| How to Kettle Sour Beer Posted: 05 Sep 2017 05:00 PM PDT Kettle souring is a process that allows beer brewers to consistently whip up batch after batch with the perfect level of tartness. Unlike traditional souring methods, which can take months or even years, kettle souring can be pulled off in as little as 24 hours. Starting with a basic wort, add a strain of pure lactobacillus and give the bacteria enough time to start breaking down the sugars in the liquid. Once it reaches your preferred pH level, you'll be left with a brew that's light, crisp, and refreshingly tangy. EditMaking the Wort - Fill your brewing kettle with water. Start with freshly purified water, making sure it's completely clean, clear and odorless. A good rule of thumb is to run about 1.5 quarts (1.41L) of water for every pound of malt you plan on using.[1]
- The pH balance and mineral content of your water can affect the flavor of the finished brew, so try to find a good neutral source.
- You can contact your local municipal officials to get a full report about the contents of your city's water supply.[2]
- Heat the water to 165°F (74°C). Turn on the burner beneath the kettle and let it begin warming up. If the kettle you're using doesn't have a direct heat source, boil the water first before filling the container and let it allow it to cool to the appropriate temperature.[3]
- The malt extract you'll be using to make the wort will have an easier time dissolving in higher temperatures.[4]
- Wort is the liquid left over from the mash that contains the sugars needed to begin the souring process.
- Add the malt extract. Stir in the powdered malt slowly, making sure to break up any large, doughy clumps that happen to form on the surface. Continue stirring the mixture until the malt is completely dissolved and distributed evenly throughout the tun.[5]
- Most homebrew starter kits include malt extract among their ingredients.
- A basic malt extract is the simplest way to prepare a wort for sour kettling. As your brewing skills, however, you can begin experimenting with other mash-making methods, like milling your own special grains.
- Let the wort sit for one hour. As the wort rests, the malt extract will begin releasing its natural sugars. Give the mixture an occasional stir during this time—otherwise, keep it covered.[6]
- To test whether your wort has had ample time to absorb the sugars from the malt, perform the trusty iodine test. Cool off about an once of wort and add a couple drops of iodine. If the liquid turns a dark purple color, it's not quite ready. If there is no change in color, it means the most of the starches have already dissolved.[7]
- If you prefer a more potent brew, feel free to tack on an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
- Keep the wort at a consistent temperature. After adding the malt extract, the water temperature should remain between 148-154°F degrees (64-68°C). If the wort cools off too much, briefly turn up the heat or add a small amount of boiling water until it reaches the desired temperature once more.[8]
- Try not to let the temperature of the wort drop below about 85°F (30°C). Doing so may result in a watery wort without much flavor.
- Keep the kettle insulated using a canvas tarp, blankets or similar items.
EditAdding the Bacteria Cultures - Boil the wort for at least 5 minutes. A quick preliminary boil will help sterilize the wort by killing off bad bacteria, enzymes and other unwanted substances. If left untreated, these byproducts could potentially interfere with the finished flavor of the beer, or even make you sick.[9]
- This first boil can last as long as 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the batch you're producing.
- Be sure to also sterilize any other utensils that have come into contact with the wort.
- Cool the wort to around 100°F (37°C). Turn down the burner or partially uncover the kettle to allow heat to escape. Lactobacillus bacteria prefer a warm environment, so make sure you've reduced the wort to a hospitable temperature before you introduce the cultures.[10]
- It's not necessary to keep the wort at exactly 100°—lactobacillus can thrive in temperatures as low as 85° (30°C). However, lower temperatures will cause the souring process to take longer.[11]
- Bring the wort to a pH level of 4.5. Add a few drops of food grade lactic or phosphoric acid to the kettle and stir, then use a pH meter to test the acidity. Starting with a baseline acidity will create the most beneficial fermentation conditions possible and help the bacteria to do its thing much faster.[12]
- Balancing the pH of your wort prevents other strains of bacteria from taking over and making the beer dangerous or unpleasant to drink. It also protects the proteins in the yeast, which means your beer will turn out with a rich head and plenty of body.[13]
- A handheld dropper tool will give you more control and prevent you from adding too much acid at once.
