| How to Make Hot Chocolate Pancakes Posted: 01 Sep 2017 05:00 PM PDT Sweet, chocolatey, warm, and flavorful, hot chocolate pancakes are ideal for chilly mornings in the cold season. Topped off with a creamy chocolate sauce and mini marshmallows, or perhaps something more elaborate, these pancakes may become your new favorite breakfast meal. EditIngredients Hot Chocolate Pancakes - 1½ cups dark hot chocolate
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- vanilla extract
- all-purpose flour
- dutch-process cocoa powder
- baking powder
- salt
Chocolate Fudge Sauce Hot Chocolate Sauce - maple syrup
- hot chocolate powder
Other Optional Toppings - (50 g) mini marshmallows
- peppermint extract and 10 peppermint candies, crushed
- Chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Miniature chocolate chips
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Whipped cream
EditMaking the Pancakes - Preheat the griddle to medium-low heat and spread butter over it.
- For an electric griddle, preheat it to 350 F (177 C).[1]
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the hot chocolate, vanilla, and egg until well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk them together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until properly combined.[2]
- Combine all the ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well, and use a whisk or rubber spatula to combine everything.
- Don't overmix the batter, because this can develop the gluten in the flour and make for chewy rather than fluffy pancakes.[3]
- Set the batter aside to rest for 30 minutes. This will give the flour time to absorb the moisture in the batter. It will also give the gluten time to relax, and this will make for light and fluffy pancakes.[4]
- If in a hurry, you can skip the resting step, but your pancakes won't be quite as fluffy.
- Pour ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the griddle. This will make one pancake.[5] Repeat for however many pancakes your griddle will hold, leaving enough space between them to allow for flipping.
- Cook the pancakes. When bubbles form and start to pop, after two to three minutes, use a spatula to flip the pancakes.
- Once they've been flipped, cook the pancakes for an additional two minutes, or until they're golden brown on both sides.[6]
- Lay the pancake on a large plate, or on a cooling rack over a baking sheet in the oven.
- An oven isn't necessary, but if you're doing a big batch, it's the best way to keep cooked pancakes warm while the others are in the griddle. Pre-heat the oven to 225 F (107 C), and then place the plate or cooling rack and pan in there.[7]
- Repeat until there is no more pancake batter. When the first batch of pancakes is in the oven, add another tablespoon (14 g) of butter to the hot griddle. Add more batter and continue the process until all the pancakes are done.[8]
- Serve. Place a pancake on a serving plate and garnish as desired. Enjoy!
EditExperimenting with Toppings - Get creative with your toppings. One of the best things about hot chocolate pancakes is the variety of ways you can garnish them with different sauces and toppings, so you can even turn basic pancakes into a fun breakfast bar event.
- Drizzle a chocolate fudge sauce on top. In a saucepan or double boiler over low heat, mix the chocolate chips and light cream using a whisk. Shut off the stove and allow the fudge sauce to cool until lukewarm. Drizzle the sauce over each pancake or on top of a stack.
- Try a hot chocolate sauce. Combine the maple syrup and hot chocolate powder in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Simmer for five minutes, until the sauce is hot and thick.[9] Drizzle the sauce over each pancake or on top of a stack.
- Garnish with marshmallow. Hot chocolate is often served with marshmallows, so why not serve hot chocolate pancakes with marshmallows, too? For a gooier treat, roast or melt the marshmallows on the pancakes slightly with a cooking torch, first.
- Alternatively, try spreading marshmallow crème onto the pancakes.[10]
- Transform them into peppermint hot chocolate pancakes. Peppermint and chocolate are a wonderful combination for the holidays. To make a simple peppermint chocolate sauce, add of peppermint extract to the chocolate fudge or hot chocolate sauce.
- Top each pancake with a drizzle of peppermint chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.[11]
- Experiment with all kinds of other toppings. If you're making hot chocolate pancakes for a dessert, or offering up a pancake buffet, the sky is the limit on your toppings. Think of the kinds of things you might eat with an ice cream sundae.
- Take caution not over-mix the pancake batter or the pancakes will end up dry and rubbery.
