Thursday, December 17, 2020

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Make Olive Tapenade

Posted: 17 Dec 2020 04:00 PM PST

If you've ever tried olive tapenade before, then you know what a great choice it is for a tasty side dish or appetizer. Luckily, you don't have to go to an expensive restaurant to enjoy it. While olive tapenade seems like a fancy dish, all you have to do is blend a few ingredients in a food processor! Yours will be ready in just a few minutes. After that, you have tons of choices for how to enjoy it.

[Edit]Ingredients

  • of olives for 1-1 1/2 cups of tapenade
  • 1-3 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tsp (28.6 g) of capers
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil
  • 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) of fresh lemon juice
  • 2 anchovy fillets (optional)

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]The Tapenade Recipe

  1. Rinse off the olives in a bowl. Put about of olives into a colander. Rinse them under cold water to get rid of any leftover brine.[1]
    Make Olive Tapenade Step 1.jpg
    • You can use any type of olive you want to for this recipe. Some common choices include green, kalamata, Castelvetrano, and nicoise. You could stick with one olive type, or mix them together.
    • Kalamata olives have a smoky, fruity flavor. Nicoise olives have a strong herbal taste, so it's best to only use a few. Castelvetrano olives have a more mild, buttery taste that could balance out stronger flavors. Green olives also have a more mild, nutty taste.[2] Use one of these or a combination for a unique flavor.
    • This recipe yields about 1-1 1/2 cups of tapenade, so increase it if you want more.
  2. Remove the olive pits. Olives might come with pits inside them, so always remove these before moving on.[3] There are a few methods for doing this. You could slice away the olive exterior with a knife and get rid of the pit. You could also use a mallet or the side of a knife to press the pits out. Whichever method you choose, make sure all the pits are removed.
    Make Olive Tapenade Step 2.jpg
    • You could also buy pitted olives so you don't have to go through the trouble yourself.
    • Always confirm that the olives don't have pits before throwing them in to the
  3. Mince up 1-3 cloves of garlic. The exact amount depends on how much you like garlic. You could either throw the garlic into the food processor before anything else and mince it up, or slice it up with a knife and add it with everything else.[4]

  4. Throw the olives, garlic, capers, lemon juice, and oil into a processor. After pitting the olives, throw them into a food processor. Then add the garlic, 2 tsp (28.6 g) of capers, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil. Finish by squeezing in 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) of fresh lemon juice.[5]

    • Some recipes also call for a few basil or parsley leaves. These can give the tapenade a sweeter, minty taste. If you like any of these flavors, then you can add them too.
  5. Add 2 anchovy fillets for a salty, fishy taste. Traditionally, olive tapenade uses anchovies for some extra flavor. If you want to stick with the traditional recipe then throw in 2 small fillets before grinding all the ingredients together.[6]

    • This is an optional step. If you're a vegetarian or just don't like anchovies, then you can skip it.
    • You could also adjust the amount of anchovies if you want to.
  6. Stir in some red pepper flakes if you want a spicy tapenade. If you like a bit of spice in your food, then you can make your tapenade spicy too. Try adding 1/4 tsp (4.2 g) of red pepper flakes to give the tapenade an extra kick.[7]

    • You can also add more or less pepper, depending on how much you like spice.
    • It's best to add the pepper a little bit at a time and see how you like the taste. You don't want your tapenade to come out too spicy!
  7. Blend the mixture until everything makes a coarse paste. Put the lid on the food processor and grind all the ingredients together. Keep an eye on the ingredients and don't liquify them. Stop when everything makes a thick paste with some large pieces of olive leftover. Now you can scoop it out and serve.[8]

    • The precise texture depends on what you're looking for. Some people prefer a thick, coarse texture, while others want it thinner.

[Edit]Ways to Enjoy Tapenade

  1. Top crunchy bread with the tapenade. Olive tapenade is traditionally served as an appetizer on bread. Try cutting a crunchy baguette into slices and scooping some tapenade on top for an easy hors d'oeuvres.[9]
    Make Olive Tapenade Step 8.jpg
    • For some extra crunch, toast the bread slices in the oven first.
    • You could also top the bread with tomatoes, oil, peppers, or cheese. Goat cheese pairs well with tapenade.
  2. Dip crackers or cheese into the tapenade. This dish also goes great with a cracker and cheese plate. Put some in a small bowl and serve it with some crackers and hard cheeses for dipping. This is a perfect appetizer or side dish.[10]
    Make Olive Tapenade Step 9.jpg
    • Hard cheeses like provolone or parmesan are best for dipping. These have strong, pungent flavors, so you might want to balance them with a mild olive type like green or Castelvetrano. You could also use softer cheeses like goat or burrata on a cracker. These have more mild, creamy tastes.[11]
  3. Put the tapenade on sliced vegetables. Instead of a cracker and cheese plate, you could also use tapenade as a dipping sauce for vegetables. Slice up some carrots, celery, cucumbers, and any other vegetables you like for a healthy snack.[12]
    Make Olive Tapenade Step 10.jpg
  4. Flavor hummus with some tapenade. Olive tapenade also works as a flavoring. Scoop some into hummus and mix it together for some extra taste. Then serve it with crackers, cheese, or vegetables for dipping.[13]

