| How to Make Mashed Potato Gravy Bombs Posted: 08 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Mashed potatoes and gravy don't always have to be eaten with a spoon! If you're looking for a fun twist on your favorite mashed potato recipe, try these mashed potato and gravy bombs. Cheesy mashed potatoes are rolled into balls with gravy right in the middle of each one. The balls are then covered with breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and crispy, making for a delicious light dinner or appetizer. - Makes: 32-36 potato bombs
EditIngredients - 1 cup (240 ml) gravy
- 4 cups (960 ml) cold mashed potatoes
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (180 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) ground black pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain breadcrumbs
- 2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying
EditPreparing the Ingredients - Pour the gravy into an ice cube tray. Pour enough gravy into each mold, making sure it reaches the top, but doesn't spill over.
- Freeze the gravy for about 4 hours, or overnight, until solid.
- Remove and slice the gravy cubes. Use a knife to cut each cube into four small pieces.
- To make the cubes easier to cut, allow them to soften for a few minutes after removing them from the freezer. A knife that's been dipped in hot water can also make slicing easier.
- Combine the mashed potatoes with the cheese and spices in a large bowl. Mix the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, salt, and black pepper very well with the mashed potatoes until the result is creamy.
- Place the beaten eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls. Use bowls that are deep, so it's easier to roll the mashed potato balls in the coating.
EditFrying the Potato Bombs - Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 375° Fahrenheit (190° Celsius).
- Cover each gravy cube with two tablespoons of mashed potatoes. Gently roll the mixture around to form the a ball that covers the gravy cube. Repeat until there are no more gravy cubes and mashed potatoes.
- Roll the balls in the flour. If necessary, gently tap or shake them to remove any excess flour.
- Dip the balls into the beaten eggs until they're completely covered.
- Cover the balls with the breadcrumbs until they're fully covered.
- Fry the mashed potato gravy bombs until golden brown. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes. Only fry a few at a time to prevent them from sticking together while they're cooking.
- Place the cooked balls on a paper towel on a plate. Continue frying the remaining balls until all of them are cooked.
- Serve. The mashed potato gravy bombs are best warm, after a few minutes of cooling. Eat them plain or dunk them in more gravy, a cheese sauce, or ketchup. Enjoy!
- Vegetables such as green beans, peas, or broccoli go great alongside the mashed potato gravy bombs.
- Instead of gravy, you can place small pieces of mozzarella inside the balls for mashed potato cheese bombs.
- A large, deep frying pan can be used instead of a deep fryer.
- Avoid over-frying the potato bombs or they will burn.
- Make sure the gravy cubes freeze completely before stuffing them inside the mashed potato balls. If they're not completely solid, they will break when you place them inside.
EditRelated wikiHows EditThings You'll Need - Deep fryer
- Knife
- Ice cube tray
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
- 3 bowls
- Plate with napkin
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Focus a Camera Posted: 08 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT While automatic focus usually does the job, sometimes focusing manually is the key to a great photograph. For a DSLR or SLR camera, set the lens to manual focus, then twist the focus ring until the subject becomes sharp. If you want a focused subject and blurred background, use techniques to achieve a shallow depth of field. For better smartphone photographs, tap the screen to manually focus, and try to keep your phone completely still. EditUsing Manual Focus on a DSLR - Flip the switch on your lens to "MF." Check the side of your DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) or SLR lens for a small switch labeled "AF - MF" or "A - M." If the switch is set to "AF," or automatic focus," flip it to "MF," or manual focus.[1]
- When set to automatic focus, depressing the shutter button halfway automatically adjusts the focus. In manual mode, you'll rotate the focus ring on the lens.
- Be sure to switch your camera to manual focus before twisting the focus ring. Adjusting the focusing ring while the camera is in automatic focus may damage the lens.
- Twist the focus ring until your subject is sharp. You'll find 2 rings around a DSLR zoom lens. The one closest to the camera's body controls zoom, and the one toward the end of the lens controls focus. Peer into the viewfinder, twist the focus ring, and watch different parts of the shot come into focus.[2]
- Play with the focus function as you observe how the shot changes to get a feel for manual adjustment.
