| How to Make Chocolate Covered Brownie Bites Posted: 28 Jun 2017 05:00 PM PDT Brownie bites are a fun bite-sized snack you can serve at a party or social event. To make brownie bites, you will need to make a basic brownie batter. After baking your brownies, cut them into small squares, chill them, and dip them into chocolate. You can then decorate them with sprinkles, nuts, glitter confectioners sugar, or any other ingredients you want. EditIngredients - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- Nuts, sprinkles, confectioners, glitter confectioners sugar, and any other decorative ingredients (optional)
EditMaking the Batter - Melt the butter and chocolate. You should melt the butter and chocolate in a pot over the stove. Use a heavy sauce pan and melt the butter and chocolate over medium-high heat. Watch the pot closely to make sure nothing burns.[1]
- It's a good idea to remove the butter while it's still somewhat solid. Butter can burn easily. If the chocolate is melted and there is still a small chunk of butter that is solid, remove the pan from the heat. Mix everything together until the butter melts as well.
- After melting, allow your butter and chocolate mixture to cool off until it reaches room temperature. This should take about 15 minutes.[2]
- Stir in the sugar. Once the butter and chocolate mixture is cool, add your sugar. Use a mixing spoon to stir in the sugar. Keep stirring until you have an even mixture.[3]
- Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Start with the eggs, adding them one at a time. Use a wire whisk to gently whisk each egg into the batter until the mixture is smooth and even. Once the eggs are added, whisk in the vanilla.[4]
- Fold in the flour and salt. To fold in the ingredients, add the flour and salt to the top of the butter mixture. From there, use a rubber spatula. Starting at the back of the bowl, cut a vertical line through the ingredients across the bottom of the bowl.[5]
- Rotate the bowl a quarter of a circle and cut another vertical line using your spatula. Continue this pattern. Eventually, the ingredients should all mix together evenly.
EditBaking Your Brownies - Prepare your baking pan. Take an 11 by 7 inch baking pan (approximately 28 by 18 centimeters). Spray with a non-stick baking spray. Then, pour your brownie batter into the pan using a spatula or spoon.[6]
- Bake your brownies. Brownies should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 178 degrees Celsius). The brownies should bake for about 35 minutes.[7]
- Check to make sure your brownies are done before removing them from the oven. To do this, stick a toothpick in the center of the brownies. It should come out clean. If there is batter on it, bake the brownies for a few more minutes.
- Allow your brownies to cool. After removing them from the oven, set the brownies aside for an hour or so. You want them to cool completely before proceeding.
- Cut your brownies. There is no precise size to cut your brownie bites. It depends on personal preference. Use a knife to cut the brownies into bite-sized portions. You can do this by cutting vertical lines through the brownies, followed by horizontal lines.[8]
- For the cleanest cuts, use a cold knife. You can put a butter knife in the refrigerator for an hour, for example, and then use it to cut the brownies.
- Chill your brownie bites. Set your brownie bits in a refrigerator. You should let them chill for at least an hour. This way, they will be solid enough to dip in your chocolate mixture.[9]
- As the brownie bits will not be in the fridge for long, it's okay to put them in uncovered. However, you can put aluminum or plastic covering over the brownie bits if you want.
EditFrosting and Decorating the Brownie Bites - Melt your chocolate. Place your chocolate squares in a microwave safe bowl. Place them in a microwave for 30 seconds. Then remove them and stir. Keep microwaving the chocolate in 30 second intervals until it's completely melted.[10]
- Dip your brownies in the chocolate. Remove the brownie bites from the refrigerator. Dip them into your chocolate mixture one at a time.[11]
- Decorate the brownie bites. You can decorate the brownies as desired after dipping them in the chocolate. You can add decorative sprinkles or sparkling sugar, for example.[12]
- If there is a special occasion, decorate the brownie bites to reflect this. For example, you can use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pink sprinkles for Valentine's Day.
- If you're making the brownie bites for a friend, use decorations they would like. If you're making them for a child's birthday party, for example, glittery sugar may be appropriate.
- Chill your brownie bites. After the brownie bites have been dipped in chocolate and decorated, place them in refrigerator again. Chill them until the chocolate hardens. How long this will take depends on the precise coolness of your refrigerator, but it generally takes around 20 minutes.[13]
- Store your brownie bites. You should store your brownie bites at room temperature in an airtight container. They should keep for about 3 to 4 days. After this point, you should discard your brownie bites.[14]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Make Decorative Garden Mushrooms Posted: 28 Jun 2017 09:00 AM PDT Mushrooms can lend any garden a certain fairytale or storybook charm, but they can be problematic. Decorative garden mushrooms are a great solution to this. They are easy to make, and come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. Best of all, you don't have to worry about someone kicking them over or accidentally eating them! EditUsing Terracotta Pots - Choose a terracotta pot and drain plate. The pot will make the stem and the drain plate will make the cap. The plate needs to be a 3 to 5 inches (7.62 to 12.7 centimeters) wider than the pot, so don't choose the matching size—go a few sizes larger.[1]
- Spray paint the outside of the pot white or off-white. If you need to apply more coats, let each coat dry before applying the next. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes for the paint to dry enough for a second coat.[2]
- You do not need to paint the bottom of the pot.
