| How to Steam Milk Without a Steamer Posted: 09 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT Steamed milk is a great addition to hot drinks and adds a delicious foamy texture. Each of these methods takes less than 5 minutes and only require basic kitchen utensils. Add the warm, foamy milk to your favourite hot drink or enjoy it by itself. EditSteaming Milk in the Microwave with a Jar - Pour your milk into a glass jar. Any kind of milk works for this technique; however, skim milk works best, as it froths easily. Pour the milk into a glass jar and screw the lid on tightly.[1]
- A regular espresso or flat white requires about of milk.
- Fill the jar no more than halfway so that the milk has room to froth.
- Shake the milk until it is frothy. Shake the jar of milk up and down until it has doubled in volume. This normally takes about 30 to 60 seconds. If you have used full-fat milk, it may take an extra 30 seconds to achieve the same level of frothiness.[2]
- Double-check that the lid is on tightly before you shake it to prevent milk spilling on the floor.
- Microwave the milk uncovered for 30 seconds. Take the lid off and place the jar of milk into the microwave. Adjust the microwave to the highest setting and then set it to heat for 30 seconds. The heat warms the milk and causes the foam to rise to the top of the jar.[3]
- Pour the milk and froth into your mug. Hold the foam in the jar with a spoon and allow the milk to run into your mug. Then, spoon the foam on top of your mug to provide a fluffy top layer.[4]
- This steamed milk has a very similar consistency to that made with a steamer.
EditUsing the Stove and a French Press - Warm up your milk to on the stovetop. Pour your milk into a small saucepan and set the stovetop to medium heat. Place the tip of a cooking thermometer in the milk to measure the temperature. Once it reaches , remove the saucepan from the heat.[5]
- If you don't have a cooking thermometer, heat the milk until it's warm but not too hot to touch.
- Turn down the heat if the milk starts to boil.
- Pour the milk into your French press. Before you tip in the milk, ensure that the French press is clean; otherwise, your milk will taste like coffee. Take the plunger lid off your French press and carefully tip the warm milk into the bowl.[6]
- If you have a pump frother, use this instead.
- Pump the plunger handle up and down until the milk is foamy. Use 1 hand to hold down the plunger lid and use your other hand to move the plunger stick up and down. Pump the stick vigorously for about 60 seconds or until the milk reaches your desired level of fluffiness.[7]
- If you don't have a French press, foam the milk with a whisk or blend it for 30 seconds in a blender.
- Pour the warm frothy milk into a mug. Fill your mug with cocoa or coffee and then pour in the warm frothy milk. Alternatively, enjoy the frothy milk by itself as a creamy, calcium-rich treat.[8]
EditUsing the Microwave and a Whisk - Warm up your milk for 30 seconds in the microwave. Pour your milk into a microwave-safe jar or dish. Then, place it in the microwave on the highest setting for 30 seconds. This technique works with any type of milk; however, it is slightly quicker if you use low-fat milk.[9]
- Glass and ceramic are good microwave-safe materials.
- Whisk the milk until is foamy and bubbly. Use a hand whisk or an electric whisk to foam the milk for about 30 seconds or until it doubles in volume. If you use an electric whisk, set it to the lowest speed to avoid the milk spilling over the edges of your bowl.[10]
- If you don't have a whisk, place the milk in a blender for 30 seconds instead.