- Look for 2 scales of numbers labeled "ft" and "m" around the focus ring. The number displayed through the viewing window or aligned with a mark tells you where the lens is focusing. If you see 1.25 on the viewer or aligned with an arrow, objects away from the lens are in focus.
- Use live view mode to fine tune the focus. The viewfinder, or the small window that you look through while taking a photograph, doesn't always offer the best representation of focus. If your camera has an LCD screen, switch to live view mode to do a final focus check. Watch your shot on the LCD screen, and twist the focus ring until your subject becomes sharp.[3]
- Most photographers prefer to look through the viewfinder when they take photographs. Holding the camera to your face braces it and minimizes movement. You can still take the photograph using the viewfinder, but use the LCD screen to adjust your focus.
- Note that once you've set the focus, you must keep the camera that distance away from the subject. The subject will become unfocused if it moves outside the range noted on the focus ring. For this reason, autofocus is best for moving objects.
- Measure the distance from a still subject to the lens for perfect focus. Recall that the numbers on the focus ring tell you where the lens is focusing. For perfect focus, set your focus distance, then position your subject exactly that distance from the lens.[4]
- For instance, if you're taking a portrait, place the camera on a tripod, set your focus to , and position the sitter exactly that distance from the camera lens.
- Measuring works well in a studio setting with still objects, but it probably won't be an option if you're shooting in the field. When you can't make an exact measurement, estimate the distance and adjust the focus using the LCD screen.
EditAdjusting the Depth of Field - Check your camera's minimum focus distance. The minimum focus distance is how far the lens must be from a subject at full zoom. If you want the subject to be in sharp focus with a blurred background, you'll need to get as close to the object as possible in full zoom. Search online for your camera or lens model number along with the keywords "minimum focus distance."[5]
- Your DSLR probably came with a basic kit lens, such as an 18-105 mm with a minimum focus distance of . This means it can't focus on objects closer than at full zoom.
- A good macro lens, which is intended for highly detailed close-ups, can focus on objects or less from the lens at full zoom.
- Point-and-shoot cameras with optical zoom also have minimum focus distances. If you don't have a DSLR, you can still manipulate the depth of field to achieve a sharply focused subject with a blurred background.[6]
- Zoom in on your subject for a shallow depth of field. With your lens at full zoom, position your subject at the minimum focus distance from the tip of the lens. If your minimum focus distance is , the subject should be that far away from the lens.[7]
- Depth of field is the amount of the photograph that appears sharp from the foreground to background. When a photograph is taken at a shallow depth of field, an object closer to the lens appears in sharp focus, and the background is blurred.
- Use the largest aperture setting to blur the background. The aperture setting, or the f-stop number, controls the amount of light that enters the lens. A smaller f-stop number, such as f2, corresponds with a larger aperture. A larger aperture results in a shallow depth of field, which yields a sharply focused subject and blurred background.[8]
- Look for a dial on the top of your camera. Set it to "A" or "Av," which denotes aperture priority mode. In this mode, you set the aperture, and the camera automatically sets shutter speed. In "M," or manual mode, you select both the aperture and shutter speed.
- If you have a point-and-shoot camera, you might be able to manually control the aperture, but not all models offer this feature. If you can't, you should still be able to achieve a shallow depth of field by zooming all the way in at the minimum focus distance.[9]
- Put distance between your subject and the background. The more space there is between the subject and background, the blurrier the background will be. Keep as much distance as possible between the subject you're focusing on and any objects in the background.[10]
- For instance, photographing a flower at least in front of background objects will give you more blur than if there are objects behind it.
