| How to Make Root Beer Posted: 13 Jan 2019 04:00 PM PST A seasonal treat to keep you perky during all your autumnal activities, homemade root beer is easy to make with the right supplies. On a stove, you can make the drink base yourself with ingredients, and ferment it with yeast and molasses for flavor. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought root beer extract to mix with water and sugar, and allow it to cool down with dry ice. EditIngredients EditBrewed Root Beer - of water
- 1/4 oz. (7.08 g) dried sassafras root bark
- 1/4 oz. (7.08 g) dried birch bark
- 1/4 oz. (7.08 g) dried sarsaparilla root
- 1/8 oz. (3.54 g) of dried licorice root
- A piece of unpeeled ginger, sliced thin
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- of molasses
- 1/8 tsp. (0.6 g) of active dry yeast
Makes - of cold water
- of granulated sugar, depending on how sweet you want it
- of root beer extract
- of dry ice, broken into pieces
Makes EditBrewing Root Beer - Boil and infuse the aromatic ingredients to create your flavor base. In a medium sized pot, add 1/4 ounce (7.08 g) of sassafras root bark, 1/4 ounce (7.08 g) of birch bark, 1/4 ounce (7.08 g) of sarsaparilla root, 1/8 ounce (3.54 g) of dried licorice root, a piece of ginger, and 1 split vanilla bean. Pour of water into the pot, and then bring it to a boil.[1]
- Wait for the bubbles to just begin rising to the surface, but don't keep it boiling after that.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to infuse for 2 hours. After it's reached a boiling point, remove the pot from the heat and place the lid onto it. Leave it to cool down and infuse for a 2 full hours.[2]
- Steep the ingredients in the mixture without stirring them.
- Filter the liquid through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Place the sieve over a container you can put the mixture into, and pour it through the filters. Once in the container, add an additional of filtered water, and stir thoroughly until it's mixed together.[3]
- After adding the extra water, allow it to cool to .
- Be sure to clean the container you're filtering the mixture into beforehand with soap and hot water.
- Add molasses and yeast to the mixture and let it ferment for 15 minutes. Stir in of molasses and 1/8 teaspoons (0.6 g) of active dry yeast into the root-infused liquid and place a cover on it. Set it aside, and allow it to ferment for 15 minutes.[4]
- Pour the root beer into clean, dry soda bottles. Use a funnel when adding the root beer to the bottles to avoid spilling. Fill the bottles to below the cap to allow for a pocket for the carbonation.[5]
- Clean out the bottles with warm soapy water, and allow them to air dry before pouring the root beer in them.
- Leave the bottles out at room temperature to ferment for 12 hours. Screw on the lids of the bottles tightly, and set them out on your kitchen counter or table overnight to allow them enough time to ferment.[6]
- Set the bottles upright instead of laying them on their sides.
- Chill the homemade root beer for 2-5 days to increase its flavor. After letting them sit at room temperature, place the soda bottles in your fridge to cool for several days. After 5 days, the yeast will have broken down the molasses for a milder flavor with a slight alcohol content.[7]
- For a stronger molasses taste, remove the root beer from the fridge after 2 days.
- Open the root beer bottles carefully before serving. Gas will have built up inside the bottles that may cause the root beer to erupt out if you shake it too much while opening it, or open it too quickly. Wait for the gas to stop hissing before continuing to turn it. Once you have it open, serve your root beer over ice.
- To store, simply place the lid back on the bottle and secure it tightly again. Drink the remaining root beer within a couple of days of you opening the bottle to enjoy it before it goes flat, or loses its flavor.
- Mix cold water, sugar, and root beer extract in a large pitcher. Use of cold water, of sugar depending on how sweet you'd like your root beer, and of root beer extract in a large pitcher. Stir the ingredients together until the water and extract have mixed well, and the sugar is fully dissolved.[8]
- Taste the mixture to see if more sugar or extract needs to be added.
- Cool the drink down with dry ice. Drop of dry ice chunks into the pitcher and mix it together with a spoon to cool it down and keep it from sticking to the bottom. Upon contact, the root beer mix should bubble, and the dry ice fog will spill over the side of the pitcher.[9]
- Wear insulated gloves or use tongs when handling the dry ice.
