| How to Season Zucchini Posted: 06 Mar 2019 04:00 PM PST Zucchini is an especially mild, some might even say bland, vegetable. But the vegetable's mild taste makes it an ideal base for a variety of herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients. Plentiful and cheap, zucchini pairs well with just about any flavor, making it a wonderful side dish for any type of cuisine. EditUsing Spices, Herbs, and Garlic - Keep to the basics and season with salt and pepper. For a quick and easy dish, seasoning zucchini with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is a classic option. After tossing zucchini slices in olive oil and cooking, just sprinkle them with salt and pepper to your taste.[1]
- Use olive oil for 2 medium zucchini.
- Sprinkle your zucchini with a single spice before grilling. You don't need to overload your zucchini with dozens of ingredients to make a scrumptious dish. Using just one aromatic spice is enough. Cumin, for instance, compliments zucchini perfectly well on its own. To season with a single spice, you can drizzle 4 zucchini halves with of olive oil. Then sprinkle the oil-coated zucchini with salt, pepper, and the spice of your choice. If using ground cumin, ½ tablespoon (3.5 grams) should suffice.[2]
- Score the surface of the zucchini halves before drizzling with olive oil to let the flavor really sink in.
- Explode your taste buds with a spicy medley. You can also shower your zucchini with as many spices as you'd like. For a spicy treat, combine ¼ teaspoon (0.6 grams) cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) coriander powder, ¼ teaspoon (0.6 grams) ground paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon (2.4 grams) salt, and 1/8 teaspoon (0.3 grams) black pepper in a bowl with olive oil and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves. Mix well and then add sliced zucchini rounds to the mixture. You can add other spices to this concoction, or substitute any of the spices listed above, according to your taste.[3]
- Use 2 medium zucchini for the amounts listed above.
- Douse your zucchini in a garlicky herb mixture. For garlic lovers, combining garlic with a mixture of herbs is also a delicious option. Chop 2 tablespoons (3.4 grams) fresh rosemary and 2 tablespoons (7.4 grams) fresh parsley leaves, and place in a small bowl. Add olive oil, ¼ cup minced shallot (4 medium shallots), 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper, and whisk the ingredients together. Drizzle your zucchini slices with olive oil and grill. Then finish by pouring your garlicky sauce on the grilled slices and serve.[4]
- This recipe will make enough sauce to season 3 medium zucchini.
EditAdding Parmesan, Lemon, or Sriracha - Grate Parmesan on your zucchini before baking. Parmesan cheese is a popular companion to baked and roasted zucchini. For a garlicky and herbal flavor, mix ½ cup (47 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon (0.7 grams) dried thyme, ½ teaspoon (0.6 grams) dried oregano, ½ teaspoon (0.6 grams) dried basil, ¼ teaspoon (0.8 grams) garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle 4 quartered zucchini with olive oil before sprinkling with your herb mixture.[5]
- Marinate your zucchini with lemon and garlic for grilling. For a citrusy flavor, whisk olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, ¾ teaspoon (3.5 grams sea salt), and ½ teaspoon (1.2 grams) freshly ground black pepper together in a small bowl. Slice two medium zucchini into rounds and add them to your lemon garlic mixture. Cover the bowl with saran wrap and let the zucchini marinate for at least 4 hours before grilling.[6]
- Flavor your zucchini with sriracha. Melt 1 tablespoon (14.2 grams) of butter and mix with sriracha. Brush the sriracha and butter mix on thinly cut zucchini slices. Let the zucchini marinate in the sriracha and butter mix before grilling.[7]
- 1 tablespoon (14.2 grams) butter and sriracha should be enough to season 2 zucchini.