- Spray paint the bottom of the plate a bright color. Flip the plate over so that the back is facing you. Spray paint it a bright, contrasting color. Red is the most popular choice, but you can also do pink, purple, or even turquoise. Once again, if you need to do more than one coat, let the paint dry first.[3]
- The top part of the plate won't be visible so you don't have to paint it.
- Add white spots to the mushroom cap using acrylic paint. You can paint the spots on using a paintbrush or a round, foam pouncer. You may need 2 to 3 coats of paint for this. If this is the case, allow each coat to dry first.[4]
- Allow the paint to dry fully before sealing it. Just because the paint feel dry doesn't mean it is ready to be sealed; some types of paint require curing times as well. Check the label for more complete drying times as each brand is different. Once the paint is dry, give the pot and plate a few coats of a clear sealer.[5]
- Choose a clear, outdoor sealer in either glossy or matte.
- Allow the sealer to fully dry and cure.
- Assemble the mushroom. Turn the pot upside down so that the bottom is sticking up. Coat it with epoxy or waterproof outdoor glue. Place the plate, painted side up, down on top of it. Make sure that it is centered.[6]
- Allow the glue to cure before moving your mushroom outside. This can take a few hours to several days. When moving you mushroom, hold it by the stem—do not grab it by the cap.
EditUsing a Bowl and Log - Choose a stainless steel bowl and clean it. Wipe the bowl down using window cleaner, household cleaner, or rubbing alcohol. You can also wash it with soap and water. Focus on the outside of the bowl, as that is the part you will be painting. You want the bowl to be free of any residual oils.[7]
- You can also use a wooden bowl instead.[8]
- Buff the bowl using fine-grit sandpaper. This will give the bowl some tooth and help the paint stick better. You want to lightly buff the bowl without scratching it.[9] When you are done, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
- Drill two holes in the top of the bowl. Flip the bowl over so that the bottom is facing you. Use a drill to make two holes in the center of the bowl. You will be using these to attach the bowl later.[10]
- The holes need to be the same size as your screws.
- Apply two coats of outdoor spray paint, letting each coat dry in between. Red is the most popular and recognizable color, but you can use another color for your mushroom if you prefer.[11]
- You only need to paint the outside of the bowl, since you won't see the inside when you are done.
- Don't forget to paint the tops of the screws as well.
- Add some white spots with acrylic paint. Apply the spots using a paint brush or a round, foam pouncer. If you need to apply a second coat, let the paint dry first before doing so.[12]
- Let the paint dry completely before sealing it. Just because the paint feels dry does not necessarily mean that it is ready. Check the label on your can of paint, and see if there is a curing time. Once the paint has fully dried and cured. apply a coat of clear, outdoor-quality sealer.[13]
- The sealer can be glossy or matte; this is up to you!
- You need to let the paint dry completely before sealing it. If you don't, the paint may warp.
- Choose a log for the stem. The log should be about twice the height of your bowl. It needs to be about the same width as the base of you bowl. Birch logs wok especially well for this because of their white bark. If you are using a different type of log, consider painting it white, and then sealing it with your clear sealer.
- Mark the screw holes on the log. Place the bowl on top of the log so that the bottom is facing you. Use a pen or pencil to make marks in the middle of each screw hole. Lift the bowl away when you are done.[14]
- Drill the holes in the log. Make sure that the holes are wide and deep enough for your screws to fit into. When you are done, gently blow away any sawdust.
- Screw the bowl onto the log. Place the lid back onto the log so that the bottom is facing you. Insert the screws through the holes in the lid. Screw them into the log using your drill. Try to get the screws as tight as you can so that the bowl doesn't bottle.[15]
- Set the mushroom out in your garden. If the drilling ruined the paintwork, touch it up with a small paintbrush and a matching paint color.
EditUsing Cement - Coat the inside of a small plastic bowl with oil. You can use any type of oil you want. The oil is simply there to make de-molding the mushroom cap easier.[16]
- If you can't find a plastic bowl in the right shape and size, you can use a different material. Plastic is easier to use because of how flexible it is.
- Cut the bottom out of a plastic cup. This will eventually make the stem, so make sure that the shape and size suits the cap.[17] If the cup is too small for the bowl, try a different container, such as a tall yogurt container.
- The cups that you get iced coffee in are great for this!
- Mix your cement. Every brand will be a little different, so follow the instructions on the package. Ideally, it should have a slushy-like consistency.[18]
- Make sure that you mix enough to fill both the bowl and the cup.