- Add the dry ice to the pitcher in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling its fog.
- Continue stirring until the dry ice is mostly melted. Use the spoon to continually keep turning the ice around in the pitcher, cooling down the root beer. Keep this up until the dry ice is nearly dissolved, which should take around 10-15 minutes.[10]
- Serve the root beer with a ladle. Be careful to avoid placing any remaining large pieces of dry ice in the cups so others won't burn themselves with it.[11]
- Feel free to enjoy in front of a leaf-strewn yard, an open fire pit, or while greeting trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
- When brewing root beer, artificial sweetener cannot be used to replace the sugar. Actual sugar (in this case in the molasses) is required for yeast to generate carbon dioxide which carbonates the beverage. Without sugar, there is no carbonation. You might experiment with less sugar and add a substitute to make up for the lower sweetness. You can add 1/4 oz. (7.08 g) of corn sugar (dextrose) or cane sugar to carbonate the soda and sweeten with a substitute.
- Use bottled water instead of tap water to guarantee better freshness.
- There will be a sediment of yeast at the bottom of the bottle, so the last bit of root beer will be turbid. Decant carefully if you wish to avoid this sediment.
- There might be alcohol in this homemade soft drink. The alcoholic content which results from the fermentation of this root beer has been found, through testing, to be between 0.35 and 0.5 %. Comparing this to the 6% in many beers, it would require a person to drink about of this root beer to be equivalent to one beer. For people who cannot metabolize alcohol properly or have religious prohibition against any alcohol, consumption should be limited or avoided.
- Do not leave the finished root beer in a warm place for long. After a couple weeks or so at room temperature, especially in the summer when temperatures are high, enough pressure may build up to cause the bottle to explode!!
EditThings You'll Need EditFor Brewed Root Beer - Cheesecloth
- A sieve
- A funnel
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 4 clean, dry plastic soft drink bottles with cap
- A pot with a lid
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- A pitcher
- A Styrofoam cooler to store the dry ice
- A big spoon to stir with
- A ladle to serve
- Cups
- Gloves or tongs to hold the dry ice
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Dye Fabric with Beets Posted: 13 Jan 2019 08:00 AM PST There is a certain beauty to natural dyes that you just can't get with regular fabric dyes. Although the results aren't quite as color-fast as store-bought dyes, they are gorgeous in their own way. The process is simple, and once you know how to do it with beets, you can try using other natural products, such as red cabbage or turmeric. EditPreparing the Dye and Fabric - Peel 3 to 4 beets, then cut them into large chunks. The size of the chunks doesn't really matter, but something between would work great. Don't use whole beets, because they won't release enough dye.[1]
- You don't want to cut the beets too small. If you do, the pieces will be harder to remove later on.
- Place the beets into a pot, then fill the pot with water. How much water you use will depend on the size of the pot. Use enough water to fill the pot from the rim.[2]
- You will be boiling the water shortly, so the temperature does not matter.
- Place white cotton or linen fabric into a separate pot. The pot needs to be large enough for the fabric to be able to move around freely. For best results, use something made from white cotton or linen.[3]
- It would be a good idea to wash and dry the fabric beforehand. This will remove any chemicals that might prevent the dye from adhering.
- Natural dye does not stick well to synthetics, so use natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.
- You can use this method to dye articles of clothing as well, as long as they are made from white cotton or linen.
- Fill the clothing pot with a 1-to-4 ratio of vinegar-to-water. Fill the pot about a quarter of the way with vinegar first. Push the fabric into the vinegar to ensure that it's soaked through, then fill the remaining three-quarters of the pot with water.[4]
- You are only doing this for the pot that has the fabric in it. Don't add anything to the pot with the beets in it.
- The vinegar will act as a fixative and help the dye adhere better to the fabric.