EditCooking Your Seasoned Zucchini - Roast your zucchini to release its natural flavors. After tossing your zucchini with the spice or herbal mixture of your choice, preheat your oven to . As the oven is heating up, place your seasoned zucchini slices on a lined baking sheet. When the oven is ready, place the baking sheet in the oven, and roast for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges of the zucchini start to brown.[8]
- Grill your zucchini for a rich, smoky flavor. After covering your zucchini in an olive oil and spice mixture of your choice, preheat your grill on high. When the grill is hot, use your tongs to place the zucchini rounds on the grill. Cover the grill, and cook the zucchini rounds for 2 minutes on each side.[9]
- You can increase the grilling time if you'd like your zucchini to be crispier.
- Sauté your zucchini to make a savory dish. Heat of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on your stove at medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the zucchini rounds and sauté until they become tender. Then add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Turn off the stove. Stir in the seasoning sauce of your choice. Then add salt, pepper, and any other dry seasonings. Taste your zucchini. If needed, add additional spices according to your preference.[10]
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| How to Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda Posted: 06 Mar 2019 08:00 AM PST Having white teeth can be a major confidence boost. Fortunately, you may not need to spend lots of money on whitening kits or professional treatments. Brushing or rinsing with baking soda could help whiten your teeth, but be aware you should use it carefully. To prevent dental erosion, brush with baking soda in moderation and avoid using too much force. Bear in mind discoloration may point to dental issues, so try to see a dentist if you haven't had a checkup in a while. EditBrushing with a Baking Soda Paste - Mix together roughly equal parts of baking soda and water. In a small cup, mix ½ teaspoon (3 g) of baking soda with enough water to form a paste, or ¼ to ½ teaspoon (1 ¼ to 2 ½ mL). A paste of 1 to 2 parts of baking soda mixed with 1 part of water is easier to apply and more effective than baking soda alone.[1]
- Avoid making a paste with baking soda and lemon, strawberry, or any other fruit juice. Fruit juices are acidic and could erode your teeth's enamel, especially when combined with baking soda or other abrasive products.[2]
- Brush your teeth with the baking soda paste for 1 to 2 minutes. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the paste, and gently scrub your teeth using circular motions. Brush all around instead of scrubbing 1 spot for the entire 2 minutes. Be sure not to brush hard or you might hurt your teeth.[3]
- Alternatively, use your fingertips to gently rub your teeth with the paste. Rub in soft circles, and don't use too much force.
- If you have receding gums, avoid brushing the base of your teeth and around your gum line with baking soda. The substance that covers your teeth below the gums is softer than enamel and prone to damage.[4]
- Rinse out your mouth when you're finished brushing. After brushing for 2 minutes, spit out the baking soda and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse as well.
- Note that you shouldn't rinse after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, as rinsing reduces fluoride's beneficial effects. For this reason, don't brush or rinse with baking soda right after brushing with regular toothpaste. If you really need to rinse away visible residue after using regular toothpaste, use as little water as possible.[5]
- Repeat every other day for up to 2 weeks. At most, brush your teeth with baking soda paste every other day for 1 to 2 weeks. Then cut back to doing it just once or twice a week. Since it's abrasive, using baking soda more frequently may damage your teeth.[6]
- Keep in mind that brushing your teeth with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to keep your teeth healthy.
- Before brushing with baking soda, check with your dentist to see if your teeth are healthy enough for this method. Your teeth may be sensitive to abrasion, and baking soda may cause irreversible dental erosion.
EditTrying Alternative Methods - Mix 2 parts of baking soda with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide may whiten teeth, but you need to use it with caution. To try this method, mix 2 parts of baking with 1 part of 1% to 3% hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Brush your teeth with the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse with water.[7]
- Make sure you use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or less. Brush with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda once a week at most.
- Stop brushing and rinse your mouth with cool water if you feel a burning sensation. Don't use this method if you have receding or sensitive gums, as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage exposed roots.[8]
- Brush your teeth with a mix of baking soda and fluoride toothpaste. Squeeze your regular toothpaste onto your toothbrush, then sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on top. Brush your teeth as you normally would for 2 minutes with soft, circular motions. Then spit and, if you need to rinse away white residue, swish your mouth with a little water.[9]
- As with a baking soda and water paste, brush with baking soda and toothpaste in moderation. Try it every other day for 1 to 2 weeks at first, then brush with baking soda once or twice a week at most.