- Avoid hot chocolate mixes that contain dairy, as this can change the texture of the pancakes.[13]
- Don't stack the pancakes on top of each other, or they'll get soggy.[14]
EditThings You'll Need - Griddle
- Spatula
- 2 medium-sized bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Ladle
- Large plate
- Serving plate
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| How to Care for a Skunk Sprayed Dog Posted: 01 Sep 2017 09:00 AM PDT Few things are as aromatically repugnant as a dog sprayed by a skunk. That smelly odor has a bad habit of lingering and spreading as well. Usually, the smell is the biggest problem. However, skunk spray can occasionally cause some minor (or even serious) health issues in the sprayed dog. You can help avoid all of this by knowing how to care for a skunk-sprayed dog. EditTreating a Skunk-Sprayed Dog - Understand the chemistry. The smelly part of the skunk spray is from chemicals called thiols.[1] These awful-smelling oils make the scent "stick" to the sprayed dog. Unfortunately, you cannot simply shampoo and rinse these oils away.
- Also, skip the tomato juice myth because that will not eliminate the oils either.
- Mix a homemade solution to remove the oils. There are special chemical solutions used to remove substances containing thiols. You can mix a mild form of this solution at home that is safe for your dog. The following formula will make enough to scrub a small- or medium-sized dog. Double or even triple the amounts for very large dogs. You should mix:[2]
- 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon liquid hand soap
- Wear gloves. The solution has the potential to irritate your skin, so you should wear gloves when you mix and use it. You also want to wear gloves to avoid transferring any of the skunk smell to yourself while handling the stinky dog.
- The solution may irritate your dog's skin as well, especially if the pet is prone to skin infections or other skin conditions. In these cases, consult your veterinarian before using the solution.
- Apply the solution outside. In addition to keeping the smelly dog from spreading the smell inside, you want to use the solution outside because the peroxide can potentially stain wood, cloth furniture, and other household items.
- Scrub the dog with the solution. Gently scrub the dog with the solution, but be careful to avoid the eyes and inner ears. Allow the solution to sit for up to five minutes but no more than that. Rinse the dog very thoroughly since the peroxide can discolor fur.
- If the smell remains, you may have to repeat the process.
- Dry your dog well. Make sure you dry the dog well before allowing him back in the house. You should also keep an eye on him during this period and watch for other complications from being sprayed.
- If your dog gets wet at all within a week or so, you may faintly notice the skunk smell again. Try not to bathe your dog again for a week.
- Do not store the solution. The solution will lose its effectiveness from sitting, so you should make and use it immediately. Do not store the solution for future use if you make too much.
- Use a skunk-removal spray or shampoo. There are also shampoos formulated for removing skunk spray from a dog's coat. However, they're more expensive than the ingredients for the homemade solution, and they likely will not work as well. Your veterinarian may suggest one of these shampoos instead of the solution if your dog is prone to skin conditions that make the homemade solution inadvisable.
EditWatching Your Dog for Possible Complications - Watch for eye irritation. The spray can cause extreme irritation if it hits the eyes directly. If your dog shows signs of eye irritation—frequently pawing at the eyes, reddened and tearing eyes, eye swelling, squinting, or hard-to-open eyes—try to rinse your dog's eyes carefully with plain tap water. You should also immediately contact a veterinarian.
- Pay attention for respiratory irritation. Dogs can also inhale the spray, leading to irritation to the respiratory system, including the nose. This may cause sneezing, nasal discharge, or drooling. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms after a skunk encounter.
- Follow up with a rabies vaccine booster. While the spray of skunks does not carry the rabies virus, skunks are big carriers of rabies. Any time a dog encounters a skunk, there is a chance of exposure to the virus. Consult with your veterinarian after your dog has been sprayed to discuss a rabies vaccine booster to keep your pet safe.
- Watch for lethargy, weakness, or loss of appetite. A very rare but serious condition called Heinz body hemolytic anemia can occur in a dog sprayed by a skunk.[3] This is an emergency. A veterinarian must treat the dog for this potentially life-threatening condition. Signs of the anemia include pale mucous membranes, rapid heartbeat, panting, or a weak pulse.
- In a more gradual onset, the dog may be lethargic, weak, and refuse to eat. Signs can occur up to a few days after the dog has been sprayed by the skunk.
EditReducing the Chances of Skunk Encounters - Keep a close eye on your dog. If you have a very large, open backyard, consider fencing in a portion to keep your dog out of trouble and away from skunks.
- Use tightly fitting lids on trashcans. Skunks seek human garbage, so use garbage cans with tightly fitting lids. This helps prevent the odors from tempting skunks and other animals.
- Purchase chemical skunk deterrents. You can buy special deterrents online or at garden supply stores to protect your yard from skunk invasion.
- Cover any openings around your home. Skunks may try to live under decks or other structures around your home. To prevent this, seal any openings large enough for a skunk.