- Alternatively, use 1/2 cup (150 g) of salt for every of water.[5]
EditDyeing the Fabric - Bring both pots to a boil on the stove. Set each pot down on a separate burner. Turn the heat up to medium or medium-high, then wait for the water to come to a boil. This may take a few minutes.[6]
- Wait for both pots to come to a boil before moving on to the next step.
- Reduce the heat to low, then let both pots simmer for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Again, you want this to happen simultaneously for both pots. Turn the knobs for both burners to low, then wait for the water to reduce to a simmer. Set the timer for anywhere between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.[7]
- The longer you let the water simmer, the brighter the color will be.
- Empty the water from the fabric pot. Use a wooden spoon, or something similar, to hold the fabric in place as you pour out the vinegar water. Don't worry if there is some liquid left in the pot.[8]
- Don't empty the water from the dye pot.
- Remove the beets from the dye pot. You can use a regular spoon to do this, but a slotted spoon would work even better. Discard the beets or save them for a recipe.[9]
- Save the red dye leftover from the beets. Don't dump this out.
- Pour the dye into the fabric pot, then stir the dye. Be sure to pour the dye slowly so that it doesn't splash. Next, stir the pot to ensure that everything is submerged; you may have to poke the folds of fabric to get them to stay down.[10]
- You won't be able to fill the fabric pot all the way. This is because some of the beet water evaporated while you cooked it.
- Soak the fabric off-heat in the dye for 12 to 24 hours. There is no need to soak it for longer than that. Make sure that the fabric is fully submerged, however, or it may not dye evenly. If you need to, weigh the fabric down with a plate, bowl, or jar.[11]
- Take the pot off the stove for this. Don't let the dye bath keep simmering for these 12 to 24 hours.
EditRinsing and Setting the Dye - Remove the fabric from the dye bath and squeeze it. Do not rinse the fabric, or you may lose some of that beautiful, vibrant color. Just pull the fabric out and gently squeeze the excess dye from it.[12]
- It might be a good idea to wear plastic gloves for this step. The beet water may stain your hands for a few days.[13]
- If you don't mind a lighter shade of pink, you can rinse the fabric in cool water.
- Dry the fabric in the hot sun or in a dryer. Heat is key to setting the dye into the fabric. If you live in a warm, sunny climate, drying the fabric outside work the best. Otherwise, toss the fabric into the dryer, and dry it on a low-heat setting.[14]
- If you are drying the fabric outside, keep a pot or bucket under it to catch any drips of dye.[15]
- Iron the fabric for 5 minutes to further set the dye. Adjust your iron to a no-steam, low-heat setting. Place the fabric on the ironing board, then iron it for about 5 minutes. Not only will this help further set the dye into the fabric, but it will also smooth out wrinkles.[16]
- Even though your fabric is made from cotton or linen, you should still use a low-heat or warm setting on your iron. Don't use the cotton or linen setting.
- There is a chance that some of the dye may transfer to the ironing board. Consider covering the board with an old, clean cloth first.
- Hand wash the fabric in cold water only when necessary. Even with the added vinegar, this is a natural dye. It is safer for the environment than regular dye, but it is not permanent. To help preserve the color, hand wash the fabric in cold water only when necessary; avoid using a washing machine, if possible.[17]
- If you choose to use a washing machine, use a cold water setting. Wash the dyed fabric separately to avoid color transfer.[18]
- Use more beets for a brighter shade of pink.
- If you want a lighter shade of pink, add more water to the final dye bath, after you pour it into the fabric pot.
- Wooden spoons work great for this, but there's a chance that the dye may stain them.
- For a unique effect, tie rubber bands around the fabric first for a tie-die effect.
EditThings You'll Need - 2 pots
- Large spoon
- Slotted spoon
- White cotton or linen fabric
- Vinegar
- 3 to 4 beets
- Iron
- Rubber or plastic gloves (optional, but recommended)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Become an Extra in a Movie Posted: 13 Jan 2019 12:00 AM PST What do Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, and Marilyn Monroe all have in common, besides the fact that they're all super successful actors? They all started their acting careers as extras. If you hope to follow in their footsteps or if you simply think hanging out on a movie set while making a little money would be fun, consider becoming an extra. Put together a portfolio, search for local casting calls, then break a leg on the big screen! EditBuilding Your Portfolio - Get a professional headshot taken for your portfolio. It can be from the waist up or from the shoulders up. Keep it simple and clean by choosing a solid-colored top, neat hairstyle, and minimal makeup if you wear it. Remember that a headshot isn't about looking pretty, it's about looking natural, so don't wear heavy makeup or edit your photo too much.[1]
- While you're having your headshot done, ask the photographer to take a few full body shots, too. Casting agencies often request these.