- Pour the milk into your hot drink or enjoy it by itself. Carefully pour the milk into your hot drink and stir it gently with a spoon. Alternatively, pour it into a glass and enjoy its warm, creamy taste.[11]
EditThings You'll Need EditSteaming Milk in the Microwave with a Jar - Glass jar with lid
- Spoon
- Microwave
- Mug
EditUsing the Stove and a French Press - Saucepan
- French press
- Mug
- Cooking thermometer
EditUsing the Microwave and a Whisk - Microwave-safe bowl or jar
- Whisk (hand-held or electric)
- Mug
EditReferences
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| How to Tell if Gold Is Real Posted: 09 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT Gold is a valuable metal, so it is often imitated in fake jewelry and metal blends. By most international standards, anything consisting of less than 41.7%, or 10 karats, of gold is considered to be fake. If you're wondering whether your gold is real, the most reliable test is to take it to a certified jeweler. If you aren't ready to do that yet, you can form an opinion by inspecting the gold and testing its basic properties. You could also try doing a density test or nitric acid test for more accuracy. Go through several tests and, if they all come out well, you can rest assured knowing that your item is the real deal. EditDoing a Visual Inspection - Look for an official number marking on the gold. The marking, or hallmark, tells you what percentage of gold an item consists of. The hallmark is often printed on jewelry clasps or the inner bands of rings. It is usually visible on the surface of coins and bullion. The stamp is a number from 1 to 999 or 0K to 24K depending on what kind of grading system was used.[1]
- Use a magnifying glass to help you identify the hallmark. It can be tough to make out by eye, especially on smaller pieces of gold such as rings.
- Older pieces of jewelry may not have visible hallmarks. Sometimes the hallmark wears off over time, while in other cases the jewelry never got a stamp. Hallmarking became common in the 1950s in some areas, but in India for instance, it only became mandatory in the year 2000.[2]
- Use the number marking to determine how much gold is in your piece. Most coins and jewelry are not pure gold, so they have other metals mixed in. There are 2 different scales used to indicate this through the hallmark. The number rating system used in Europe runs from 1 to 999 with 999 meaning pure gold. The U.S. uses a scale from 0 to 24K, where 24K is pure gold.[3]
- The number rating system is easier to read than the karat rating system. For example, a rating of 375 means your item consists of 37.5% gold.
- What number means gold depends on the country you are in. In the U.S., for example, anything 9K and under is not considered to be gold, even though a 9K bracelet consists of 37.5% gold.
- Counterfeit pieces may have markings making them look authentic, so don't go solely on the hallmark unless you're certain you are holding gold.
- Check for a letter marking indicating that the gold isn't pure. Some of the common letters you may see are GP, GF, and GEP. These letters indicate that your gold piece is plated, which means the maker put a thin layer of gold over another metal, such as copper or silver. Your item has some gold in it, but it isn't considered to be real gold.[4]
- GP stands for gold plated, GF means gold filled, and GEP means gold electroplate.
- The markings vary a little depending on where the gold is from. For instance, gold from India contains a small triangle symbol indicating the government council responsible for the rating system. It then has a number rating and a letter code, such as K, for the jeweler.
- Find any noticeable discolorations where the gold has worn away. Gold is pretty soft for a metal, so plated gold often rubs away over time. The best places to check are around the edges of jewelry and coins. These spots often rub up against your skin and clothing throughout the day. If you see a different metal underneath the gold, you know your item is plated and not considered real gold.[5]
- For example, a silver coloring might indicate silver or titanium. A red coloring could mean copper or brass.
- Note any discolorations on your skin from wearing or holding the gold. Pure gold doesn't react with sweat or oil from your skin, so if you see black or green marks, they are from other metals. Silver leaves behind black marks and copper leaves behind green marks. If you see a lot of these marks on your skin, your gold may be less pure than you expect.[6]
- Keep in mind that most gold items are blends of gold and other metals. Even something like a 14K piece of jewelry, 58.3% gold, can leave these marks. Use other tests as well to ensure your gold is authentic.
EditTesting Magnetism and Other Basic Properties - Drop gold into a jug of water to see if it sinks. Get container big enough to hold both the water and the gold you wish to test. The water temperature you use doesn't really matter, so lukewarm water is fine. Real gold is a dense metal, so it falls directly to the bottom of the jug. Imitation gold is much lighter and floats.[7]
- Real gold also doesn't rust or tarnish when wet, so if you see a discoloration, you probably have plated gold.
- Hold a strong magnet up to see if the gold sticks to it. For this test, you need a strong magnet capable of pulling even metal blends. Move the magnet over the gold and observe how it reacts. Gold isn't magnetic, so don't be fooled by anything that sticks. If the magnet pulls the gold toward it, your item is either impure or a fake.[8]
- Regular kitchen magnets won't do. Buy a powerful neodymium magnet from a home improvement store.