- Introduce the lactobacillus to the wort. Dump the cultures straight into the kettle, then stir thoroughly and cover. In order to successfully sour a batch of beer, you'll need to add approximately 10 million lactobacillus cells for every mL of wort. Look closely at the measurements listed on the packaging to calculate exactly how much you'll need for the amount of wort you're working with.[14]
- Most brewmasters recommend using a pure culture, as these tend to produce more consistent and predictable results.[15]
- Pure cultures of bacterial additives like lactobacillus are often sold in small vials at homebrew supply stores. If you're having trouble tracking these down, one useful alternative may be to look for pure cultures in the form of dietary supplements.
EditSouring the Beer - Wait for the souring process to take place. In most cases, this will take somewhere between 24 and 48 hours. Of course, the size of your batch will have an effect on the overall souring time. Come back and check the wort's progress every 8-12 hours.[16]
- As the wort sits, the lactobacillus will feast on the sugars in the liquid, producing lactic acid as a waste product. This lactic acid is what gives sour beers their characteristic notes.
- Test the acidity of the mash. The best way to do this is to use a reliable pH meter. You'll be looking for a pH of around 3.6 or higher to replicate mildly tart styles like Berliner Weisse, Gose and most saisons. Acidity levels closer to 3.3 will make for beers with flavors that resemble young lambics and traditional sours.[17]
- The lower the pH, the more acidic (and therefore more sour) the beer will be.
- If you don't have a pH meter, you can test the tartness of the wort the old fashioned way by tasting it—just be sure the utensil you're using is germ-free.
- Boil the wort for 60-90 minutes. Once you've achieved the desired sourness, you can cook up the wort as usual. A second, longer boil is necessary to stabilize the remaining bacteria for a smoother flavor and body. Feel free to incorporate your choice of hops and other additives at this point.[18]
- For a more festive-tasting brew, try adding different combinations of fresh fruits or flavorful spices.[19]
- Add yeast to complete the fermentation process. Chill the water around the kettle to bring the temperature down, then shake in your chosen yeast in the correct proportion and stir. Afterwards, transfer the wort to a fermentation container, seal it up, and let the waiting game begin.[20]
- Keep experimenting until you hit on the perfect balance of flavor and acidity. Brewing is like chemistry—it requires a lot of trial and error.
- Allow the wort to ferment for 1-2 weeks. In a matter of days, you'll have a batch of delicious homemade beer with just the right amount of sourness. During this time, be sure to store your wort somewhere cool and dark. Basements and garages are ideal for storing homebrews while they finish undergoing fermentation.[21]
- Use your own sensibilities as a connoisseur to help you decide when a particular batch has had enough time to ferment. The longer you let it rest, the more pronounced the sharp, pungent flavors will be.
- Kettle souring is perfect for brewers who want to enjoy the zip of high-acidity beers but don't want to spend countless months waiting for the cultures from raw grains to work their magic.[22]
- Always start with clean, properly sanitized equipment. The smallest trace of a different strain of bacteria can ruin an entire batch of beer.
- Eyeballing and estimating usually results in undrinkable beer. Rely on essential tools, like your thermometer, pH meter, temperature gauges, and hydrometer to take accurate readings every step of the way.
- Eliminating the oxygen from your wort with and infusion of C02 can help you keep your brew from becoming contaminated from airborne organisms.
- If you're unable to get your hands on a pure culture of lactobacillus, try making your wort with yogurt. It may sound strange, but plain yogurt contains the same bacterial cultures as milled grains, and can make a convenient solution in a pinch.
- Kettle souring is a particularly temperamental form of brewing. It may take you dozens of attempts before you start to develop a feel for it.
- Beer that hasn't been properly pH test, boiled or fermented for the necessary amount of time may be unsafe to drink.
