| How to Make Frosting Posted: 06 Sep 2019 05:00 PM PDT Take your desserts to the next level by mixing up your own frosting. For a classic, sweet frosting, beat together softened butter with powdered sugar. If you'd like to cut some of the sweetness with a richer flavor, add cream cheese before you beat it. To make a light frosting that doesn't contain butter, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar. You can customize any of these frostings by adding cocoa powder or trying unique flavor extracts. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Simple Buttercream - 1 1/2 cups (340 g) of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 3/4 cups (340 g) of powdered sugar
- of vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon (3 g) of kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (75 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder, for chocolate variation
Makes 4 1/2 cups (1.01 kg) of frosting [Edit]Quick Cream Cheese Frosting - 1/2 cup (224 g) of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) of powdered sugar
- of vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon (1 g) of salt
- 1/2 cup (50 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder, for chocolate variation
- of heavy cream or milk, for chocolate variation
Makes 3 cups (675 g) of frosting [Edit]Whipped Cream Frosting - of cold heavy whipping cream
- of vanilla extract
- 1 to 4 tablespoons (12 to 48 g) of granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons (14 g) of cocoa powder, for chocolate variation
Makes 2 cups (400 g) of frosting [Edit]Simple Buttercream - Put 1 1/2 cups (340 g) of butter into a bowl and sift the powdered sugar over it. Place the softened butter into a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Then, set a fine-mesh strainer over it and put 2 3/4 cups (340 g) of powdered sugar into it. Gently shake the strainer to sift the powdered sugar onto the butter.[1] of cream when you're beating the frosting.}}
- It's important to soften the butter before you make the frosting. If the butter is cold, it will make the frosting lumpy.
- Beat the butter and powdered sugar on low for 30 seconds. Use a beater or paddle attachment to mix the butter and sugar together. Keep mixing until the powdered sugar is incorporated.[2]
- If you don't have a hand or stand mixer, you can use a wooden spoon to mix the frosting.
- Mix in of vanilla extract and 3/4 teaspoon (3 g) of salt. Keep the mixer on low and beat the frosting until the vanilla and salt are incorporated. This should take around 10 seconds.[3]
- You can substitute your favorite flavorings for the vanilla extract. For example, try coffee, banana, or lemon extract instead.
- Beat the frosting on medium speed for 5 to 6 minutes. Continue to beat the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy. You'll need to stop every few minutes and scrape down the sides of the bowl.[4]
- If you don't beat the frosting long enough, it will be thick, heavy, and harder to spread on your cake or cupcakes.
- Mix in 6 tablespoons (85 g) of heavy cream on low speed. Slowly pour in the cream while you beat the frosting on low. The frosting will loosen up and become airy once the cream is combined.[5]
- You can taste the frosting at this point and add more salt or vanilla extract if you like.
- Spread the simple buttercream on cupcakes, cake, or cookies. The buttercream should be soft and spreadable which makes it easy to use on most baked goods. If you need to make the frosting thicker, beat in about 1/4 cup (30 g) of powdered sugar to get a firmer consistency.[6]
- Store leftover buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you frost a cake with buttercream, you can store it at room temperature unless the cake is filled with a layer of fruit or custard filling.
[Edit]Quick Cream Cheese Frosting - Put softened cream cheese and butter into a mixing bowl. Use a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer and place 1/2 cup (224 g) of softened cream cheese along with 1/2 cup (115 g) of softened unsalted butter into it.[7]
- It's important to use softened ingredients or your frosting will have lumps that are hard to beat out.
- Beat or whisk the butter and cream cheese on high speed for 3 minutes. You can use a paddle or whisk attachment to beat the ingredients together. Keep mixing until they are completely combined and they become smooth and creamy.[8]
- If you don't have a mixer, you can use a wooden spoon to make the frosting.
- You may want to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt on low speed. Turn the mixer down and slowly add 3 cups (360 g) of powdered sugar, of vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon (1 g) of salt. Beat the ingredients until the powdered sugar is incorporated. This should take about 30 seconds.[9] of heavy cream or milk. Then, continue making the cream cheese frosting.}}
- If you forget to turn the mixer down, the powdered sugar will fly out of the bowl.