- Contact a local animal control officer. If you know you have a skunk problem around your yard or neighborhood, contact your local animal control. Depending on where you live, they may set traps or offer to come deal with the animals if you set your own traps.
- Some people report that skunks like to dig in their soft garden dirt for delicious worms and grubs, but that planting a hedge of marigolds around the perimeter discourages this behavior.
- Coyote urine on cotton pads placed around the perimeter of your property can deter skunks, raccoons, and possums.
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| How to Clean a Metal Backsplash Posted: 01 Sep 2017 01:00 AM PDT Metal backsplashes are appealing because they are so resistant to damage. Still, regular cleaning is useful to prevent ugly stains from setting. The first step is always to blot up the stain and wipe it off with plain water. Tougher stains can be treated with soapy water, baking soda, or vinegar. When you are finished, rinse and dry the backsplash to make it look as good as new. EditCleaning General Stains - Find the direction of the metal's grain. Look closely at the metal backsplash. The metal particles may appear to move in a certain direction, such as side to side. If your backsplash has a noticeable grain, always scrub in the direction of it. This will prevent the metal from taking on tiny scratches.[1]
- Dampen a microfiber cloth in warm water. Use a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Metal brushes and scrub pads will scratch your backsplash, so avoid them. Warm water cleaning, when done routinely, limits the need for deeper cleaning. Never use hot water on the backsplash.[2]
- A mild detergent, such as a dish soap like Dawn or a non-chloride cleanser, can also be used for extra cleaning strength. Add a drop or two of the detergent to the water.[3]
- Wipe off the stains with the cloth. Use the microfiber cloth to clean the backsplash. Work in circular motions along the grain. Most of the time, the day's stains will come right off. Older stains are likely to require deeper cleaning.[4]
- Never use scrub pads or wire brushes on the backsplash. These will scratch it.
- Dry the backsplash with a clean cloth. Get a dry cloth and use it to absorb the water on the metal. Although metal backsplashes are resistant to damage, hard water can weaken them. It's better to dry the metal by hand so water doesn't sit on it.
EditRemoving Stubborn Stains - Combine baking soda and warm water in a bowl. Mix a cup (240 mL) of baking soda in a cup of warm water. Stir them together to form a paste.[5]
- Let the baking soda paste dry on the stain. Apply the paste to the stain using your cloth or sponge. Wait for the paste to dry. Take a clean, dry cloth and use it to wipe off the paste. Check to see if the stain has been removed.
- Combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Mix an equal amount of vinegar and warm water. Add them to a spray bottle if possible, since this will allow you to coat the stain with an even, controlled amount of the mixture.[6]
- Let the vinegar mixture sit on the stain for five minutes. Spray the mixture onto the stain. After five minutes, come back and prepare to finish treating the backsplash with a general wash..
- Wipe off the vinegar with a damp cloth. Dampen a soft cloth in warm water. Rub the cloth against the metal's grain over the stained areas. Make sure all vinegar is removed.[7]
- Dry the backsplash with a clean cloth. Finish up by using a soft cloth to remove the water. Make sure no water is left or else it can damage the backsplash.
EditMaintaining Metal Backsplashes - Blot stains immediately. Use paper towels to blot grease and remove food spatter. Removing stains as quickly as possible prevents them from setting. Acidic food such as tomato sauce or lemon juice can damage metal over time, so don't let those stains linger.[8]
- Spray glass cleaner to remove fingerprints. Pick a non-chloride glass cleaner or all-surface cleaner such as Windex. Use it between washings to remove minor stains like fingerprints. Spray the cleaner across the surface of the metal. Wipe the fingerprints off with a cloth, then wipe up excess cleaner or allow it to air dry.[9]
- Buff the metal with olive oil. To give the backsplash a shine, add a tablespoon of olive oil to a soft cloth. Spend a few minutes rubbing in the oil along the grain. Leave the oil alone and it'll protect your backsplash from stains for a few weeks.[10]
- Commercial metal polish can also be used, but olive oil works well and is less expensive. Other oils, including baby oil, may also work.
- Scrub along the metal grain. This will prevent your backsplash from taking on tiny scratches that house bacteria and stains.
- Never scrub metal with abrasive pads or wire brushes. Use soft sponges or microfiber cloths instead.
EditThings You'll Need - Paper towels
- Microfiber cloths or non-abrasive sponges
- Warm water
- Mild liquid detergent or non-chloride cleanser
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Bowl
- Spray bottle
EditSources and Citations
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