    • If you prefer not to mix the hummus and tapenade, you could put them both out in separate bowls. That way, everyone can grab as much of each as they want.
  5. Use it as a sandwich spread. For a unique flavor, spread tapenade on a sandwich or panini instead of other condiments. It goes especially well with other vegetables like eggplant.[14] Try it out and see if you can make your favorite sandwich even better!

    • Some people also use tapenade as a spread on burgers or as a replacement for tuna salad.
  6. Add tapenade to pasta sauce for extra flavor. You can scoop some in to other pasta sauces, or use the tapenade by itself. This will give your pasta a real Mediterranean flavor.[15]
    Make Olive Tapenade Step 13.jpg
    • Tapenade also makes a great topping for cold pasta salads.[16]

[Edit]Tips

  • Olive tapenade pairs well with red wine, no matter how you eat it.
  • Feel free to play around with the recipe as much as you want. You can experiment with different flavors and olive combinations to make a totally unique recipe.

[Edit]References

How to Water a Cactus

Posted: 17 Dec 2020 08:00 AM PST

When people think of a cactus, they picture deserts without much water at all. Cacti are low-maintenance, making them great household plants, but they require more water than you may expect. They have to be watered at least once a week, especially during the warmer months of the year. The easiest way to water them is with a watering can, although there are other techniques you can take advantage of as well. Tropical cacti also have slightly different needs than desert cacti, such as a higher humidity level. With timely watering, your cactus can add some color to your home.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing When to Water a Cactus

  1. Water cacti at least once a week in the spring and summer. Cacti grow from March to September in the northern hemisphere, so that is when they need the most water. While your cactus is active, thoroughly water the soil to keep it moist. Keep in mind that factors like exposure to sunlight also affect how fast the soil dries out. During hot, dry weather, you may have to add water 2 or 3 times a week.[1]
    Water a Cactus Step 1.jpg
    • If you're in the southern hemisphere, remember to water your cactus more often from September to around March instead.
    • During this time, you can also give your cactus some fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer and dilute it in the water you add to the soil.
  2. Reduce waterings to every 2 to 4 weeks in winter. Most types of cacti stop growing in the fall. Although they are sleeping, they still need a little bit of water to survive! Monitor the quality of the soil. When the soil dries out, water it thoroughly to keep your cactus well-nourished.[2]
    Water a Cactus Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Overwatering is just as dangerous as underwatering a cactus. Remember that they don't need a lot of water anyway, but it's even less when they're dormant.
  3. Touch the soil to feel if the first feel dry. Deciphering the needs of a slow-growing cactus can seem impossible sometimes, but the soil is a good hint about what to do next. Stick your finger down into the soil. If it feels dry, then you know it's time to water the cactus again. If it feels wet and sticks to your finger, then you can wait.[3]
    Water a Cactus Step 3.jpg
    • You could also stick a gardening stake tool in the soil. Wet soil will stick to the stake. Another option is to use a moisture meter to instantly detect the soil's condition.
  4. Water tropical cacti before the soil has completely dried out. Tropical plants like the Christmas cactus are not drought-tolerant like desert cacti are. If you happen to have a tropical cactus, make sure the soil is always a little moist. Tropical cacti are much more prone to underwatering than desert cacti. If you have a desert cactus, you can wait until the soil has finished drying out to ensure you don't overwater it.[4]
    Water a Cactus Step 4.jpg
    • Tropical cacti still only need to be watered about once a week. You just have to check the soil a little more often to ensure it doesn't get too dry.
  5. Watch your cactus for signs of shriveling when the soil is too dry. Monitoring changes in your cactus' appearance can also help you figure out when to water the soil. If your cactus starts to shrink, then it most likely needs more water. Its skin will begin to crinkle up, leaving your cactus looking small and wrinkly. Give it a drink of water and see if it recovers.[5]
    Water a Cactus Step 5.jpg
    • Note that shriveling can be caused by other problems, such as the roots becoming tangled and unable to absorb water. If the soil feels moist, then check for diseases, insects, changes to the environment, and other problems.
  6. Give your cactus less water if you leave it out in the rain. Depending on how much rain your area gets, you might not need to water your cactus at all. Instead, leave it out in the sun to dry out. As long as the pot and soil have adequate drainage, your cactus will be fine. Monitor the soil's quality afterward to tell when it dries out and requires more water again.[6]
    Water a Cactus Step 6.jpg
    • If your area is due to receive heavy rain over several days, take your cactus inside so it doesn't get too soggy. Soggy soil leads to root rot, so make sure it has plenty of time to dry out.
    • A potted cactus will be safe outdoors as long as its soil drains well. Many varieties can even survive in temperatures under as long as they are kept dry.
  7. Wait at least a day before watering a repotted cactus. Help your cactus adapt by making its new home as inviting as possible. Put the cactus in its pot and cover the roots. Later on, water the soil lightly until the first stay wet. Watch the soil condition afterward while transitioning to weekly watering.[7]
    Water a Cactus Step 7.jpg
    • If you have a tropical cactus, be sure to water it before it completely dries out. Watch for any signs like shriveling.
    • Some growers prefer to wait as long as 1 week before watering a repotted cactus. If you took a cutting, waiting gives the cactus time to heal so it doesn't become infected or waterlogged.