- Fill the bowl with cement. You can use your trowel to smooth it down, or you can leave it rough for a more organic look.[19] Gently tap the bowl to remove any air bubbles.[20]
- Insert the cup cut-side-down into the bowl. Make sure that the cup is centered and straight. The wider part of the cup should be facing you.[21]
- Fill the cup with more cement. Use your trowel to smooth the cement down. This will help the mushroom stand upright.[22] Once again, gently tap the cup to remove any air bubbles.
- If you will be using this mushroom on a lawn, consider pushing a galvanized steel nail into the stem. This way, the nail will stick into the lawn and help anchor the mushroom.[23]
- Wait for the cement to set. How long this takes depends on the type of cement you are using, how big your mushroom is, and the weather conditions in your area.
- Tip the mushroom out of the bowl, then cut the plastic cup off. Use a craft blade to cut straight down the plastic cup first. Then, cut around the top edge of the stem, where the stem meets the mushroom cap. Carefully pull the plastic cup off. Part of the plastic cup will remain embedded in the cement, which is fine.[24]
- Paint the mushroom. Paint the stem and the underside of the mushroom cap white. Next, paint the cap a bright color. Let the paint dry, then add white spots onto the cap. Let the paint dry again, then seal the paint using a clear, outdoor sealer.
- If you need to apply more coats of paint, allow the first one to dry completely.
- Turn it into a mosaic mushroom by attaching glass gems to the cap using tile adhesive, then filling the gaps with grout. Wipe the grout away with a damp cloth before it dries.[25]
- You do not need to add spots to your mushroom, but it will make it more recognizable.
- Typical toadstools are red with white spots, but you can make yours any color you want.
- Consider painting the underside of the mushroom cap white, and then adding some streaks to it in grey or tan.
- It is better to apply many thin coats of paint rather than one thick one.
- Consider making some mini clay mushrooms for a fairy garden!
- Make sure that you use the spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
EditThings You'll Need EditUsing Terracotta Pots - Terracotta pot
- Terracotta drain plate
- White spray paint
- Brightly-colored spray paint
- White acrylic paint
- Paintbrush or round, foam pouncer
- Clear, outdoor sealer
- Epoxy or waterproof outdoor glue
EditUsing a Bowl and Log - Bowl
- Red spray paint
- White acrylic paint
- Paintbrush or round, foam pouncer
- Clear, outdoor sealer
- Drill
- Log
- Screws
EditUsing Cement - Plastic bowl and cup
- Cement
- Trowel
- Mixing container
- Oil
- Paint and paintbrush
- Clear, outdoor sealer
- Galvanized steel nail (optional)
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Plant Snowdrops Posted: 28 Jun 2017 01:00 AM PDT Snowdrops are a resilient, quick blooming garden plant that can push up sprouts even in snow. This characteristic is where the plant gets its name. It takes about a year for snowdrops to become established, so even if your first year of plantings is a little disappointing, expect a much stronger showing the following year. The ideal growing and planting situation for your snowdrops will depend on whether you're growing the plant in the ground or in a pot. Should you have problems with your snowdrops, troubleshooting techniques should help. EditGrowing Snowdrops in the Ground - Plan your snowdrop planting. Snowdrops do best in soil that drains well. If 5 to 6 hours after a heavy rain there are still puddles of water in an area, choose a different spot for your planting. Plan to leave at least 3 in (7.6 cm) between plants. Prioritize locations that receive full sunlight to light shade.[1]
- Generally, full sunlight means that plants will receive 6 to 8 hours of sun throughout the day.
- Watch the location where you'll plant your snowdrops throughout the day. At certain times, the angle of the sun might be blocked by trees or foliage.[2]
- Improve drainage in your soil, if necessary. If your garden is in an area with poor drainage but you still want to plant some snowdrops, you'll need to add organic material to make the soil more hospitable. Do this by adding peat moss, compost, ground bark, or decomposed manure to raise the soil level at least 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.6 cm).[3]
- You can find many kinds of organic, soil drainage improving materials (like decomposed manure) at most home and garden centers, nurseries, and florists.
- Plant your snowdrops. Use a shovel or a spade to dig holes that are deep enough that the pointed top of the snowdrop bulb will be 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.6 cm) beneath the ground. Remember to keep at least 3 in (7.6 cm) of space between plants.
- When inserting a snowdrop bulb into a hole, orient it so the pointed end of the bulb faces upwards.
- The best time to plant snowdrop bulbs is in late spring when the initial growth of foliage is dying back.
- If you cannot plant your bulbs late in spring, buy grown plants that have just flowered but are still green and use these instead.
