| How to Use Breadcrumbs Posted: 29 May 2021 05:00 PM PDT Whether you've made your own or bought them from a store, breadcrumbs can be used in a variety of ways. Crispy toppings, crunchy textures, and extra flavors are only some of the benefits of adding breadcrumbs to your next recipe. We've compiled some of the best ways you can make the most out of those crumbs and impress your friends and family members. [Edit]Add some crunch to your pasta. - Cheese may be standard, but it can get a little old. Use a sprinkling of bread crumbs to add texture to a vegetable-based dish, like orecchiette, or a linguine.[1]
- If you want to give your dish a little extra kick, mix your breadcrumbs with garlic, lemon zest, and chopped herbs.
[Edit]Try breadcrumbs instead of croutons. - Salad could always use a little pick-me-up. When your salad is finished and you're just about to serve it, toss in a handful of breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture in each bite.[2]
- Breadcrumbs are easier to eat than croutons since they're smaller.
- Save the breadcrumbs until the very last second so they don't get soggy before you can eat them.
[Edit]Thicken a watery soup. - If you accidentally added too much liquid, breadcrumbs can help. Stir them in little by little and watch them dissolve until your soup is as thick as you'd like it to be.[3]
- This trick works well for hearty soups, like potato, chicken noodle, and broccoli.
- If your soup is a bit runnier, you can add breadcrumbs in to give it a nice texture.
[Edit]Use breadcrumbs to liven up roasted vegetables. - Cooked broccoli can be a little drab on your plate. Sprinkle a breadcrumb and cheese mixture over your veggies just before you serve them for some extra flavor.[4]
- You can use breadcrumbs on broccoli, peppers, asparagus, carrots, and even potatoes.
[Edit]Sprinkle on mac and cheese for a nice texture. - Homemade mac and cheese can only get better with breadcrumbs. Add a thin layer on top before you pop your mac and cheese in the oven for a nice crispy top.[5]
- For even more flavor, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter before you add them to your dish.
[Edit]Coat chicken breasts in breadcrumbs for an easy meal. - The breadcrumbs will keep your chicken moist and tender as it cooks. Mix 2 egg whites, of cornstarch, and the juice from 1/2 of a lemon in a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast into your liquid mixture, then dunk it into your breadcrumbs.[6]
- Once your chicken breasts are coated, you can fry them in a pan with olive oil or bake them in the oven until they're crispy.
- To make your chicken even tastier, mix in a bit of Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs.
[Edit]Add a crispy layer to seafood. - Crab cakes, oysters, and fish could all use a little texture. Dip your food into an egg wash, then gently coat it in breadcrumbs before frying or baking it.[7]
- If you'd like a little extra flavor, add in some Parmesan cheese to your breadcrumbs.
- Or, chop up some fresh herbs and garlic and add it to your breadcrumbs.
[Edit]Substitute fresh bread with breadcrumbs in your meatballs. - While fresh bread is ideal, sometimes breadcrumbs are all you have. To make your breadcrumbs a little softer, soak them in milk before mixing them in with your meat and other ingredients.[8]
- Try adding lemongrass, shallots, jalapeno, ginger, or fish sauce for a little extra flavor in your meatballs.
[Edit]Give your roasted chicken a new texture. - Plain chicken could always use a little extra flavor. Mix together butter, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then spread your mixture underneath the chicken skin before you roast it.[9]
- Use any leftover butter you have to moisten the skin on the outside of the bird.
- Thyme, lemon zest, and rosemary are all great choices for this recipe.
[Edit]Bind veggie burgers or crab cakes together. - The dry breadcrumbs can make your mixture a little more sticky. Use a light hand to gradually add breadcrumbs until your mix is easy to handle and shape.[10]
- This works well for black bean burgers, salmon cakes, vegan burgers, and chickpea cakes.
- Too many breadcrumbs can make your mixture too dry, so go slowly at first.
[Edit]References |
| How to Clean an Electric Toothbrush Posted: 29 May 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you use an electric toothbrush and you've noticed a funny smell or gunky buildup, it might be time to give it a deep clean. Cleaning your electric toothbrush doesn't take much time at all, and doing it once a month can help extend the life of your toothbrush so you can use it for years to come. You only need a few things you probably already have at home, like bleach and a clean cloth, and when you're finished, you'll have an electric toothbrush that's clean and ready to brush again. - Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water. Once a month, give your toothbrush a deep clean using bleach and water. Mix one part bleach with 10 parts water in a small container, like a cup. Make sure the container is big enough that you can submerge your toothbrush's head completely.[1]
- Put on some rubber or latex gloves before you work with bleach to avoid any skin irritation.