[Edit]Picking a Watering Technique

  1. Pour water around the base of the cactus for a straightforward way to water it. Use a watering can or sprayer to soak the soil, leaving the cactus dry. Lukewarm tap water is fine, but you can use an alternative if you have one. Keep adding water until it flows out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. If you're using a container without drainage holes, add enough water to moisten the upper of soil. Check back in about 2 hours to see if the soil is still moist and add more water as needed.[8]
    Water a Cactus Step 8.jpg
    • Most home growers water cacti this way. It's simple and effective. It gives you much more direct control over how much water you introduce to the soil.
    • Some cacti grow very wide and make it hard for you to reach the soil. If this is a problem, try watering it from the bottom-up with a planter saucer.
    • Spraying a cactus directly could spread bacteria or root rot. Unless you're in an area with a bone-dry summer or winter, avoid misting a cactus.
  2. Fill a planter saucer with water for a more efficient way to water desert cacti. Most cacti grown at home happen to be from the desert, and these varieties have long roots that pull water from deep within the soil. To water one, get a saucer, fill it up with lukewarm water, then place it underneath the cactus' pot. Come back in 2 hours to check on it. If the soil is moist halfway down, then your cactus has enough water to last until the next watering session. Remove the saucer afterward.[9]
    Water a Cactus Step 9.jpg
    • Tap water is safe to use, but rainwater and distilled water are better due to their lack of minerals.
    • You can also use a planting tray or even a plastic container. A planting tray comes in handy for watering multiple cacti at once.
    • Many desert cactus lovers prefer using this method, but you can make the soil too wet if you're not careful. If you're unsure or notice problems, top-down watering will be fine.
  3. Irrigate with a dripping hose for a more controlled watering. This is a useful method for bigger cacti and those planted outdoors. Set a garden hose nearby, making sure it isn't touching the cactus. Turn on the water so it begins dripping lukewarm water at a slow but steady rate. After 2 to 6 hours, shut off the hose.[10]
    Water a Cactus Step 10.jpg
    • You will have to use tap water unless you have a way to pipe rainwater through a hose, such as a rain barrel with a hose attachment.
    • If your cactus is in a pot, look for water coming out of the drainage holes. The soil at the bottom of the pot, around the roots, will also stay damp.
    • Bigger cacti need more water. A barrel cactus will have enough water after 2 hours, but err toward 6 hours for something like a tall Saguaro.
  4. Place water near a tropical cactus for humidity. Tropical cacti require a little additional moisture. One way to do this is by filling a small container with gardening pebbles. Mist the pebbles with water, then set the potted cactus on top of it. Check the pebbles when you water the cactus and spray them to keep them damp.[11]
    Water a Cactus Step 11.jpg
    • You could also keep a dish of water near the cactus to evaporate over time. Misting the cactus with a little bit of water can help, but it will dry out over time.
    • Desert cacti don't require humid conditions, so keep them away from excess moisture. Your home has the perfect humidity level for them.
  5. Add a balanced liquid fertilizer to the water during the growing season. If you wish to give your cactus a little boost, add liquid fertilizer to the water. Pick a balanced or low-nitrogen houseplant fertilizer. Dilute it to half its strength according to the directions on the bottle, such as by adding about per of lukewarm water. Then, use it to water the plant once or twice in the spring and summer.[12]
    Water a Cactus Step 12.jpg
    • Try using a fertilizer rated 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, for instance. The first number represents nitrogen, while the third one represents potassium.
    • For example, you could water the plant with fertilizer at the beginning of spring and at the beginning of summer.
    • Tropical plants like the Christmas cactus can be fertilized once a month during the growing season.[13]