- Grown snowdrops should be planted in late spring according to their care instructions. Buy these plants from nurseries and garden centers.[4]
- Water your snowdrops well after planting them. Water will help the bulb settle in the ground. Expect most bulbs to sprout roots in roughly 1 to 2 weeks. However, even though the roots will be active, snowdrops won't push up out of the soil until late winter or early spring.
- After your initial heavy watering of newly planted bulbs, you'll only need to lightly water it. In dry spells, you may need to water moderately, but do so cautiously. Snowdrops are sensitive to overwatering.[5]
- Remove foliage after the plant withers. Allow your snowdrops to keep their foliage until it withers and turns yellow. This will allow your plants to absorb and store more energy for next year. Once the leaves have withered, feel free to cut them with garden shears and remove them.
- Trimming your snowdrops too early will diminish their health and appearance next year.[6]
- Encourage full blooms and growth with fertilizer. Use a water-soluble fertilizer a few times throughout fall and winter in the areas your snowdrops will grow. This step is not required, but additional nutrients will enable next years' plants to grow larger, healthier, and with fuller blooms.
- Regular fertilizing can also extend the life of your bulbs. If you want your snowdrops to last as long as possible before having to replant them, be sure to fertilize.[7]
EditCultivating Snowdrops in Pots - Fill your pot with soil. Most kinds of potting soil will be suitable for planting your snowdrops. So long as the soil drains well and the container you've chosen had adequate drainage, your snowdrops should flourish. Buy potting soil and pots at your local garden center or nursery.
- Pots without enough draining can cause your bulbs to rot or become diseased before they can bloom. Check the bottoms of planting containers to verify they have holes in the bottom for drainage.[8]
- Plant your snowdrop bulbs. In a container, you can create a more colorful composition by planting bulbs roughly an inch (2.5 cm) apart. Plant each bulb so its top is 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.6 cm) below the surface of your soil. Bulbs should be planted with the pointed end of the bulb facing upwards.[9]
- Early blooming snow crocuses are a nice companion plant to go with your snowdrops. Use these to fill out extra space in your pots.[10]
- Water your bulbs liberally after planting. This will help the soil to settle around the bulb, creating a more hospitable environment for it. After doing this, you should only water your snowdrops lightly to moderately. Overwatering is harmful to snowdrops.[11]
- Trim dead foliage from snowdrops. Once the leaves have fully withered and turned yellow, you can remove these from the plant. This can help prevent the buildup of debris in your pot and will keep your plants healthy.[12]
- Fertilize your snowdrops. It's especially important to fertilize potted plants. Even though the snowdrop is hardy, it won't have as wide a range of nutrients in its pot as it would in the earth. For this reason, use a water-soluble fertilizer a few times throughout autumn and winter.[13]
EditTroubleshooting Problems with Your Snowdrops - Allow plants damaged by frost time to heal. Due to the fact that snowdrops are an early blooming flower, it's common for a late frost to do some damage to them. Winter plants, like snowdrops, are usually able to recover from such shocks naturally with enough time.[14]
- If you're concerned your snowdrops might be damaged by a heavy frost or cold snap, lay down some groundcover to protect them, like a layer of hay or a blanket.
- When using groundcover like a blanket, be careful not to crush new growth. Remember to remove your blanket in the morning so your plants receive sun.
- Prevent squirrels from eating planted bulbs. Squirrels are the most common pest to plague freshly planted bulbs.[15] These animals can be difficult to keep away from your plantings. Play music or have a radio running around bulbs to scare off squirrels, or spray a squirrel repellant around your plants.
- Predator urine is a common kind of squirrel repellant. It's available at many home and garden centers and hardware stores.
- Avoid overwatering your snowdrops. If your snowdrops start to die or are looking unhealthy, you may be overwatering them. Snowdrops require only light to moderate watering, and overwatering can cause plants to die or become diseased.
- Soil that is too damp can also cause fungi or mold to grow on the bulb or roots of snowdrops. Fungi and mold are dangerous to the health of your snowdrops.[16]
- Destroy contaminated bulbs. Fungus can usually be detected in snowdrops when bulbs fail to emerge or the plant collapses amidst a white colored growth. Mold is present when the leaves and flowers of your plants are covered in fuzzy, gray substance. In both cases, you should remove and destroy infected plants/bulbs.
- There are no chemical treatments to remedy these common snowdrop ailments. Your best option, if you have a fungi or mold outbreak, is to separate and destroying the diseased plants.
- By adequately spacing your and watering your plants, you can reduce the chances of your plants catching these afflictions.[17][18]
EditThings You'll Need EditGrowing Snowdrops in the Ground - Fertilizer (optional)
- Hose (or watering can)
- Shovel (or spade)
- Snowdrop bulbs
- Tape measure
EditCultivating Snowdrops in Pots - Fertilizer
- Hose (or watering can)
- Potting soil
- Snowdrop bulbs
- Spade
- Terra cotta pot (or other suitable container)
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment