 teaspoon fat per of nuts. Stir the almonds together with the oil or butter so they are thinly coated.[25]
- Make sure the butter has been softened before trying to stir it in with the almonds.
- Adding a small amount of fat to the nuts will encourage browning and make the toasting process happen more quickly.
- Microwave the almonds on high for 1 minute, then stir. Set the microwave to its highest power setting, and cook the sliced almonds for 1 minute. Take them out of the microwave and stir them with a spoon. Then, return the plate to the microwave.[26]
- Stirring the almonds redistributes them and ensures they toast evenly.
- Repeat in 1-minute intervals until the nuts are golden-brown and fragrant. Aim to remove the almonds from the microwave just before they start to brown and become fragrant. This should take 3-5 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.[27]
- All microwaves cook differently, so keep a close eye on your nuts as they cook. If you have an older model, it may take longer to toast the almonds.
- Make sure to stir the almonds at each 1-minute interval to make sure they toast evenly.
- Allow the nuts to cool, then use or store them for 1-2 weeks. As long as they are stored in an airtight container, the toasted almonds will be good for up to 2 weeks. They can be kept in the fridge or at room temperature.[28]
- If you want the nuts to keep for longer, store them in the freezer. Frozen almond slices can last for up to 3 months.
- Consider buying more almonds than you need in case you burn a batch and have to start over again.
EditThings You'll Need - Sliced almonds
- Baking sheet
- Wooden spoon
- Tea towel or oven mitt
- Sauté pan
- Microwave-safe plate
EditRelated wikiHows
EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Use Watercolor Brush Pens Posted: 28 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT If you enjoy drawing, coloring, or painting, watercolor brush pens can be a fun addition to your creativity toolkit. With their vibrant colors and smooth brush tops, these pens offer excellent precision and control while creating the effect of traditional watercolor, all with no mess and little to clean up. Whether you enjoy drawing your own designs or are looking for a new way to enjoy coloring, these pens will spark your inner artist. EditLearning the Basics - Buy watercolor brush pens. You can find watercolor brush pens at a local craft store or online. When purchasing a set, look for an exciting color palette and make sure it comes with a refillable clear water pen.
- Clear water pens usually come empty. To use, simply unscrew their top and fill with water.[1]
- Watercolor brush pens have moist tips that resemble a paintbrush. They offer you the effect of watercolor painting with the ease and control that you'd typically find in a marker or pen.
- Get a feel for what it's like to hold them and move them across a page. In the beginning, tracing paper can offer a nice smooth surface for learning how to use them, despite its light weight.[2]
- Choose heavy-weight and smooth paper. Because watercolor brush pens are a very wet medium, you'll need to think about the kind of paper you want to use. Choose a paper that is both heavy-weight and has a smooth surface. The weight of the paper will prevent your pen from leaking through, while the smooth surface will ensure a nice even look.[3]
- Depending on the look you want, paper with a rougher surface may work for you, but it can also wear out the brushes on your pens more quickly.
- A sturdy cardstock is a great choice when working with these pens.
- You can also use these in coloring books. Just look for a book that has high-quality, thick pages.
- Make an outline of a basic shape. Start out simple. Draw one half of a rectangle, leaving it open and unfinished. Try to keep light but even pressure on your brush tip as you move it across the page. [4]
- You can try this with a variety of basic shapes.
- Start out with a small shape to conserve your watercolor ink.
- Use the clear water pen to fill in the shape. Without waiting for the ink to dry, apply the clear water pen to the inside of one of your lines. Move the brush towards the inside of the shape at first. This will give the effect that watercolor paint provides by giving a lighter shade of the ink you first applied.
- Continue to pull your colored ink with the clear pen to fill in and complete your shape.
- Care for your pens so they last. After blending, dip your pen tips in water and wipe them on a clean sheet of paper to remove any leftover color.
- Keep their caps sealed tightly when storing them so that they don't dry out.
EditCreating Advanced Blending Effects - Layering two colors. Select your two colors and draw the outline of the shape you wish to make with the lighter color. Once your shape has dried, try outlining a portion of it with a second, darker color. Use the clear water pen to pull your second color into the first. This is how you can begin layering and blending additional colors in your artwork.
- Once you've finished layering, clean your pens by dipping them in water and wiping them on a piece of scrap paper.[5]
- Use complementary colors and a water pen to create a gradient. Choosing at least three complementary colors. Put the lightest of your three colors on the paper first and create a solid block of color. Above and below this color block, put down some strokes of your second color. Then, place the third color so that it caps your image on the top and bottom. [6]
- Beginning at the top, move your water pen back and forth, while also slowly moving it down
- Repeat this blending effect, this time moving from the bottom up into the middle.
- Create an ombre effect. By rubbing the tips of your brush pens together, you can mix colors on the tip itself. Always make sure you apply the darker color to the lighter one because you will be able to see how much color you are transferring to the brush. Once your brush is loaded with a darker color, move it across the page in the design you desire.[7]
- This will provide a gradient in your artwork that moves from dark to light.
EditTrying Advanced Techniques - Use a water-proof medium as a stamp. Select three or more complementary colors and apply the pens in a pattern of your choosing to the outside of a plastic sandwich bag or a piece of wax paper. [8]
- Use the bag as a stamp, flipping it onto a pre-moistened piece of paper.
- Use your fingers to spread the colors around, creating the effect you desire.
- Create floral designs using short, curved strokes. Choose a color and begin by making a small dot in the middle of your page. Surround this with three or four short, curved strokes of the same color. Apply your water pen to the colored strokes to create the effect of petals that are darkened towards the center and faded out as you move outwards. Continue this process, building your flower out until it has reached the size you desire.[9]
- Add flowers of a variety of colors to create a pattern or bouquet effect.
- Add leaves, vines or stems to complete your look.
- Experiment by using different colors for the inner and outer petals.
- Develop your hand-lettering skills. Watercolor brush pens can help you make beautiful hand-lettering and calligraphy projects. When practicing your letters, note that you will want to increase pressure on your brush on the downward strokes and decrease pressure, using only the tip, on your upward strokes. By going over the tops of your downward strokes a second time, you can easily create depth and shadow, further enhancing your lettering.[10]
- Experiment with your advanced shading and blending techniques to create even more lettering options.[11]
- The tips of your pens can suffer wear and tear from rough surfaces. You can avoid this by choosing high-quality, smooth paper for your medium.
EditThings You'll Need - Watercolor brush pens
- Paper or coloring book with thick and smooth pages
- A clear water pen
EditReferences
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