- You can also purchase a toothpaste that already contains baking soda. In the United States, look for a product that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance, and use it as directed.[10]
- If you have sensitive teeth or dental erosion, avoid using toothpastes that contain baking soda or are branded as whitening products.[11]
- Gargle with a baking soda and water rinse. Combine 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda and of water in a glass, then stir the mixture until the baking soda is evenly distributed. Take a sip, gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit out the mixture. Repeat the steps until you've finished the entire glass.[12]
- The baking soda rinse won't erode your teeth, so it's safe to gargle with it daily.
- Gargling with a baking soda rinse whitens your teeth indirectly. Baking soda neutralizes acids, so it helps fight dental erosion caused by acidic foods and beverages. It can also help fight bacteria that cause decay and promote good bacteria that create a protective layer on your teeth.[13]
- Avoid brushing your gums with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
- Don't brush a single area of your mouth for too long. Divide 1 to 1 ½ minutes evenly among your top teeth, then brush your bottom teeth for a total of 1 to 1 ½ minutes.
- Remember not to brush with a mix baking soda and lemon juice or other acidic substances.
- See a dentist if you're concerned about whitening your teeth. Stains or discoloration may be signs of problems that require professional dental care.[14]
- Don't brush your teeth with baking soda or abrasive toothpastes if you have sensitive teeth, which may indicate dental erosion. Brushing with abrasive products will just make matters worse.[15]
- Avoid brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you have braces or a permanent retainer.[16]
- To prevent uneven coloration or damage to your dental work, don't use hydrogen peroxide or at-home bleaching kits if you have crowns, caps, or veneers.[17]
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| How to Wash a Dog Afraid of Water Posted: 06 Mar 2019 12:00 AM PST Bath time can be quite the ordeal for some dogs who are afraid of water or the bathtub and can turn into a game of chase all over the house. In some cases, you just need to get your dog used to water and reward it for staying calm during bath time. Use alternatives to water to clean and deodorize your dog if you just absolutely can't get them comfortable with a bath, or for a quick clean when a whole bath isn't necessary. Soon enough, getting clean won't be such a big deal anymore! EditKeeping Your Dog Calm in the Bath - Put a rubber mat down in your bathtub. Bathtubs are slippery surfaces for dogs, so lay down an inexpensive rubber bath mat to help your dog feel more secure. Some dogs aren't scared of the water itself, but don't feel comfortable in bathtubs.[1]
- Cut your dog's nails before bath time to help your dog have a more steady footing on the slippery surface.
- You can place a towel on the bottom of the tub if you don't have a rubber mat.
- Practice having your dog in the tub with no water. Place your dog in the bathtub without turning on the faucet or shower head. Pet your dog and say "good dog" while it stays in the tub.[2]
- Don't let your dog jump out of the tub and run away. You can use a leash to help keep your dog in place if it keeps trying to run away.
- Reward your dog for staying calm in the tub with treats. Keep telling your dog it is a "good dog" while it remains in the tub. Give the dog a treat when it calms down and stops trying to get out of the tub.[3]
- You can start out with short sessions of 3-5 minutes in the tub with no water to get your dog used to being in the tub. Keep practicing this until the dog has no problem being in the tub.[4]
- Have a friend or helper distract the dog with treats or peanut butter while you bathe your dog so it stays more calm.
- Pour small amounts of water over your dog until you can give it a full bath. Gently pour warm water with a container over your dog's legs and back once it is comfortable in the tub. Use a washcloth to clean the dog's face instead of pouring water on it.[5]
- You can do this in multiple short sessions of 3-5 minutes, gradually increasing the amount of time your dog is in the tub and how much water you pour on it.