- If you don't want to mess with bleach, you can also use plain mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak your toothbrush head in the mixture for 1 hour. Make sure the head is fully submerged in your mixture, then set a timer for 1 hour. The bleach will work to disinfect and clean your toothbrush head, getting rid of any germs or bacteria.[2]
- Try not to leave it in for much longer than an hour! Bleach is very strong, even at this dilution.
- Make sure your container is somewhere up high and out of the way of kids and pets.
- Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly. Grab your toothbrush head out of the water and rinse it in the sink. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and you don't smell bleach on your toothbrush anymore.[3]
- It's not safe to use a toothbrush with bleach residue on it, so make sure it's rinsed really well.
- Wipe the toothbrush head down and set it out to dry. Grab a clean towel and wipe your toothbrush head off as best you can. Set your toothbrush head on your counter or in your bathroom to dry out completely to avoid any mold or mildew.[4]
- A wet toothbrush can lead to slimy gunk getting caught in the handle, and no one wants that!
[Edit]Handle and Base - Rub a cloth dipped in bleach water over your toothbrush handle. To clean the body of your toothbrush, you should also use your bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Dip a cloth or cotton pad in the solution, then swipe it along the body of your toothbrush, focusing on any areas that have mold or water buildup.[5]
- Always unplug your toothbrush before you start cleaning it.
- Before you start working with bleach, put on some gloves to protect your skin from irritation.
- Wipe out the metal post that attaches to the toothbrush head. If your toothbrush head is detachable (most electric toothbrush heads are), there's usually a small metal post sticking straight up. This post can collect a lot of water and bacteria, so it's important to use your cloth and really scrub it out. If the cloth isn't quite enough, grab a cotton swab and dip that in the bleach mixture, then use the tip to dig into the crevices.[6]
- If your toothbrush smells bad and you can't figure out why, it's probably because there's mold in this little area.
- Use your cloth on the toothbrush base. Most toothbrushes come with a charging base that can accumulate water and toothpaste buildup. Use your same cloth to wipe off the top and the bottom of the charging base, staying away from the cord or the outlet part.[7]
- To keep your base clean over time, try to wipe it off whenever it looks wet. This will help keep mold and mildew at bay.
- Wipe your toothbrush handle dry. Take a clean cloth and wipe the entire thing dry before you put the head back on. Trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew, so it's important to dry your toothbrush handle off every time you get it wet.[8]
- You should never submerge your toothbrush body in water, since that can lead to an electric shock.
[Edit]Everyday Maintenance - Rinse your toothbrush head and handle every time you use it. When you use your toothbrush, a little bit of toothpaste will always get stuck in the bristles, making them sticky. When you're done brushing your teeth, rinse the head and the handle with running water until your toothbrush looks clean again.[9]
- Rinsing your toothbrush keeps it clean, which makes it better for cleaning your teeth.
- Avoid pressing your toothbrush onto your teeth too hard. If you're brushing your teeth with an intense amount of pressure, your toothbrush bristles are going to wear out much faster than usual. When you brush your teeth, use gentle pressure that doesn't bend the bristles to keep your toothbrush around for much longer.[10]
- If you notice that your bristles are bent or flattened, it's time to get a new toothbrush head.
- Store your toothbrush upright. This will let your toothbrush drip dry much better than if you lay it on its side. You can set it on your sink, the counter, or plug it into its charging base, if it has one.[11]
- Try not to put your toothbrush in a closed container, since this could lead to mold or bacteria buildup.
- Keep your toothbrush in a travel container when you're traveling. If you're taking your toothbrush with you on the go, don't leave it open and loose in your bag. Buy a travel toothbrush container made specifically for electric toothbrushes to protect the bristles from dust and dirt as you adventure around the world.[12]
- Don't forget to bring the charger!
- Replace your toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months. You can find new toothbrush heads online or at most home goods stores. Switch out the head and throw away the old one to keep your toothbrush in tip top shape.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Never put your toothbrush head or handle in the dishwasher, as the hot temperatures can warp the shape of your toothbrush.[14]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Toothbrush Head [Edit]Toothbrush Handle and Base [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Store Fine China Posted: 29 May 2021 01:00 AM PDT If you have a set of fine china, chances are you don't use it on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis. More often than not, china dishes are something you might get out for special occasions once or twice a year. It's up to you whether to display your fancy dishes or pack them away out of sight when they're not in use. Either way, follow some general guidelines to keep your china in tip-top shape for years to come. [Edit]On Display - Store your china collection in a glass display cabinet to show it off year-round. Display cabinets with glass fronts keep your precious china safe from accidents and dust and let you showcase your favorite pieces. Arrange your best china inside the cabinet in a visually appealing way and keep pieces from touching one another.[1]
- For example, place the smallest, most delicate items like cups and stemware on the top shelves of the cabinet. Put larger items like plates, bowls, and pitchers on the lower shelves and arrange some teacups or other interesting pieces in front of them to make the display look nice.