- Play around with other cream cheese frosting flavors. You could stir 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of pumpkin pie spice into it, for instance.
- Turn the mixer to high and beat the frosting for 2 minutes. Keep mixing until the frosting thickens up and becomes completely smooth. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.[10]
- If you'd like thicker frosting that you can pipe, you may want to beat in more powdered sugar. Try mixing in 1/4 cup (30 g) to see if it's thick enough.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting on cake, cupcakes, or quick breads. You can use the frosting immediately or cover the bowl and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that if you cover a dessert with cream cheese frosting, you should refrigerate the leftovers since the cream cheese could spoil at room temperature.[11]
- For long term storage, freeze the cream cheese frosting for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To thaw it, put the container in the refrigerator for at least 1 day and then whip it again before using it.
[Edit]Whipped Cream Frosting - Chill a mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Place a mixing bowl or the bowl for a stand mixer in the freezer. You should also place the beaters for your mixer into the bowl so they get very cold.[12]
- Using a cold bowl and beaters will help the cream whip faster and give your frosting more volume.
- Remove the bowl and pour the cream, vanilla, and sugar into it. Once you're ready to make the frosting, take the chilled mixing bowl and beaters out of the freezer. Pour of cold heavy whipping cream into the bowl along with of vanilla extract and 1 to 2 tablespoons (12 to 24 g) of granulated white sugar.[13]
- Whipping cream is sometimes sold as heavy cream. Look for a cream that contains at least 35 to 40% fat and avoid using half-and-half or light cream because these don't have enough fat to whip.
- Whip the ingredients on high speed for up to 1 minute. Turn your mixer on to high so the cream combines with the sugar and vanilla. As you whip the mixture, the fat in the cream will make it thicken and form stiff peaks. Once the frosting is as thick as you like, turn off the mixer.[14]
- If you accidentally whip the cream for too long, it will start to turn into butter. To fix this, whip a little heavy cream into it until it loosens.
- Spoon the whipped cream frosting over pie, cake, or fresh fruit. You can easily spread the frosting over your dessert or dollop it into rounded spoonfuls. If you'd like to pipe the frosting, fill a pastry bag with the frosting and pipe it with your favorite pastry tip.
- If you're making the frosting in advance, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours. If it separates a little, whisk the frosting until it firms up.
- Powdered sugar is also called confectioners' sugar.
- To make colorful frosting, beat in a few drops of liquid food coloring until it's as vibrant as you like.
- Swap out the vanilla extract for a different extract if you'd like to change the flavor of your frosting. For example, try almond, coffee, coconut, lemon, or peppermint extract.
- You can stir flaked coconut, crushed peppermints, bits of cookies into the frosting for even more flavor.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Simple Buttercream - Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spoon or spatula
[Edit]Quick Cream Cheese Frosting - Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Beaters
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
[Edit]Whipped Cream Frosting - Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Beaters
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Force Yourself to Seriously Study Posted: 06 Sep 2019 09:00 AM PDT Studying is such an important part of school, yet it's often one of the things students struggle with the most. If you have a hard time studying seriously, you're not alone! Get into a habit of studying at the same time every day, break down your work into small tasks, and pick something to reward yourself with when you're done. With time, you can make studying a fruitful part of your day and break the procrastination and guilt cycle. [Edit]Making a Schedule - Study at the same time every day so it becomes a habit. If you're a morning person, consider waking up before school to get in some study time. If you're a night owl, committing a few hours every evening might work best. Or, if you like to get things done so you can move on to more enjoyable tasks, you may want to commit to studying as soon as you get home from school every day.[1]
- If you don't already, try using a daily planner. You can use the calendar app on your phone or get a physical planner to write in. Schedule in your study time each day so that you remember to not book anything else for that time.
- Make a schedule for exams so you can start studying ahead of time. As soon as you learn about a test, write it down in your calendar. If your teacher gave you a schedule at the beginning of the semester, take some time to input all the important due dates and exam dates into your planner.[2]
- For example, if you know you have a Spanish test next Friday and an Algebra test the following Wednesday, you'll know that you need to study for Spanish first.