- This principle also applies to smartphone cameras. To a degree, you can achieve the effects of a shallow depth of field, even though phone cameras don't have optical zoom.[11]
- Adjust the shutter speed and ISO, if necessary. A larger aperture means more light enters the lens. This could produce bright, noisy photographs in outdoor settings or other well-lit locations. To decrease brightness while retaining a large aperture, you'll need to adjust the shutter speed and ISO settings.[12]
- Go with a faster shutter speed to decrease brightness. If the current setting is 200, this means the shutter speed is 1/200 of a second. Try incrementally faster shutter speeds, such as 1/500 or 1/1000, until you achieve your desired brightness.[13]
- Make sure your ISO is set to 100 or 200. In well-lit conditions, higher ISO settings will produce grainy, noisy photographs.[14]
- The exact methods for setting shutter speed and ISO vary by camera model, so look through your menu options or check your user manual for specific instructions.
EditFocusing a Smartphone Camera - Tap the screen where you want the camera to focus. To manually focus a smartphone, simply tap on the object as it appears on the screen. You'll then see a square or rectangle on the object.[15]
- Press and hold the screen to lock the focus on your subject. This means if other objects in the frame change position, your phone will stay focused where you've selected.
- Note that the subject you've locked focus on needs to stay put, or it'll become unfocused. Additionally, keep your phone the same distance from the subject after setting the focus. Don't bring it closer to or farther away from the subject, or you'll lose focus.
- Keep your phone as still as possible. Unsteady hands are the number 1 reason for blurry cell phone photographs. To guarantee your phone remains still, invest in a tripod designed for smartphones.[16]
- If you don't have a tripod handy, try bracing the phone on a surface. If you have to hold it in the air, try to keep your arms as close to your body as possible. Hold your breath while taking the photograph, or do your best to slow your breathing.
- Good lighting can also reduce blur due to shaking. In lower light, the shutter speed is slower, which leaves more time for shaking to blur the image.
- Avoid using digital zoom. For DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras, optical zoom is when the lens physically moves to enlarge the subject. Cell phone cameras don't currently have this feature. A smartphone's zoom function simply crops and digitally enlarges the shot, which lowers image quality.[17]
- Instead of using digital zoom, bring the camera's lens as close to the subject as possible. Keep in mind most smartphone cameras can't focus on objects less than from the lens.[18]
- Use distance to blur the background. As with DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras, you can manipulate a smartphone camera's depth of field to blur backgrounds. Tap the screen to manually focus on your subject, and put as much space as possible between it and any objects in the background.[19]
- Check your smartphone camera settings for macro or portrait modes. In these modes, you'll have an easier time achieving a sharply focused subject with a blurred background.
- Play around with your camera's settings. Manually adjusting settings might seem intimidating at first but, with a little tinkering, it'll become intuitive.
- Android and iPhone default camera apps only allow you to manually adjust a few settings. If you want more control over your smartphone camera, you can always download a third-party app.[20]
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Measure Liquids without a Measuring Cup Posted: 08 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Measuring cups are generally considered to be essential items in a pantry. In particular, they are useful for measuring the volume of fluids. Fortunately, if you find yourself in a situation without a measuring cup, there are other simple ways to determine the amount of liquid that you need. EditEstimating Using Size Comparisons - Use an object as a reference point. If you are stuck without a measuring device, it can be useful to have some visual aids in your head as a reference for the correct amount. Here are some good ones to remember:
- A teaspoon is about the size of the tip of your finger
- A tablespoon is about the size of an ice cube
- 1/4 cup is about the size of a large egg
- 1/2 cup is about the size of a tennis ball
- A full cup is about the size of a baseball, an apple or a fist[1]
- Choose an appropriate vessel to pour your liquid into. Ideally, you would use your hands as they can be cupped to create a rounded shape. However, this may not be appropriate for sticky liquids. [2]Try to select a transparent vessel that you can easily imagine your visual aid just fitting into.
- For example, if you are measuring a 1/4 cup, it may be useful to use a tall glass that an egg would just fit into. A wider glass, on the other hand, may be more appropriate for a 1/2 or full cup.
- Place your vessel on a flat surface and bring yourself down to eye level. This will help you to clearly see the amount being poured. Pour the fluid slowly into your vessel.
- When you think you may have the right amount, stop and compare it to the size of your visual aid.