- The magnet test isn't foolproof, since counterfeit gold can be made with non-magnetic metal like stainless steel. Also, some genuine gold items are made with magnetic metals such as iron.
- Rub the gold on a unglazed ceramic to see if it leaves a streak. Make sure you're using an unglazed piece of ceramic since anything with a glaze could affect the test results. Drag your item across the plate until you see some fragments coming off the gold. If you see a black streak, that means your gold is not real. A gold streak usually indicates authentic gold.[9]
- Try getting an unglazed ceramic tile or a plate online or from your local home improvement store.
- This test scratches the gold a little bit but doesn't typically leave much noticeable damage. It is much safer than other tests involving scratches or acid.
- Another way to do this is by spreading some cosmetic foundation on your skin and dragging the gold across it after it dries. Fake gold usually reacts with the foundation, leaving a green or black streak in it.
EditPerforming a Density Test - Weigh your piece of gold on a scale. If you have a decent kitchen scale, place the gold on it. Otherwise, jewelers and appraisers often can do it for you for free. Call around to different jewelry or appraisal stores to see which ones offer this service. Make sure you get the weight in grams rather than ounces.[10]
- You need the weight in grams to use in a calculation later. If the weight is in ounces, you won't get an accurate result.
- Fill a graduated cylinder halfway full with water. Choose a cylinder that is big enough to hold the gold. It needs to have measurement markings in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc). If you don't have a regular graduated cylinder, you could try using a kitchen measuring cup.[11]
- Vials with frequent millimeter markings on the side are useful for getting a more accurate measurement during the test.
- The amount of water you use doesn't matter that much as long as you leave plenty of space for the gold. If you fill the vial to the top, dropping the gold into it causes the water to spill.
- Read the starting water level in the cylinder. Look at the markings on the cylinder, then record the water level. This measurement is very important for the test, so write it down. Make sure you have the vial on a flat, level surface in order to get as accurate a reading as possible.[12]
- Keep in mind that it doesn't matter if your vial is marked in milliliters or cubic centimeters. They are the same measurement, so either unit can be used in the test.
- Drop the gold into the vial and record the new water level. Gently lower the gold into the cylinder to avoid losing any of the water. Let go of it right above the water to prevent splashing or getting your fingers wet. Then, read the markings again to get the second measurement.[13]
- Write the second measurement down on a piece of paper. Note that this is the second measurement, not the initial one.
- Subtract the measurements to find the difference in the water level. Perform a simple calculation to figure out how much water the gold displaced. Subtract the initial measurement, the smaller number, from the final measurement. This gives you an answer in milliliters or cubic centimeters, depending on what measurement your vial lists.[14]
- For example, if you started with of water that rose to , that leaves a difference.
- Divide the gold's weight by the difference in the water level. The density of the gold equals its mass divided by its volume. After calculating the density, compare the result to the standard density of gold, which is 19.3 g/mL. If your number is way off, chances are you have a fake. Keep in mind, though, that some combinations of metals in fake gold can have a density similar to real gold.[15]
- For instance, you have a gold item that weighs and displaces of water. Divide 38 by 2 to get 19 g/mL, which is very close to the density of gold.
- The standard density differs a little depending on the type of gold you have. For 14k yellow gold, it's about 12.9 to 13.6 g/mL. For 14K white gold, it's around 14 g/mL.
- A piece of 18K yellow gold has an average density from 15.2 to 15.9 g/mL. A piece of 18K white gold has a density from 14.7 to 16.9 g/mL.
- Any 22K piece of gold has a density around 17.7 to 17.8 g/mL.
EditUsing a Nitric Acid Test - Purchase gold-testing kit to get the acid you need for the test. Testing kits include various bottles of nitric acid for different types of gold. Some tests also include a flat rock called a touchstone you can use to scratch off some of the gold on your item. You may also see needles with samples of yellow and white gold to use as a comparison to your item.[16]
- Testing kits are available online. Also, check with local jewelry stores. Most jewelers use this test for its accuracy.