- If you have an extensive china set, put the pieces that you use the most or that you like the best in the display cabinet, then pack the rest away in storage containers to take out on the special occasions when you need more dishes.
- Put plates in a plate rack when you store them on a shelf or in a cabinet. Store displayed plates vertically whenever possible to save space and avoid stacking them. The edges of plates are actually the strongest parts and plates are less likely to get damaged if they're stored vertically.[2]
- Make sure that the rack you use keeps the plates separate, so they don't bump into one another.
- Display bowls, cups, and mugs rim-side-up to prevent damage. Place these types of dishes right-side-up individually and avoid stacking them whenever possible. This prevents chipping on the most fragile parts of your valuable china pieces.[3]
- Don't store china cups by hanging them from the handle. It might seem like a great space saving idea, but the handles are delicate and prone to breakage if you store them this way.
- Place a piece of tissue paper or foam between any stacked pieces. Fold up a piece of acid-free tissue paper, so that it's a few layers thick, or use a square of polyethylene foam. Put a piece in between each stacked piece of china, such as between every plate, to prevent them from touching and potentially chipping or cracking.[4]
- In a pinch, use a napkin, a paper towel, or a paper plate between stacked dishes. Anything soft that keeps the dishes from touching is better than nothing!
- Avoid using newspapers because the ink rubs off and makes a mess on your china.
- Dust off your collection every 6-12 months. Use a soft brush, like a sable paint brush, to gently dust off all your displayed china pieces once or twice a year. This prevents dust from getting embedded in any unglazed surfaces or hairline cracks and keeps your pieces looking clean and beautiful.[5]
- If the brush you use has any metal bits on it, be careful not to scratch the china. Only let the bristles of the brush touch your dishes.
[Edit]In Storage Bins - Pack un-displayed pieces into small plastic containers to store them safely. China is heavy, so opt for small containers to avoid overpacking them. Use sealable plastic containers to provide long-lasting protection that also keeps moisture out.[6]
- Avoid using cardboard boxes to store your precious china. They get squished easily and are prone to water damage.
- Wrap each piece of china separately in bubble wrap or butcher's paper. Either wrapping material is sufficient for home storage, but opt for bubble wrap if you're planning to move your china. Wrap each plate, bowl, cup, saucer, lid, and any other pieces of china you have in its own piece of butcher's paper or bubble wrap.[7]
- Don't use newspapers because the ink rubs off on dishes, meaning more unnecessary washing for you to do whenever you want to use the china.
- Turn plates and bowls sideways to avoid stacking them. Slide plates vertically into the storage bins. Do the same for bowls, but pack some extra butcher's paper or bubble wrap around them to keep them steady on their sides in the bins.[8]
- Stacking items puts a lot of weight on them and makes them more prone to damage if the bin gets accidentally dropped. Any weakened or damaged items are also prone to breakage if they're stacked.
- Place cardboard dividers between delicate items to keep them separate. Fold and bend pieces of cardboard into squares or circles to fit around things like stemware, tea cups, and mugs inside the storage bins. Put the cardboard dividers in between all the delicate pieces to prevent them from getting jostled and bumping into one another.[9]
- There are also grid-shaped cardboard dividers available to purchase from packing material supply shops. Just make sure they're big enough to fit your wrapped china if you choose to use these types of premade dividers.
- Label containers with their contents to keep track of what's inside. Write inventory lists for each bin that include the types of dishes that are inside and how many of them there are. Tape the lists to the outsides of the bins.[10]
- That way you know exactly where everything is when you go to dig out certain dishes once or twice a year or when you're moving.
- Store your bins of china at room temperature in a climate-controlled space. Pick an area to keep the bins where you have control over the temperature year round. Keep china out of extreme heat and cold, which can damage painted details and cause cracking.[11]
- Avoid stacking the plastic bins, so there's no excessive weight on your boxes of precious china.
- There are also special quilted and padded storage bags made to fit dishes of all shapes and sizes. Consider purchasing some of these if you want a specialized china storage solution.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid stacking china whenever possible. It's OK to stack plates as long as you are careful and place something soft like acid-free tissue paper or packing foam between each plate to prevent them from touching.
- Don't hang china cups by their handles, especially if the handles have been repaired.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]On Display - Glass display cabinet
- Plate rack
- Acid-free tissue paper or polyethylene foam
- Soft brush
[Edit]In Storage Bins - Small plastic bins
- Bubble wrap or butcher's paper
- Cardboard dividers
- Paper
- Pen
- Tape
[Edit]References |
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