- It can even be helpful to write in reminders for the weeks before a test to start studying! For example, if you have a big English test coming up in 3 weeks and you want 2 weeks to study the material, put in a reminder to start studying ahead of time.
- Break down the material you need to learn into small sections. To avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of what you need to do, break down the information into small, bite-sized pieces. Write down what each piece consists of so you know what you need to tackle when you sit down to study.[3]
- For example, if your Chemistry test is going to cover 5 chapters and vocabulary words, your smaller sections could be made up of reading a chapter at a time and making vocab cards.
- Concentrate on getting 1 step done during each study block. When you're done, put a checkmark next to it so you can track your progress. This will help you feel more motivated and in control of your study sessions.
- Schedule time to rest and relax. It isn't realistic to expect yourself to be able to study for 5 hours straight—your brain will need a break! You may need to take a short 5-10 minute break every 30 minutes. If you can go a little longer, try studying for 50 minutes before taking a 10-minute break. When you do take a break, stand up, walk around, get some fresh air, get a snack, or simply rest your eyes for a few minutes.[4]
- On a bigger scale, you may need to schedule a few "rest days" for yourself during exam season. If you know you'll be studying hard for a few weeks, set aside a day where you will free yourself from all studying obligations completely. This will be something to look forward to!
[Edit]Motivating Yourself - Keep a list of the reasons why you need or want to study. Whatever your reasons are, write them down on a piece of paper and keep them somewhere you can see them often. When you feel like skipping out on studying, read them over to remind yourself of why you need to work hard.[5]
- Reasons to study can range from wanting to get good grades so you can get into a good college to keeping a scholarship to simply not getting in trouble for getting bad grades. No reason is too big or too small to add to your list!
- Make boring information more interesting so it's easier to study. Ask yourself, "How does this material relate to my life?" or "How can I use this in my life?" For example, if you're bored by the book you have to read for English class, ask yourself how you can relate to the characters in the book to keep yourself engaged. Or, if you're struggling with studying for biology, get interested in how much you can learn about your yourself and all the living things around you.[6]
- It can be difficult to be interested in everything, and some subjects just won't captivate you. But, try your best to figure out how everything you're learning can apply to your own life. That personal connection could spark enough interest to keep you going!
- Set a timer so that you know there is an end in sight. Nobody wants to study for hours on end without a stopping point. Give yourself frequent, regular breaks during your study time. You could set an end time for the day, too, so that you know at the latest how long you'll be studying.[7]
- For your actual study blocks, set a timer for 30-50 minutes and then take a timed break before getting back to work. You'll study more efficiently if you know a timer will be going off soon.
- If you study right after school, you could commit to working until dinner time but then give yourself the rest of the evening off. Or, if you study at night, set a timer for 30 minutes before your bedtime so you can wind down.
- Reward yourself at the end of each study block to keep yourself going. This can be something really small, like getting to enjoy a piece of your favorite candy at the end of each block of time, getting to check Twitter or Instagram for 5 minutes, or taking a break to cuddle your pet.[8]
- You could also plan a fun reward for the end of each exam to celebrate all your hard work! Getting coffee with friends, taking a long bath, buying something you've had your eye on—make it something that you love to do so it feels more meaningful once you've taken a test.
- Enlist the help of a study-buddy. This doesn't have to mean you actually sit down and study together. Rather, this is a person you can check in with every day to help keep you on track. If you know you have to text someone at the end of the day to tell them if you hit your goals, it could help you stay motivated to study when you don't feel like it.[9]
- You could ask your study buddy to check in with you if they haven't heard from you in a few days. This could get you back on track with your plans before too much time passes.
[Edit]Removing Distractions - Have a healthy snack and drink some water before studying so you can focus. Hunger and thirst can be huge distractions when you sit down to study. Avoid eating sugary foods so that you don't crash later on. If you're going to drink caffeine, try to limit yourself to 1-2 cups of coffee or a single soda so that you don't get jittery.[10]
- Vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheese, popcorn, yogurt, and hummus are great snacks to choose from.