- Create a small scratch on the gold using a sharp tool. Choose an inconspicuous location on the jewelry to make the scratch, such as underneath a clasp or an inner band. Then, use a sharp tool such as a jewelry engraver to dig into the gold. Scratch until you get underneath the top layer of gold. Expose a fresh layer of gold or any other metal underneath it.[17]
- Nitric acid tests require you to scratch your piece of gold. If the gold has personal value to you or you plan on keeping it, take it to a professional jeweler instead of doing the test yourself.
- Add a drop of nitric acid to the scratch. Put on latex gloves and work in a well-ventilated room to avoid any issues with the dangerous acid. When you're ready, look for the bottle of acid labeled for 18K gold. After setting the gold in a stainless steel container, place a drop of the acid directly on the scratch you made, then watch for it to turn a shade of green. If it turns green, you know right away your gold is fake.[18]
- Regular gold does not react to the acid, so your item might be gold plated or a low-purity blend of metals.
- A milk-colored reaction usually indicates gold-plated sterling silver. If the acid turns gold, you have gold-plated brass.
- Scratch the gold on a touchstone to test its purity. If you think you might have real gold, rub it along the touchstone to create a streak of gold flakes. Add a drop of 12K, 14K, 18K, and 22K nitric acid to different parts of the streak. Check back after 20 to 40 seconds. Find the spot where the acid doesn't dissolve the gold to figure out what karat rating your item is.[19]
- The acids all increase in strength, so the acid used for 22K is stronger than the 12K one. If the 18K acid dissolves the gold but the 14K one doesn't, you know your item is probably around 14K.
- Most gold tests are imperfect, so you may need to go through several tests in order to decide if your item is authentic.
- You may have heard of the bite test where gold is real if your teeth leave a mark on it. Since most gold items consist of blends of harder metals, avoid the bite test to protect your teeth.
- When jewelers say that gold is 24K, they mean that the gold is 99.9% pure with minimal traces of other metals. A piece of gold that is 22K is 22 parts gold and 2 parts another metal.[20]
- In items that are less than 24K in quality, the other metals give the gold its hardness and color. Gold on its own is very soft, so metals like silver and copper are added to make gold items more durable.
- Jewelry made with white gold, yellow gold, red gold, and rose gold are all combinations of gold and other metals.
- If you ever need help determining whether gold is real, take your item to a professional jeweler or appraiser.
- Nitric acid is strong and can burn your skin in addition to damaging a valuable piece of gold. If you're worried about this, let a professional jeweler or appraiser handle the test.
EditThings You'll Need EditDoing a Visual Inspection EditTesting Magnetism and Other Properties - Gold
- Jug
- Water
- Neodymium magnet
- Unglazed ceramic plate or tile
EditPerforming a Density Test - Gold
- Scale
- Graduated cylinder or measuring cup
- Calculator
EditUsing a Nitric Acid Test - Gold
- Gold-testing kit
- Nitric acid
- Stainless steel container
- Touchstone
- Latex gloves
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Grill Plantains Posted: 09 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT Plantains, sometimes called cooking bananas, are a major African, Caribbean, and Central American food staple. A starchy and versatile fruit, they are naturally neutral in flavor, and take on a soft texture when cooked. Because of their neutral flavor, they can be flavored many different ways, from sweet to savory. An easy, simple, and delicious way to prepare them is to grill them! EditPreparing the Plantains - Select yellow plantains with dark brown bruises. Ripe plantains will look like very ripe bananas but will still feel firm. Plantains are even edible when their peels have turned brown or black! The perfect plantain to grill is a starchy, yellow plantain. It may be hard to find perfectly ripe plantains at your local grocery, so if you plan to grill some, you may want to buy some beforehand and let them ripen at home.[1]
- You can store green plantains in a paper bag or near other ripe fruit, like apples, to speed up the ripening process.
- Cut the unpeeled plantains in half lengthwise. Plantains can be cut a number of different ways, depending on how you plan to prepare them. But when it comes to grilling, the best method is to cut them lengthwise, and keep the peel on so that they do not fall apart when grilled.[2]
- Use a cutting board on a stable surface and a sharp knife.