EditThings You'll Need - Lidded brewing kettle
- Direct heat source
- Clean water
- Malt extract
- Food grade acid (lactic or phosphoric preferred)
- Pure lactobacillus cultures
- Thermometer
- pH meter
- Hydrometer
- Sealed fermentation container
- Additional utensils for stirring and sampling (properly sterilized)
- Tarp, blanket or similar cover (for insulation)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Buy on eBay Without PayPal Posted: 05 Sep 2017 09:00 AM PDT If you don't have a PayPal account, or prefer not to use yours, navigating eBay can be frustrating. Luckily, however, there are other means to pay on PayPal. You can use a credit card, debit card, or gift card to quickly pay for your items. When you're done, confirm your purchase and check out. EditPaying with a Credit or Debit Card - Click "Buy it now." Select your product as you normally would. Then, click the icon that says "Buy It Now." This will redirect you to a screen that will let you enter payment information.[1]
- Register for an account (if necessary). If you're not registered for eBay, you can quickly create an account by clicking "register now." You enter basic information, such as your name, address, and telephone number. If you'd rather not register, you can also click "continue as guest."[2]
- Select the debit/credit card payment option. After you select your item, you should be presented with different payment options. Instead of clicking the PayPal option, click the option to pay with a debit or credit card.[3]
- Enter your information. You will then be redirected to a screen where you can enter your credit or debit card number. You will also have to enter the billing address, your name, the expiration date, and the card's security code.[4]
- If your billing and shipping address are different, make sure to specify this so your item is not shipped to the wrong place.
- Complete the purchase. After entering your information, you will be asked to review your order. Make sure all the information you entered is correct and then verify you want to go through with the purchase. Your order should be billed to your credit/debit card.[5]
EditPaying with a Gift Card or Coupon - Click "Pay Now." Select the item you want as you normally would. Then, click the "Pay Now" or "Buy Now" icon. If you've won an item in an auction, you would also press "Pay Now" or "Buy Now" after securing the item.[6]
- Click the "Redeem a Gift Card, certificate, or coupon" button. Instead of selecting the button that lets you choose between a debit/credit card and PayPal, click the button that allows you to redeem a gift card, certificate, or coupon. You should be momentarily redirected to a page where you can enter your code.[7]
- Enter the code. Gift cards, certificates, and coupons all come with codes you must enter on the eBay site. Codes will either be emailed to you or printed physically on the back of your card. Enter your code carefully in the box provided and then hit "redeem."[8]
- Continue and log into your account. Click the "apply" button followed by the "continue" button. If you have not already done so, you will be asked to log into your account.[9]
- You can also opt to order as a guest if you don't have an account. You can enter your shipping address when ordering as a guest.
- Complete your purchase. Review your information to make sure your shipping address, name, phone number, and other information is correct. Then, click the "Confirm payment" button to complete the order.[10]
EditTroubleshooting Common Problems - Pay as a guest if you've used PayPal before. eBay sometimes defaults to PayPal as your payment if you've used it before on eBay. It's sometimes easier to simply pay as a guest and then enter your card information.[11]
- Try clearing your browser's history. Sometimes, the eBay site will keep redirecting you to the screen where you pay via PayPal even if you request otherwise. If you're having this issue, try clearing your browser history as well as your cookies. This may clear up the issue.[12]
- Do not link a PayPal and eBay account. If you prefer not to use your PayPal account for eBay, do not link your eBay and PayPal account to begin with. If your PayPal is linked to your eBay account, this can sometimes result in PayPal being your default payment option.[13]
- If you've already linked your PayPal and eBay account, try creating a different eBay account with a new email.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Posted: 05 Sep 2017 01:00 AM PDT Most children love video games. While video games can teach certain skills or be educational, many children spend too many hours with a controller in their hand. Video games have been linked to childhood obesity and cognitive problems. You don't have to cut video games out of your child's life completely, but setting boundaries and helping your child find other activities can limit the amount of time they play video games. EditSetting Clear Boundaries - Outline specific rules. Clear, established rules are important for changing your child's behavior. By letting your child know exactly what you want, they know what is expected from them and there are no grey areas. You should also establish clear consequences for any rule breaking. Sit down with your child and talk about the new rules. [1]
- Don't say, "You only get to play video games a few hours each day and not too late." That is too vague. Instead, say, "On school days, you can play video games for one hour. You cannot play after 8 p.m."