[Edit]Tips

  • Rainwater is better for cacti than tap water, so use it if you're able to collect it, such as in a rain barrel. The minerals in tap water raise the soil pH, eventually forcing you to repot your cactus.[14]
  • Keep your cactus in a pot and soil mix that drains well. You can make a basic potting mix by combining 1 part potting soil, 2 parts mulch,1 part perlite or pumice, and 1 part crushed granite.[15]
  • If you're unsure of what kind of cactus you have, look up cactus varieties online or send a picture to a local nursery. Most new cacti come labeled upon purchase.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

  • Watering can or hose
  • Quick-draining pot
  • Quick-draining soil
  • Balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer
  • Container of gardening pebbles (for tropical cacti)
  • Planter saucer or tray (optional)
  • Misting bottle (optional)

[Edit]References

How to Wrap with Tissue Paper

Posted: 17 Dec 2020 12:00 AM PST

If you have a couple sheets of tissue paper and some tape, you're ready to wrap a present! Use 2-3 sheets of tissue paper so you can't see through the wrapping to your gift and fold the tissue paper over the sides of the present before securing the paper with tape. Pinch the middle of a sheet of tissue paper and pull it through the air to easily add it to a gift bag instead. Attach a card or embellishments like bows to make your gift really stand out.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Wrapping a Box with Tissue Paper

  1. Layer 2-3 pieces of tissue paper on top of one another on a table. Pick out several pieces of tissue paper, either all in one color or in multiple different colors. Spread them out on a flat surface, layering them on top of one another evenly.[1]

    Wrap with Tissue Paper Step 1.jpg
    • Layering several pieces of tissue paper on top of one another will prevent your gift from being seen through the paper.
    • Choose pieces of tissue paper that aren't too crumpled for a smooth look.
  2. Place your gift in the center of the tissue paper to check the sizing. Pull the sides of the tissue paper over the gift to make sure it's large enough to cover each side. If your piece of tissue paper is too big, either trim it using scissors or fold the excess over the edges.[2]

    Wrap with Tissue Paper Step 2.jpg
    • Set the gift down on the tissue paper face down.
  3. Fold one edge of the tissue paper around and over the top of the gift. With the gift placed on the tissue paper, fold an edge of the tissue paper over the gift tightly. Hold this edge in place covering a side of the gift so it doesn't fall off.[3]

  4. Pull the opposite edge overtop the first edge, securing it with tape. While still holding the first edge in place, bring the opposite edge of tissue paper to the top of the gift as well, layering it over the first. Tape down the edge so it stays in place on the gift.[4]

    • For a cleaner look, fold the opposite edge of the tissue paper along its length, creating a nice seam before placing it on top of the other edge.
    • Use double-sided tape if you don't want the tape to be visible.
  5. Fold the ends of the wrapped gift in towards each other to form straight creases. With the tissue paper secured around your gift, all that's left are the 2 ends. Bring each edge of the tissue paper to the center of each side, creating creases along the gift so the tissue paper lies flat. Use tape to secure the ends.[5]

    • If your gift is awkwardly shaped, consider gathering each end of the present and tying them with ribbon instead.
  6. Decorate the tissue paper with ribbons or embellishments if desired. Use ribbon to tie a bow onto the wrapped gift, or stick on a premade bow for a quick finishing touch. Get creative by drawing on the tissue paper with markers or pencils, or add stickers to the tissue paper for a unique design.[6]
    Wrap with Tissue Paper Step 6.jpg
    • For example, if the gift is for someone's birthday, draw birthday balloons on the tissue paper using colorful markers.
    • Add tissue paper pompoms to your gift for a creative finishing touch.