- Good headshots can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,200.
- If you're on a budget, look for beginner photographers who sometimes offer free or discounted sessions. Or ask one of your friends to take the photos for you. shot.
Don't send a photo that's too suggestive or casual. Leave the low-cut shirts, overdone makeup, and selfies at home.
Don't wear distracting patterns or accessories. You want the focus to be on your face.}} - Create an up-to-date resume highlighting your skills and experience. List your most recent or most relevant experience first. For example, if you're applying for an extra job for a film, put any film experience you have at the top. Include any special training or skills you have, too, like music, dance, or even an awesome English accent.[2]
- Always put your measurements and physical stats like weight and height somewhere on your resume.
- If you don't have any professional experience, write down anything you did in college, like plays you performed in or a theater troupe you were a part of.
- Attach your resume to your headshot. You can even print your resume directly on the back of an photo.
- Design a website to show off your past work if you have experience. Include a bio detailing who you are and your experience, a page with contact information, and a gallery of the roles you've played. Include performance shots, embedded reels, or stills from any movies or TV shows you've been in.[3]
- You can send the link to your website when you respond to casting calls so directors can get a bigger picture of what you have to offer.
- Upload your resume to your website along with your headshots to keep everything in one place.
- Register a custom domain for your website using your name, like "johnsmith.com," for example. This will cost an annual fee of about $10 to $15. Or make a free website on Wordpress or a similar blogging platform.
- Take classes to improve your skills if you don't have any experience. Make up for your lack of experience by mastering skills like getting into different characters or memorizing lines. Sign up for acting courses at a local college or drama school or take online classes. You can also join a drama troupe or improv team at your school or community center.[4]
- List any courses or acting-related activities you do on your resume.
- Working on your acting chops in your free time shows directors that you have ambition and a willingness to learn.
- Look online to find classes or clubs in your area. Check with local theaters, too. They sometimes offer workshops or special courses.
EditFinding and Getting a Job - Register with multiple casting services to help you land a gig. Casting services or agencies have inside access to open positions. Once you sign up, they'll keep your information on file and notify you when there's a role that may be a good fit for you.
- The more places you're registered at, the more opportunities you'll have to get booked.
- You may have to pay a $10 to $20 processing fee.
- Central Casting is the largest casting agency in the industry. To find a casting agency in your area, google "casting agencies in Baltimore," for instance, if you live in Baltimore.[5]
- Apply to casting calls by sending your headshot and information. A standard casting call will require you to email photos of yourself along with a resume and/or basic details like your height, weight, and measurements. Make sure you follow whatever directions are given and send all of the necessary attachments or information.[6]
- For example, if the casting call says "Please respond with the subject line 'Extras Casting,'" use that as your subject line. Directors want extras who can listen to instructions.
- Don't lie or fudge numbers. Different projects need different body shapes, sizes, and heights. If you don't fit the requirements, don't apply.
- Many agencies hold open casting calls at least once a month.
- Avoid scams by thoroughly researching an opportunity. If something sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. Call the phone number provided on the posting if there is one to get more information or ask friends and family in the industry if they've heard of the company or project. If you can't figure out if it's a scam, it's best to err on the side of caution and not pursue it.[7]
- Phrases that make outrageous promises, like "Earn $400 in a day!" or "I can make you a star," are most likely a scam. Look for typos or spelling errors, too.
- Scams are most common on public sites like Craigslist where anyone can post jobs.
- Focus on looking presentable and natural if you have to audition. Auditions, also known as look-sees, are rare for extras. However, if you are required to audition or attend an open casting call, remember it is all about your appearance. Wear a simple outfit you feel comfortable in and style your hair neatly.
