| How to Make Gougeres (French Cheese Puffs) Posted: 24 Jun 2017 05:00 PM PDT Cheese gougères are essentially French cheese puffs. They are great to serve as an alternative to dinner rolls or as a tasty appetizer. Gougères should be crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. Make plenty of these cheese puffs because they are quick to eat and tend to go fast. To make cheese gougères, prep the ingredients and tools, mix your ingredients and form the balls, and serve them while they are hot and steamy on the inside. EditIngredients - 1/2 cup (118.3 ml) of whole milk
- 1/2 cup (118.3 ml) of water
- 1 stick (14.8 ml) of unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of salt
- 1 cup (236.6 ml) of all-purpose flour
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cup (354.9 ml) of coarse grated cheese (gruyére or cheddar)
Makes 24 gougères EditPrepping for the Cheese Gougères - Preheat the oven. Wait to preheat the oven until you are ready to begin preparing the ingredients. Turn the oven to 425°F (225°C). The oven should be ready by the time you have prepared the ingredients and shaped the dough.[1]
- Line the baking sheets with parchment paper. Depending on the amount of and size of gougères you're making, you may need more than one baking sheet. Consider how much room you have in the oven, how many pans you have, and how many people you will be serving. Line the baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.[2]
- Heat up the water, butter, salt, and pepper. Put the 1/2 cup (118.3 ml) of water, 1 stick (14.8 ml) of unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of salt, and 1/2 cup (118.3 ml) of whole milk into a two or four quart saucepan. Stir the ingredients together and bring them to a rolling boil.[3]
- You can also choose to add a ½ teaspoon (2.47 ml) of dry mustard powder to the mix.
EditMaking the Gougères - Add flour to the mixture. Remove the saucepan immediately and add one cup (236.6) of flour once the ingredients have been brought to a boil and melted,. Stir the mixture together until the mixture looks something like mash potatoes.[4]
- Cook the dough. Once the mixture has been stirred and formed, return the pan to the stove on medium-low heat. You are doing this to dry out the dough. Cook the dough until it begins to look shiny and can hold a spoon upright on its own.[5]
- It's okay if you notice some starch buildup at the bottom of the pan.
- Add eggs to the mixture. Break the five, large eggs into the pan. Stir in between each egg added. Mix the eggs into the dough by hand with a stiff spatula, with a hand mixer, or with a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. The dough should turn into a smooth, creamy batter.[6]
- Though the dough is smooth and creamy, it should still be thick enough to stand.
- Add the cheese. Put cheese into the mixture after the eggs have been added. A sharp cheese is ideal, like gruyére or cheddar, but you can also use a cheese like comté. The cheese should already be grated at this point. Pour it into the mixture and combine.[7]
- Use an ice cream scope to scoop the dough. You can use an ice scream scoop, two spoons, or piping bag with a round trip to form the balls of dough. Tablespoon-sized drops of dough are typical, but you can make the balls as big or as small as you want. Space the dough about an inch apart on the pan and press down any bumps to form smooth, round balls.[8]
- Bake for fifteen minutes. Put the pan into the oven and bake for five minutes. After five minutes, lower the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 more minutes. The finished puffs should be golden brown.
- You can rotate the pans when you lower the heat if you wish.
- Allow the puffs to cool. Don't take the gougères out of the oven immediately. Turn the heat off when they are done baking and allow them to sit in the oven for about fifteen minutes so that the insides can dry out. After that, you can remove the pan(s) and allow them to cool for a few more minutes.[9]
EditServing and Storing the Finished Gougères - Serve while still warm. Gougères arguably taste best when they are still hot and steaming on the inside. They still taste good, however, at room temperature. How they are served is a matter of preference.[10]
- Store in airtight bags. If the puffs won't be eaten immediately, store them in airtight bags. Put the airtight bags in the freezer. The frozen puffs can stored for up to two months.[11]
- Reheat for later. The gougères still taste good reheated even after being frozen. You should probably allow at least fifteen minutes for the puffs to defrost before putting them in the oven. To reheat, put the puffs in the oven for three to five minutes at 350°F (176.7°C).[12]
- Anticipate the amount of people you will be serving when making the gougères. They are usually quite small, so one or two per person will probably not be enough.