- Boost your concentration by taking a quick walk before you study. Work out some nervous energy and boost your endorphins with a 10-15 minute exercise session. When you sit down to study afterward, it'll be easier for you to focus and retain what you're studying.[11]
- Go someplace where you won't be distracted by your surroundings. If you'll be tempted to clean your bedroom or if you live in a noisy space, you may need to find a new study location. Similarly, if you want to study with your friends but find you can't without getting distracted, you may need to set up some boundaries so that you can concentrate.[12]
- In general, a space that is clear of sights and sounds that will distract you is going to be the best for studying.
- Turn off all of your electronics that you don't need for studying. Or, if you need to use your phone for a timer, turn it onto airplane mode so notifications won't come through. Don't have the TV on in the background, and put your phone away somewhere you won't be tempted to look at it, like in a separate room.[13]
- There are also some great apps out there that you can use to help limit how much time you spend on your phone. Some can even block access to specific sites during designated times. Do whatever works best for you, whether that's getting offline altogether or setting up a few restrictions.
- Be selective about whether or not you'll listen to music while you study. For some people, music is a huge distraction. But for others, some gentle background music can help them concentrate. Try studying with and without background music to see which way works best for you.[14]
- If you're studying in a public place, playing some light music through your headphones can help you tune out everything else that is going on around you.
- In general, instrumental music is the best for concentration.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and get started! It may seem simple, but just starting is often the biggest hurdle to taking your studying seriously. Set a timer and commit to working on the task at hand. Once the timer goes off, set it for another 15-20 minutes before taking your first break. Once you get started, it'll be easier to continue.[15]
- Even if you feel behind or like you should have been studying for weeks already, don't panic. Starting now is better than not starting at all!
- To keep on top of your studying, read over your notes every day from that day's lessons. You could even rewrite or retype the notes to help cement the information in your brain even more.
- Use class time as study time, too. Instead of using your phone or browsing the internet, focus on the lesson and take good notes. You'll feel better when you go to study if you don't have to relearn information you could already know.
- Don't neglect your sleep schedule—getting a good night's rest will help you retain information better and will give you more energy to get through those study sessions. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day for the best results.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Customize a Sweatshirt Posted: 06 Sep 2019 01:00 AM PDT Sweatshirts might be the comfiest clothing of all time, but they're not always the cutest. Luckily, you can customize almost any sweatshirt to turn it into a stylish piece of clothing you can wear anywhere! Show off your personality by ordering a custom sweatshirt or adding patches, applique, or even tie-dye to a sweatshirt you already own! [Edit]Ordering a Custom Sweatshirt - Choose a company to customize your sweatshirt. Read customer reviews and ask your friends, family, and social media contacts before you order to make sure you pick a reputable company.
- Compare quality reviews from several different sites and choose one that has mostly favorable feedback.
- Compare the prices of several companies so you can be sure you're getting the best deal.
- Popular websites where you can design your own sweatshirt include CustomInk, Spreadshirt, and Zazzle.
- Select your sweatshirt style and color. You may want a hoodie with a kangaroo pouch or you might prefer a plain pullover sweatshirt. Browse through the available options and select the sweatshirt that best matches your style.[1]
- If you're only ordering one sweatshirt, make sure the style you pick doesn't require a minimum order.
- Select your logo and text. You can browse through the company's available designs, upload your own image, add text — anything that shows your personality. Try combining a picture with a witty caption, or just go graphic with a symbol like a star or an emoji.[2]
- Don't upload any logo that may be trademarked, including sports teams or brand logos. However, if the website has them available as a template, they're fine to use.
- Depending on the style of hoodie you choose, you may be limited where you can place your designs. For example, you may not be able to print on a kangaroo pouch.
- You may have the option of printing text on the sleeves or hood of your sweatshirt, although some companies only offer this for bulk orders.
- Save your design and order your sweatshirt. Choose the quantity you want for each size. If you're only ordering one sweatshirt, just put a 1 beside the size you want. Then, enter your credit card information and wait for your new sweatshirt to arrive![3]
[Edit]Transforming Your Sweatshirt Without Sewing - Cut off the collar of your sweatshirt if it's too tight. If you love the way your sweatshirt fits except it's too tight in the collar, you can easily create a new neckline. Just turn your sweatshirt inside-out and draw a line where you want your new neckline to be, then cut along the line.
- Cut across the collar at 2 sharp angles to create a V-neck.