- Hold your dog's chin and nose up as you pour water over the back of its neck and head to prevent water from getting in the dog's eyes or nose.[6]
- Give your dog a long-lasting chew toy or treat after bathtime is over. Get your dog to associate a completed bath with a reward by giving it something like a rawhide or bone to chew on afterward. Your dog will learn to tolerate a bath because it expects a tasty reward when bath time is over.[7]
- Once your dog is comfortable with you pouring water over it to give it a bath, you can try using a pet spray attachment for your shower. These attachments reduce the pressure of the water and let you gently spray water over your dog so you don't have to keep filling up a container.
EditUsing Alternatives to Water - Wipe your dog with pet wipes to clean spots of dirt off. There are many types of portable wipes designed just for pets. Use them to wipe off your dog's paws or fur when they get dirty instead of giving your dog a whole bath.[8]
- Avoid rubbing your dog's face or eyes with wipes as this can irritate them.
- Use freshening sprays or foams designed for dogs instead of water. Purchase a spray-on or rub-in waterless shampoo product designed for dogs. Follow the instructions on the product to apply it to your dog to clean it.[9]
- These types of products are good for a quick clean that doesn't require any water to rinse the dog clean.
- Waterless shampoos generally work best for smaller dogs with less fur.
- Spritz your dog with a water and vinegar mixture to deodorize it. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray your dog's coat all over with the mixture, then rub them dry with a clean towel.[10]
- Vinegar also helps treat dogs with itchy skin. Spray the mixture onto any spots that you see your dog is scratching a lot. The vinegar will even help repel fleas!
- You can use this mixture to clean your dog's ears as well. Use a dropper to squeeze a drop or two of the mixture into your dog's ears, then let the dog shake its head. You can also soak cotton balls in the mixture to wipe out the ears.
- You can also use apple cider vinegar to make a natural dog shampoo.
- Rub baking soda and cornstarch into your dog's fur for a homemade dry shampoo. Mix 1 cup (120 g) of baking soda with 1 cup (120 g) of cornstarch for a mid-sized dog. Sprinkle it evenly over your dog's fur and massage it in with a towel, then brush it out with a dog brush.
- This homemade dry shampoo will absorb grease and dirt from your dog's fur and eliminate odors.
- You can add 2-3 drops of essential oil, like lemon or lavender, to make your dog smell even fresher.
- Use 1/2 cup (60 g) of baking soda and 1/2 cup (60 g) of cornstarch for smaller dogs.
EditGetting Your Dog Used to Water - Take your dog to wade in shallow water. Lead the dog near shallow water at a beach, lake, pond, or kiddie pool on a leash and reward the dog with praise and a treat for getting near the water or touching the water. Let the dog make all its own choices about the water and do not try to force them into it.[11]
- Take your dog near the water for 5-minute sessions, then come back another day and repeat the process until they get comfortable being around water and getting wet.
- Try throwing a toy your dog loves into the water close to the shore to encourage them to wade in and retrieve it.
- Avoid rivers because the moving water can scare your dog.
- Play with your dog in the rain to make getting wet fun. Take your dog outside when it rains lightly and play fetch with a favorite ball or toy. Reward your dogs with treats and praise for playing and getting wet in the rain.[12]
- Dry the dog off as soon as playtime is over and you go inside so they associate being wet with having fun.
- Pour warm water on your dog's feet to get it ready for bathing. Introduce your dog to the water by filling a container with lukewarm water and pouring it on their feet until they are comfortable with it. Don't spray running water directly on your dog to avoid scaring them.[13]
- Use a leash or hold your dog by the collar to keep it from running away.
- Give your dog a treat if it remains calm while you pour water over its feet.
- Reward your dog with a treat and praise every time they interact with water. Reinforce any kinds of positive interactions your dog has with water. Dogs will begin to associate being wet with getting a tasty treat.
- Treat training is really effective for teaching dogs any kind of behavior that you want them to learn.
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