- Poke the sides of the puffs with a sharp knife five minutes before they are done baking for extra-crispy puffs.[13]
- Cut open the puffs and put a piece of meat in the middle of them to create a small sandwich.[14]
- Make sure all of your ingredients are still in date before using them.
EditThings You'll Need - 2 (1.9 L) to 4 (3.8 L) quart saucepan
- Spoon with a long handle
- Baking sheets
- Standing mixer (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Yourself Go to Sleep on Time Posted: 24 Jun 2017 09:00 AM PDT Getting enough sleep can be a difficult feat to accomplish in today's world. Getting through the day tired and de-energized is rough on a person, both mentally and physically. If you struggle with getting to sleep at a reasonable time, there are a few things you can do. By eliminating distractions in your bedroom and creating a bedtime routine that you follow each night, you can help train your body to get ready for sleep at a normal time. EditPreparing Yourself for Bedtime - Avoid caffeine before bed. Caffeine is widely known to be a stimulant, often causing people to feel jittery or more alert. Ingesting caffeine before bed, even if you are a regular coffee drinker, can make you feel more alert, delay your sense of sleepiness, and keep you from getting to bed on time.[1]
- This means avoiding beverages like coffee (even decaf coffee), soda, and non-herbal teas.
- Chocolate also contains measurable amounts of caffeine. It's a good idea to skip the chocolate before bedtime as well.
- Stop working at least an hour before bed. It's important to give your brain a chance to slow down from the day before you try to make yourself go to bed. For this reason, you should stop working (whether it's job-related or school-related) at least one hour before bed so you can unwind a bit.[2]
- This also means that you should quit working on homework or other projects at least one hour before you plan to go to sleep.
- Avoid eating meals for at least two hours before sleep. One of the main problems with eating before bedtime is that these most likely constitute as extra calories from an extra meal that may push you over your caloric intake for the day. But eating before bed, especially sugary (or otherwise unhealthy) items can cause a spike in your blood sugar that delays your sleep hormones.[3]
- A good rule of thumb is to avoid eating for at least two hours before bed.
- If you must eat something before bed, try to eat something that is high in fiber and low in sugar like apple slices and almond butter, some carrot sticks with hummus, or half an avocado.
- Drink some herbal tea. While the jury is still out about whether or not herbal tea actually helps people become sleepier, studies have shown that it does help people feel more relaxed as they drink it. This is equally important when getting ready for bedtime.[4]
- Try choosing a tea that contains chamomile, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, or lemon grass.
- Make sure you choose an herbal tea with no caffeine.
- Know how much sleep you need. Different people have varying sleep needs. For example, babies need much more sleep each day than adults. And older adults require even less sleep than younger adults. Knowing how much sleep you need each night will help you calculate when you need to set your bedtime.[5]
- Infants typically need 12-16 hours of sleep per day.
- Teenagers require 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
- Adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
EditFollowing a Routine - Get ready for bed at the same time every night. Don't wait until you start to feel sleepy, as this may keep you up longer than you want to stay awake. Additionally, the act of getting ready for bed may make you more alert, causing you to stay up later than your desired bedtime.[6]
- Set a reasonable bedtime goal that works for your schedule.
- Have a bedtime ritual. Doing the same things every night before bed will help signal to your body that it is time to start getting sleepy. Try to create a sleep time ritual that you can perform every night before bed so you get into the habit. This will help you go to bed at the desired time every night.[7]
- Your bedtime ritual could include things like brushing your teeth, washing your face, setting out your clothes for the next day, packing your lunch for work tomorrow, or taking the dog outside to go to the bathroom.
- Prepare yourself for the next day. In an effort to reduce your stress at bedtime, it might be beneficial to spend a little time preparing yourself for what you have to do in the morning. Feeling ready for the next day will help you relax and fall asleep more quickly.[8]
- You can do things like picking out your outfit for the next day, packing your lunch, catching up on correspondence, reviewing notes for a big meeting, creating a to-do list, or organizing your purse/briefcase.