[Edit]Using the Candy Wrapper Technique

  1. Lay 3 sheets of tissue paper on a flat surface. Choose tissue paper in any colors that you like. Lay them flat on top of one another with their edges lined up.[7]

    Wrap with Tissue Paper Step 7.jpg
    • If you choose lighter colors like yellow or white, you may need to use more than 3 sheets to make sure you can't see the gift through the paper.
  2. Place your item at the top of the tissue paper. Set down your gift right below the top edge of the tissue paper. Situate it in the center so that you'll have equal amounts of tissue paper on both sides of the gift when you go to tie off the ends.[8]

  3. Roll the object in the tissue paper all the way down to the bottom edge. Holding the top edge of the tissue paper in place against the object, start gently rolling the item in the tissue paper towards the bottom edge of paper. Go slowly to create a tighter roll and keep the object centered in the middle of the tissue paper.[9]

    • If your item is weirdly shaped, it may be difficult to keep it perfectly centered in the tissue paper as you roll, and this is okay.
  4. Fold the bottom edge of tissue paper over to create a long crease. This isn't required, but it will make your wrapping job look neater. Fold the bottom edge of your tissue paper in towards your gift going along the entire length. Finish rolling the gift so that the folded edge is placed on top of the roll.[10]

  5. Secure the rolled tissue paper edges using tape. Holding the tissue paper edge in place on the roll using your fingers, place a piece of tape along this edge so that the roll doesn't come undone. Place multiple pieces along the tissue paper roll if your gift is long.[11]

    • Use double-sided tape if you don't want the tape to be visible.
  6. Use ribbon to tie off each open end of the tissue paper. Pick out ribbon that matches your tissue paper and cut it into strands that are roughly long. Feel the tissue paper to find the edges of your gift, and tie the tissue paper using ribbon to secure the present in place.[12]

    • Tie your ribbon into a bow on each end, or use scissors to create curls if you're using curling ribbon.
    • This method can be used to wrap small and irregularly shaped items like stuffed toys, socks, or baggies of actual candy.

[Edit]Putting Tissue Paper in a Bag

  1. Wrap the gift in a layer of tissue paper before putting it in the bag, if needed. If your gift is fragile or you just want it covered up, wrap it in a piece of white or colored tissue paper and place it inside the bag. The gift doesn't need to be wrapped perfectly, just as long as the tissue paper is covering it.[13]
    Wrap with Tissue Paper Step 13.jpg
    • If you're worried about the gift falling out of the tissue paper, use tape to secure it.
    • Wrap extra fragile items in several sheets of tissue paper.
  2. Spread out 1-4 sheets of tissue paper depending on the size of your gift bag. If you're adding tissue paper to a small bag designed for something like a gift card or piece of jewelry, you'll likely only need 1 piece of tissue paper. Larger bags can use anywhere from 2-4 pieces of tissue paper. Spread the tissue paper out so that each piece is laying flat.[14]

    Wrap with Tissue Paper Step 14.jpg
    • Cut your piece of tissue paper in half for super small bags.
  3. Layer the tissue paper in a fan pattern if you're using multiple sheets. Instead of placing a bunch of pieces directly on top of each other all lined up, fan the pieces out on top of each other in a circle so each paper's corners are visible. This adds volume and creates a beautiful tissue paper display.[15]

    • If your tissue paper is one-sided, place the side with the color or pattern face-down so it will be seen.
  4. Pinch the middle of the tissue paper and wave it gently through the air. Grasping the piece or pieces of tissue paper in the center using your fingers, gently lift the paper up in one quick motion so the ends all point in one direction. Be careful not to pull the paper through the air too harshly or it might rip.[16]

    • Pinching the center of the tissue paper helps create the flower-like visual after the tissue paper's ends are sticking up.
  5. Stick the tissue paper in the bag to display the crisp points. Holding the pinched portion of the tissue paper, settle the paper down into the bag so the points are sticking up out of it evenly. Play around with the placement of the tissue paper, adjusting it until you're pleased with how it looks.[17]

    • Leave enough tissue paper sticking out of the bag so you can see its colors.
  6. Add embellishments like gift tags or bows if desired. Tie a gift tag onto the bag's handle, or use tape to attach a premade bow to make the bag look extra festive. Don't forget to put your card in the bag too, if needed![18]
    Wrap with Tissue Paper Step 18.jpg
    • Instead of using a premade bow, consider tying your own bow onto the bag's handle using ribbon in a color that matches the tissue paper.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Wrapping a Box with Tissue Paper

  • Tissue paper (2-3 pieces)
  • Scissors (optional)
  • Tape
  • Ribbon or embellishments

[Edit]Using the Candy Wrapper Technique

  • Tissue paper (3 sheets)
  • Tape
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors

[Edit]Putting Tissue Paper in a Bag

  • Tissue paper (1-5 sheets)
  • Scissors (optional)
  • Gift tag (optional)
  • Bow (optional)

[Edit]References

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