- Make adjustments to the amount in the vessel if necessary.
- Take a look at the amount of fluid in the vessel and commit it to memory. This will make future estimations easier, as it provides you with a point of reference. [3] It is helpful to continue using the same vessels for the certain measurements (e.g. the tall glass again for a 1/4 cup).
EditUsing a Kitchen Scale - Use a kitchen scale to measure the correct amount of liquid. In general, it is fine to weigh your liquid using an ordinary kitchen scale, using water as the assumed density.[4]
- Most liquids, such as milk and orange juice, will have a similar density to water. However, keep in mind that some liquids may be significantly denser (such as honey or syrup) so the reading may not be appropriate for these.
- To provide greater accuracy, some kitchen scales give you the option to select different liquids, such as milk. The scale then calculates the volume based on the density of the selected liquid. If you have a scale with this feature, ensure that it is set to measure the correct liquid. [5]
- Calculate the weight of your fluid. If you are using an ordinary scale, you will need to work out the correct weight for your liquid. It is worth remembering that one fluid ounce of water corresponds to exactly one ounce in water. This principle also applies to liters (1 milliliter of water is 1 gram in weight). [6]
- Use this as your key metric when measuring your liquid. For example, if you need half a cup of water, it should weigh 4 oz or 125g.
- Select a glass or container to use to measure your liquid in. Place your container on the scale, making sure it is in the center position.
- Do not add any liquid to your container yet. It is important to have your container empty at this stage, as you will need to set your scale up to exclude the container's weight from measurements. [7]
- Calibrate your scale to exclude the container in measurements. Look for the button on your scale button labeled "tare" or "zero".
- Once this is pressed, the weight of your container should display as zero on your scale. This will ensure that the measurement of your liquid is accurate.[8]
- Pour your liquid into your container. Do this slowly, pausing to take note of the weight. Stop pouring once your scale displays the weight or volume that you need. If you go over the correct amount, pour the excess into the sink.
- Measure any additional liquids you need for your recipe. If you are using an ordinary scale and plan on mixing liquids together, you can measure these in the same container. Keep the container on the scale and calculate the new amount that you need by adding together the amounts of both liquids. Pour the new liquid into the container until you reach the correct combined amount.
- Keep in mind that if you are using a kitchen scale that provides the option of measuring different liquids, you will need to change your settings and start a new measurement.
- If you are measuring water and want to measure milk, for example, set aside your container of water, select the milk option on your scale and begin a new measurement with another container.
EditUsing Tablespoons and Teaspoons - Work out how many tablespoons you will need. An easy way to do this is to remember that one cup equates to 16 tablespoons. This can be used as a simple metric to calculate how many tablespoons you need.
- For example, if you need half a cup, you would require 8 tablespoons of fluid.[9]
- Use a tablespoon to measure out the liquid you need. Measure your liquid over a vessel to prevent a mess. Pouring slowly and steadily to avoid excess spillage into the vessel, fill your tablespoon with the liquid.
- Transfer to the vessel and repeat until you have measured the amount you need in tablespoons.
- Use a teaspoon to refine the volume. Some recipes may call for more precise measurements. In this case, you can use teaspoons to get the exact amount needed.
- One teaspoon is equivalent to 1/6 of a fluid ounce or 4.7ml.
- Commit the amount of fluid in the vessel to memory. This will help to develop your ability to estimate measurements.
- If you are using a glass or plastic vessel may alternatively wish to use a marker on the outside of the vessel to indicate measurements. [10]This will save you re-measuring the tablespoon amounts in the future. For example, if you measured out a quarter of a cup (4 tablespoons), you would write "1/4" on the vessel.
- If you are using an old recipe, keep in mind that it may be using an imperial cup as its reference. Imperial cups are larger than the standard US cups, equating to 9.6 ounces. This means you would measure out 19 tablespoons, rather than 16.[11]
- Recipes from other countries also may differ slightly in measurements. For example, the standard cup for the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa is 250ml (8.4 fluid ounces). [12]
EditSources and Citations
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