- Be clear with your consequences. Your child needs clear, defined consequences for breaking the rules. Make sure that when you set the rules, you give them consequences they understand. Don't be vague with consequences because that will just cause confusion.[2]
- For example, tell them, "If you don't have any outbursts or act out when you turn off your video games, and if you don't play after 8 p.m., you can continue playing for one hour each school day. If you give problems, play longer than an hour, or play after 8 p.m., you will lose your gaming privileges for the next day."
- Follow through with consequences. After you set limits and establish consequences, you must follow through. If you let your child get away with breaking rules without consequences, they will not take you seriously and not follow your rules. Make sure to stick to your word if your child breaks the rules.[3]
- Don't change the consequences, even if you get mad. If the rules and consequences are not working, discuss new rules and consequences with your child and why they have changed.
- Use a timer. Using a timer and giving your child warnings can help them prepare for the end of their designated time. Children can be very resistant to change, even if they know it's coming. Warning them that their time is about to be over will help them transition.[4]
- Give your child warnings when they have 15 and 10 minutes left.
- Set a timer for five minutes before the end. When the buzzer sounds, tell them, "You have five minutes left. It's time to get to a point where you can save your game."
- Insist that your child completes all homework and chores each day. Your child should have responsibilities they have to complete before they are allowed their video game time. This includes homework and chores. After all the responsibilities have been met, then they can be allowed to begin their video game time.
- Help your child see video games as a reward for finishing their homework and chores each day.
- Place the video game system in a common room. One good way to set limits on your child's gaming and monitor them is to place the systems in a common room instead of their bedroom. This makes it easier for you to enforce the rules and for your child to follow them.[5]
- Placing a game console in a child's bedroom gives them too much freedom to play when unsupervised. Additionally, it can cause too much temptation, especially for a younger child who has difficulty following rules.
EditHelping Your Child Transition - Work with your child on techniques to stop playing video games. Involve your child in the process of limiting their video game playing. Talk about not playing certain games that will be too exciting or take too long on school night, or come up with a reward system for following the video game rules.[6]
- For example, talk with a child about not trying to beat a level when they don't have time. Instead, they can save that for the weekend.
- You and your child can brainstorm rewards for not breaking the rules for a week, month, or longer. Don't give rewards of more video game time. Instead, find other fun rewards you can both agree on.
- Reduce the time for video games slowly. Instead of getting rid of video games completely, slowly taper the amount of time your child can play. For example, if they spend every hour after school playing, limit that to one or two hours at first. Explain to your child why you are reducing their time playing video games, but let them know you respect that they enjoy the activity and still want them to play.[7]
- For example, you may say, "You get angry and have verbal outbursts when I tell you to stop playing video games. Your grades have fallen over the last few months because of your video games. This is unacceptable. I want you to be able to enjoy them, but we are going to limit how long you can play each day."
- Cutting off video games completely at first will more than likely backfire. You want to limit your child's behavior, not take away something they enjoy completely.
- Set up a transition routine. Ending video game time may be difficult, and your child may not be able to switch out of that mode immediately. Help your child by giving them a physical activity that marks the end of their video game time. This can help them get used to switching from that to non-video game life.[8]
- For example, you can try specific language that signals a switch. Say something light like, "You are being called back to the RW from fantasy land! Welcome back!"
- Set up a physical marker. Give your child a glass of water, stretch with them, or do a few jumping jacks.