- Read in bed. Reading in bed is one of the best ways to relax and destress yourself after a long day. Immersing yourself in another world allows you to forget the worries of your own life and start relaxing your body and your mind as your prepare yourself for sleep.[9]
- You should start to feel more relaxed and ready for bed after as little as six minutes reading.
- The genre doesn't matter. Even reading a suspenseful story will help you relax before bed.
EditEliminating Distractions - Put your phone on silent mode. One of the best things you can do to ensure that you won't get distracted while you're trying to fall asleep is to turn your phone on silent. Nothing is worse than getting jolted awake by the sound of your phone's ringtone when you are almost fast asleep.[10]
- Turning your phone on silent will allow you to still receive your messages and check your phone for the time (if you need to) without giving other people the opportunity to distract you and keep you awake.
- Turn out all the lights. Keeping your bedroom dark at night helps maintain your body's circadian rhythm and helps you fall asleep at a reasonable time. Eliminating the light source will help your mind relax while you are trying to drift off to sleep.[11]
- Exposing yourself to as much daylight as possible during the daytime will also assist in syncing your body's internal clock so that you can go to sleep at a reasonable time once the sun has set.
- Resist the urge to use electronic devices for an hour before bed. Using the internet before bed can be counterproductive to sleep for several reasons. First, it keeps your mind busy and occupied, which means that your brain can't begin its wind-down toward bedtime routine. If you read something exciting or interesting, this will make you feel more alert and energized, making it harder for you to fall asleep immediately after.[12]
- Watching television before bed can be quite disruptive to your sleep patterns. There is a special blue light emitted by electronic screens that suppresses melatonin (the hormone that regulates sleep) and keeps you awake longer.[13]
- This also applies to playing games on your smartphone or tablet as you try to fall asleep. These electronic screens have been proven to prevent people from getting the sleep they need.
- If you must use a screen before bedtime, try turning the brightness down.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Deal with Failure to Launch Syndrome Posted: 24 Jun 2017 01:00 AM PDT Thanks to a changing economic and social landscape, an increasing number of young adults are living with their parents well into their 20s and even 30s. Financial hardship, lack of motivation, and mental health problems are among the many reasons for this "failure to launch" phenomenon. If your adult child has taken up residence in your basement after finishing college, or if they never left in the first place, there are some steps you can take to help them become independent. First, ascertain that they are really suffering from failure to launch syndrome. After that, establish clear boundaries and expectations, and help your child develop the skills they need to thrive on their own. EditIdentifying Failure to Launch Syndrome - Distinguish between normal and abnormal young adult struggles. If your child can't keep a job or complete a degree, you're right to be concerned. On the other hand, it's normal for a young adult to return home temporarily to save money or get their bearings after college. If your child seems to be putting the pieces of adulthood together, there is probably nothing wrong.[1]
- However, if your child seems to struggle in many areas of development, such as school, work, finances, and relationships, you may want to carefully consider whether they are experiencing a "failure to launch."
- Try talking with friends who also have young adult children to get a better idea of normal versus abnormal behavior. What is normal for young adults now may be very different from what you experienced as a young adult.
- Evaluate your child's financial situation. Ask yourself if your child is working, saving money, and contributing to household expenses. If not, consider the reasons why. Are they spending money recklessly? Or are they acquiring unnecessary debt? Even motivated young adults sometimes struggle to land their first job after finishing school. If your child shows no interest in applying for jobs, though, it may be time to have a talk with them.[2]
- Notice if your child has a poor work ethic. A common feature of failure to launch syndrome is a poor work ethic and unwillingness to help out around the house. Consider whether your child has – or is actively searching for – a job or internship, and whether they pitch in with household chores.[3]
- Talk to your child about their long-term plans. A young adult with failure to launch syndrome will avoid making plans to move out and become independent. They may have only vague goals or they may have big goals with little or no idea how to achieve them. If your child sets goals and takes an active role in planning their future, however, their stay with you will probably be temporary.[4]
- Instead of putting your child in a corner with an intimidating question like "What are you gonna do with your life?" raise the subject gently. You might say, "I noticed some pamphlets came in the mail for different universities. Did any of them interest you? What major are you considering?"