- Cut both ends off and discard.
- Place the plantains on the cutting board and slice them in half from top to bottom.
- Season the plantains with dry seasonings of your choice. Even though a lot of your flavor will come from the sauce you use later in the grilling process, it is still important to sprinkle some dry seasoning on top of your plantains ahead of grilling them.[3]
- A quick and easy option is to coat the plantains in olive oil with some salt and pepper.
- If you're looking to add a little spice, you can season with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or other spicy seasonings.
- If you plan to make your plantains sweet, you can season them with cinnamon or brown sugar before you put them on the grill.
- Make a sauce to baste the plantains with while they are grilling. Plantains can be seasoned and flavored however you like! You can flavor them with a simple butter and brown sugar glaze for a sweet version, or you can try a spicy, garlicky sauce for a savory edge.[4] Part of the beauty of cooking plantains is their versatility. Find what flavor works for you!
- Wait until you are grilling the plantains to apply the sauce it as it may cause them to stick to the grill.
- Make a sauce thick enough to coat the plantains without running down into the grill.
EditGetting the Grill Ready - Scrub the grilling surface clean with soap and water. First thing's first, whether you are grilling on a stovetop or on an outdoor grill, it's important to make sure that the grilling surface is clean and clear of debris. A dirty grilling surface can add unwanted flavors to your dish. Use soap and water, cleaning rags, and a grill brush, if you are using an outside grill, to scrub down the grilling surface.[5]
- Remove any built up grease.
- Clean blocked gas ports if you're using a gas grill, as this can be a fire hazard.
- Be sure to turn off the gas before you start cleaning if you are using a gas grill!
- Make sure you are using the appropriate scrub if you are cleaning a grill pan as some cleaning materials can damage the surface of the pan.
- Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the grilling surface with a brush or napkin. Plantains are a very starchy fruit, and they can easily stick to the grilling surface. A simple way to avoid this issue is to lightly oil the grilling surface with an oil that has a neutral flavor and a high smoking point, which keeps it from burning and altering the flavor of the plantains. Simply brush or wipe the grilling surface with a light layer of oil![6]
- Vegetable oil is always a good option to use as it does not have a strong flavor and will not burn easily.
- Be sure you apply the oil before you start to heat the grilling surface and allow it to reach peak cooking temperature to burn off the excess oil.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, or about . Setting the grill at the right temperature is key to achieve the crispy sear on the outside of the plantain while keeping the inside soft.[7] Allow the grilling surface to reach the peak temperature before cooking on it as this will ensure a good sear and will prevent sticking.
EditGrilling the Plantains - Sear the plantains to get a good char on the outside of both sides. It is best to sear the exposed fruit first, so you want to place the plantain on the grill with the cut side down. After about 5 minutes, check that the plantain has formed a good sear and is not sticking to the grilling surface. Flip the plantains with a spatula or a pair of tongs and allow them to sear for 5 more minutes.[8]
- Be sure to use a metal spatula or tongs on an outdoor grill.
- Add the sauce you made to the seared side to create a glaze. After the initial flip, it's time to start adding your sauce! Simply coat the exposed side with a baster, brush, or spoon after flipping it. Once you flip the plantain again, coat the other side.[9] As the plantain continues to cook, the sauce coating will turn into a delicious, sticky glaze.
- If you're using a sauce that has butter or fat in it, be careful that you do not drip too much into the grill as this can cause the fire to flare up and possibly overcook the plantains.
- Even the peel side should have a glaze!
- Flip the plantains every few minutes for a total of about 20 minutes of cooking time. After the initial sear, it's important to keep rotating the plantains so that they cook all the way through. This also allows you to continue to add the sauce with each flip to create an even outer coating.[10]
- Remove the cooked plantains from heat to rest on a plate. After twenty minutes, the plantains will be fully cooked. Remove them from the grilling surface and place on a plate. Allow your plantains to cool for a few minutes before removing them from their peels.[11] Then serve and enjoy!
- If you have sauce left, you can drizzle it on the grilled plantains as they cool.
EditReferences
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