- You won't have to read lines or prepare any materials since extras don't have speaking roles.
- Avoid wearing heavy makeup or anything that covers up your face or body. The point of an audition is for the director to decide if your appearance fits what they're looking for.
- Don't take it personally if you don't get the role. Rejection is common for actors and extras, but keep in mind that directors need certain body shapes, sizes, and types for different roles. It has nothing to do with how "good" you are!
- Keep your schedule open while you wait to hear from directors. Filming dates and call times are rarely set very far in advance and can change in an instant. Having a flexible schedule is key in being a successful extra. That way you can be ready when a director calls you at 10 p.m. for a 7 a.m. shoot the following morning.[8]
- If you have another job while you're trying to find work as an extra, talk to your current boss to see if they're okay with you needing time off on short notice.
- You also never know how long a shoot will last. So if you have plans after a filming day, there's always a chance you will be stuck on set for 14 hours or more.
EditRocking Your First Day - Show up to set at least 30 minutes before your call time. In the film world, the saying, "early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable" is definitely true. Arrive early to figure out your way around the location and make a good first impression.[9]
- When you arrive on set, check in with someone immediately so they know you're there. You'll often be reporting to the assistant director so try to find them.
- Never be late to a filming. It's unprofessional and will hurt your chances of being called back.
- Follow all of the wardrobe, hair styling, and makeup instructions. Before you arrive, the director will let you know what to wear, how to style your hair, and how to do your makeup, if the company isn't providing it for you. If it's a law TV series, for instance, you may be asked to wear a tailored suit and sleek hair.[10]
- For longer shoots, you may need to bring multiple outfits. Pack them in a garment bag along with the right shoes and accessories to keep them clean and organized.
- If they are providing your outfit, like for a historical or sci-fi show, you'll likely have to arrive early to be dressed by the wardrobe department.
- Always look as presentable and polished as possible. The better you look, the better your placement in the scene will be.
- Play your role correctly by blending in and not standing out. Now is not the time to try to steal the show. Directors will be more impressed with someone who plays their part the way it's supposed to be played. Do exactly as you're instructed and don't improvise.[11]
- Even if you think adding an extra step or smile would make the scene better, don't do it. Everyone has a specific role for a reason and you've been hired to play yours as it is.
- Never look at the camera directly or speak when the cameras are rolling.
- Network with other aspiring actors in between takes. When you aren't shooting, you'll likely be hanging out in what's called the holding area with the rest of the cast. Use that time to get to know your colleagues. Ask about their experiences in the industry or see if they have any advice they'd be willing to share on how to get a callback at an audition, for example.
- Chat with the production assistant, director, or assistant director if you can. They're the ones who can open the most doors for you and have the power to bring you back for another project if they like you.[12]
- Act professionally at all times. Remember that this is a job and if you want to continue working in the industry, you don't want to burn any bridges by behaving poorly on set. Be respectful of the crew and the lead actors and always listen to the director's orders.[13]
- Don't leak any details of what was filmed. Even telling your best friend about the scene you shot could be breaking your contract.
- Taking pictures is often forbidden and cameras will be confiscated. That means no selfies, either!
- Don't forget to include your phone number and email address on your resume.
- Be wary of non-paying extra work. Many productions will attempt to book extras with no pay even when they have the budget to pay them.
- Know your rights. You may be eligible for pay increases if the conditions you're working in are uncomfortable.
- Don't submit to a casting call unless you know you can be there and stay for the duration of the shoot.
- Check thrift stores, yard sales and clearance sales for medical scrubs, business suits, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, etc. These are commonly requested wardrobe options for extra work.
- Consider buying period pieces (disco wear from the 70's, 80's styles, etc.) if you can find affordable items.
- Most extra jobs will usually include meals while you are there. However, you may be there for several hours before a meal is served, so pack some snacks or eat a meal before you go. You won't be permitted to leave for lunch and then come back.
- Network and chat with other extras. You may find new work or at least make new agency contacts.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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