EditSetting Boundaries with Adult Children - Communicate your expectations. Let your child know how you expect them to behave and contribute while they live with you. Tell them what you expect them to pay for, what household tasks they are responsible for, and what your policies are for guests and curfew.[5]
- For instance, you might specify that your child can have friends over, but they have to leave before 9 PM.
- Have this talk as soon as possible, preferably before your child even moves back home.
- Be sure to emphasize that these rules are not meant to control your child. They are meant to make living together easier and more comfortable while also helping them to move forward with their goals.
- Draw up a plan for household and financial contributions. Ensure that your house rules are clearly defined by putting them in writing. Talk the agreement over with your child to be sure you're on the same page.[6]
- Consider including a time component in your rules. For instance, you might agree to let your child live rent-free for three months, but expect them to find a job during that time and pay rent afterwards.
- Include consequences for not respecting the house rules. For example, if your child drives your car but doesn't fill up the gas tank, they might lose their car privileges.
- Make sure to specify that you can change the rules at any time.
- Be firm in your stance on alcohol and drugs. If you don't want your child drinking or using drugs in your house, make it clear. Decide what you will do if you discover they are using substances behind your back.[7]
- Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs often contribute to failure to launch syndrome. These substances can impair motivation and make mental health problems worse.
- Avoid backing down if your child tests your boundaries. Your adult child may try to bend the rules or use your sense of guilt against you. Stay firm, and remember that it's not your job anymore to keep them comfortable and sheltered. You have a right to make the rules in your own house.[8]
- Giving in sends the message that you don't really mean what you say.
- For instance, if you told your child that you won't pay for their cell phone, don't give them money when they're broke one month.
- Be sure to communicate the rules to other members of the household, such as to your partner, so that everyone is on the same page.
- Consider what circumstances would warrant asking your child to leave. If your adult child becomes abusive or starts engaging in illegal activities, it's not a good idea to let them live with you. Decide which behaviors you won't tolerate, and stick to your guns if you feel like your living situation isn't healthy or safe.[9]
- If you decide to evict your adult child from your home, then you would need to provide them with a formal eviction notice. You cannot simply call the police and ask to have them removed.
EditHelping Your Child Become Independent - Avoid sheltering your child from mistakes and consequences. You might hate to see your child struggling, but slip-ups are part of the learning process. Let your adult child make their own mistakes and then figure out how to fix them. This will improve their resilience and give them a sense of agency.[10]
- This does not mean that you cannot be there to offer advice and help. It just means that they will have to do the work themselves and that you will not solve your adult child's problems for them.
- Teach your child good financial skills. Talk with your child about saving money, living frugally, and avoiding debt. Start doing this as early as possible. It is best to begin talking to your child about these things when they are still young. However, if you did not do this with your adult child, then you can do things to help them now. Help them come up with a weekly or monthly budget so they'll be prepared to manage their money when they move out.[11]
- Charging your child a reasonable amount of rent is a good way to prepare them for paying bills later.
- Help your child prepare for finding a job. Offer to look over your child's resume, do mock interviews with them, or help them pick out professional clothes. If you know people who might be able to help with networking, give your child their names and phone numbers.[12]
- Avoid doing any of the actual work of job hunting. For instance, don't call your professional contacts yourself – let your child do it.
- Encourage your child's efforts. If your adult child is working hard to become less dependent on you, cheer them on. Poor self-esteem often contributes to low achievement in young adults, but genuine support and encouragement can help give your child the confidence they need to make it on their own.[13]
- You might say something like, "I'm so proud of you for getting this big job interview. Even if you don't get the job, it's still a great start!"
- Consider whether therapy could help your child. Failure to launch syndrome is often caused by underlying problems like mental illness or substance abuse. If you think your child may be struggling with depression, addiction, or a similar issue, help them set up an appointment with a therapist.[14]
- Seeking help for your child may even be a requirement if they are living with you.
EditSources and Citations
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