- Establish family time. Get your child away from the video games by setting up family time where the whole family does an activity together. Family time should not be optional, and every member of the family including parents and children should participate.[9]
- Allow your child to choose the activity sometimes, so they feel like they are getting to do things they want to do. Forcing them to do activities they don't want to do can frustrate them.
- You can ask your child to help you make dinner, and make family dinners a nightly ritual.
- Go for a walk or bike ride together, play board or card games, or have a family movie night.
- You may want to set consequences for not participating in family activities. For example, if they skip a family activity, they do not get their hour of video games.
- Help your child learn how to save their game progress. Many younger children do not know how to navigate the game features and may need help learning how to save progress. If they save their game and do not feel like all of their efforts have been wasted, they are less likely to give you a hard time about ending their playing session.
- Explain to your child that many games take tens or hundreds of hours to complete, which means the game cannot be completed in one sitting. Help them understand that the game is meant to be spread out.
- When their time is up, wait for them to get to a saving spot, and help them if they are too young to do it by themselves. If they try to extend their time by taking too much time to save, subtract the amount of time from their next day's hour. If it continues, take away their privilege for breaking the rules.[10]
EditEncouraging Other Interests - Encourage your child to find other activities. Video games are only one way that children can entertain themselves. There are a lot of things they can do, especially if they are not allowed ot fall back on video games. Encourage your child to pursue other interests, and if they can't think of anything, suggest a few for them.[11]
- Don't be afraid to say no to your child when they want to play video games because "there's nothing to do."
- For example, your child can play with other toys, put on plays, make music or movies, read, play outside, engage in something creative like drawing, writing, or crafts, or play board or card games.
- Get your child involved in social activities. Gaming is a solitary activity. You can encourage your child to participate in group activities they will enjoy. Brainstorm together and let them choose activities they will enjoy instead of choosing one for them.[12]
- You can try youth groups at your religious institution. Local Y Clubs, community arts centers, and libraries also offer youth programs.
- Look into local arts programs for theater, music, painting, and drawing. You can also look for programs for computers, building, or other hands-on activities.
- Recreational sports can be fun for some kids, though you should never force children to do sports who do not want to do them.
- Encourage your child to get involved in physical activities. Excessive playing of video games has been linked to conditions like childhood obesity because video games are sedentary activities. To get your child more active, encourage your child to choose a physical activity they enjoy. It's important to let your child choose what they do. Encourage them to try new activities if they don't have any favorites.[13]
- Your child may enjoy bike riding, skateboarding, dance, martial arts, recreational sports, swimming, and playing games outside.
EditAssessing Your Child's Situation - Determine an acceptable amount of time for video games. Everyone has a different opinion for what is acceptable for video games. Decide on an acceptable time for each day or for the week. Some parents limit video games to one hour per day, while others completely ban video games during the school week and only allow for a few hours on the weekends.[14]
- Many healthcare professionals and development specialists recommend that children should not spend more than two hours each day in front of a television or computer screen. Take this into account when determining what time limits you want to set and decide on an acceptable amount of video game playing time that works for you.
- Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of video game addiction. Some kids develop an actual addiction to playing video games. They experience behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms, such as becoming withdrawn from family and friends. It is important for parents to understand what the signs and symptoms are, so that they can recognize them if they develop in their child.[15]
- For example, your child may be unable to stop playing, get aggressive or upset when they are not playing, or lose interest in all other activities. They may irritable or depressed when not playing video games. Children may neglect their personal hygiene, have disrupted sleep, and experience back or wrist pain.
- Contact a healthcare professional if you notice any problems. If you believe your child is addicted to video games and you've tried to limit their behavior with no change, you may need help from a professional. Your child's doctor or a mental health professional can work with you and your child to help positively change their behavior and enforce limits.[16]
- This may be a good option if your child reacts violently to limits on their video game access. If your child is destructive, aggressive, or threatening due to you trying to change their behavior, they may need to see a mental health professional.
EditSources and Citations
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