- Cut a wide line across the collar to create a boat-neck.
- Cut slightly into the top of one sleeve to create an off-the-shoulder look.
- Dye your sweatshirt if you want to change the color. Dyeing a sweatshirt is an easy way to give it a new look. Prepare the dye according to the packaging instructions, then soak the sweatshirt in the dye for 10-30 minutes. Wash it thoroughly and enjoy the new look![4]
- Make sure to protect your work area with towels and wear gloves so you don't dye your hands!
- If your sweatshirt is a dark color, you can use dye remover or bleach to lighten it.
- To tie-dye your sweatshirt, twist the garment into knots and secure it with rubber bands. Then, dip the sweatshirt into the dye just as you normally would.[5]
- Shrink your sweatshirt if it's too big. You love the style, color and design but not the size? Keep the sweatshirt but make it a bit smaller and more fitted by shrinking it. A better fitting sweatshirt can feel like a brand new garment in your wardrobe!
- Iron on a patch for a cool custom graphic. You can buy iron-on patches at craft stores, fabric stores, and even novelty stores. Lay your sweatshirt on an ironing board and position the patch where you want it, then lay a thin towel over the patch and place your iron on the towel for about 15 seconds.
- Try finding a patch featuring your favorite band's logo to show your love for music!
- Patches are a great way to cover up a hole in a sweatshirt!
- Decorate your sweatshirt with pins that show off your personality. Whether you want to show off your love for all of your favorite bands or you add just a few pins with sarcastic sayings, this is a great no-sew way to customize your sweatshirt. Even better, you can change up the look as often as you like!
- Draw your own designs on the shirt with fabric paint or markers. Sketch out a few ideas on a piece of paper to see what you like, then trace the outline of your design onto the sweatshirt with a piece of chalk. Go over the design with fabric paint or permanent markers designed for fabric when you're happy with your drawing.[6]
- Try drawing small skulls on your sweatshirt to show off your punk or emo vibe.
- Decorate your sweatshirt with abstract graphic design to give it a modern look.
- Have all of your friends sign your sweatshirt for a one-of-a-kind memory you can treasure forever.
[Edit]Sewing Your Sweatshirt - Sew on an applique to transform a plain sweatshirt. Adding an applique to a sweatshirt is one of the easiest ways to customize it. Just sew around the border of the applique to attach it to your sweatshirt.[7]
- You can find pre-made appliques at any craft or fabric store, or you can make your own by tracing out a design you like onto fabric! Experiment with different designs that show your personality, like chevrons, a flower, or even your name!
- If you make your own applique, adhere a fusible web onto the back. This is a heat-activated, sticky substance that will help the applique stay in place while you sew it onto your sweatshirt. You can buy fusible web at any craft store for about $5-$10.[8]
- Use scraps of fabric to add pockets or patches. Cut a square from any fabric you have laying around, like a lace tablecloth or a small scrap leftover from another project. Use the scraps to create cool patches or pockets anywhere you like on the sweatshirt![9]
- If you're creating a pocket, only sew 3 sides of the fabric. If you're sewing on a patch, attach all 4 sides.
- Try adding elbow patches to your sweatshirt for a trendy look!
- Lace pockets add a pretty, feminine touch to a boxy sweatshirt.
- Add a lace hem for a pretty, dressy sweatshirt. Cut off the bottom hem of your sweatshirt, then sew a band of lace all the way around the bottom to create a new hem.[10]
- Experiment with different widths of lace to find the hem length you prefer. A small ribbon of lace will create a dainty hem, for instance, while a wider piece of lace could be used to create a bold look.
- Decorate your sweatshirt with gems to add sparkle. Sparkly studs and gems are a great way to customize a sweatshirt. Most of these attach with a simple loop of thread, much like sewing on a button.[11]
- Create a rocker-chic look by adding metal studs to the shoulders of your sweatshirt.
- Create a pretty neckline on your sweatshirt by attaching sparkly gems around the collar.
- Make your sweatshirt into a jacket for a bold look. Totally transform your sweatshirt by cutting it straight down the middle on the front. Sew along both sides of the cut. If you like, you can add closures like buttons or a zipper.[12]
[Edit]References |
No comments:
Post a Comment