| How to Use a Pasta Machine Posted: 11 Oct 2019 05:00 PM PDT Pasta is a classic Italian dish that is delicious and simple to make. Using a pasta maker is an easy way to make fresh noodles to enhance your pasta dish. By preparing your dough and making your noodles thin enough to cook, you can use your pasta maker like an expert and create beautiful dishes for your friends and family to enjoy. [Edit]Preparing Your Dough - Divide your dough into 4 even pieces. Your pieces should be roughly the size of a handful so that it will be able to fit in your machine. Your dough should be freshly-made and have rested in plastic wrap at room temperature for around 20 minutes. You'll only be working with one piece of dough at a time, so you can keep the remaining 3 wrapped in plastic so that they don't dry out.[1]
- The best tool for this is called a "bench scraper," which is a flat scraping tool. You can also use a large knife.
- You should make your dough right before you start using your pasta machine so that your noodles are fresh and taste the best.
- Flatten your dough into a rectangle shape to prepare it. You can spread out your dough piece into a rectangle shape that's about as wide as your pasta machine's opening. Use the heel of your palm to gently knead the dough into shape. Keep your dough about thick and don't spread it out too much. This step is to get your dough ready for the machine, not to make it thinner.[2]
- You should just use your hands for this step. A rolling pin will flatten out the dough too much.
- Dust your piece of dough with flour. You'll want to flour your dough every time you feed it through your machine. Flouring it also makes your dough easier to work with and less sticky. Don't be afraid to cover your hands in flour too so that you can grab the dough without sticking to it and tearing it.[3]
[Edit]Using Your Machine - Clamp your machine to your counter, table, or cutting board. Make sure your pasta machine is attached to a secure surface, and that you have enough room to turn the crank. Set the opening of the machine to the widest setting, usually called number 1 on most pasta machines.[4]
- Make sure to read the manual on your machine before you start using it, so you are aware of all safety regulations and precautions that you need to take, like setting up attachments and anchoring your machine properly.
- Feed the first piece of dough through the roller. Starting with one of the shorter sides of the rectangle that you made, slowly insert your dough into the pasta machine while turning the crank. Use your crank slowly and steadily, as you want your dough to be evenly spread. Try not to turn the crank too fast or force it to turn, because this can damage your machine. Be sure to catch the dough before it falls onto a hard surface so that it maintains its shape.[5]
- It may be helpful to have a friend turn the crank while you feed the dough through the machine, or vice versa.
- Fold your dough into thirds to make it shorter. Take each end of your dough and fold it toward the middle, creating a smaller rectangle out of it in a kind of envelope shape. Press lightly on the top of the dough to stick each layer together, but not so hard that it changes the shape of the dough.[6]
- Sprinkle flour on your dough each time it comes out of the machine. You'll want to keep your dough from sticking to the machine or your hands, so you need to dust it in flour each time it comes out of your pasta machine. You can dust both the dough and the surface around it with a light coating, just enough to keep it from tearing or sticking.[7]
- You can also keep your hands coated in flour to make sure the dough doesn't stick to you as you handle it.
- Put the dough into the machine about 5 more times. Keep folding your dough into thirds and flouring it each time before you put it into your pasta maker. This will make your dough thinner each time it goes through. Make sure to grab the dough with your hand each time it leaves the machine so it doesn't fall onto a hard surface.[8]
- You should keep your machine on the largest setting for the first five pass-throughs so that your machine doesn't clog with dough that is too thick.
- Turn your machine to a thinner setting for a thinner dough. Depending on how thin you want your noodles to be, you can turn your machine to a smaller setting as you put your dough through the machine each time. Check with the recipe that you are using to decide how thin you would like to make your dough.[9]
- Create the noodles with your pasta maker's attachment. You can use an attachment on your pasta machine to cut your dough into a noodle shape. This attachment will look different based on what type of pasta you are trying to make. Attach this to your machine based on the manual's instructions, and feed your dough into it, catching it with your hands before it hits a counter or table.[10]
- To make stuffed pasta, you should cut your dough by hand with a knife, and not with your machine. That way, you can have a decent sized pasta piece to place your filling in.
- Repeat these steps with each piece of dough that you have. After you've made noodles out of one piece of dough, you can repeat the process with the rest of your dough to use it all up. Once all your noodles are made, you'll want to cook them right away so that they don't dry up and become hard.[11]
- You can keep your noodles that are already made on a drying rack or a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Dusting your noodles with cornmeal will help keep them from sticking together.
[Edit]References |
| How to Study Engineering Posted: 11 Oct 2019 09:00 AM PDT Being an engineering student is challenging, but the payoff is worth it. With your engineering degree, you can find a fulfilling career in a field that excites you. While in school, it's important to hone your skills in math and physics; these fields are necessary no matter what type of engineer you want to be. You should also pick an engineering specialty and choose a course schedule that aligns with your goals. Since engineering programs are rigorous, it's important to attend each class and also devote plenty of time to studying outside the classroom. Once you work on your study skills, you'll be able to ace your tests and projects. Finally, take the time to develop your professional network. That can help you get the job that you want. [Edit]Honing Your Skills and Choosing a Course of Study - Focus on excelling in math and physics courses. Nearly all engineering programs will require several semesters of math courses. Work with your advisor to set up a 4-year plan to complete all of your requirements. You can expect to take several courses in calculus and engineering-focused math. You will also need several semesters of physics.[1]
- Math and physics both rely heavily on learning and using formulas. Work to memorize the most commonly used ones, and understand how to apply them.
- If you are struggling with the concepts, ask your professor for help. You can also visit the tutoring center at your school.
- If you hate math, engineering is probably not the right career for you.
- Develop problem-solving skills to enhance critical thinking abilities. A career in engineering will be based on solving problems, whether that means figuring out how to design a safer bridge or figuring out safety procedures for dealing with chemicals. The sooner you begin thinking like a problem-solver, the more successful you'll be. Learn to figure out answers for yourself and avoid relying on others to tell you what to do.[2]
- For example, maybe you're stumped by your calculus homework. Spend some time working it out for yourself. You could try using a different way of applying an equation, perhaps.
- This doesn't mean that it's not okay to ask for help. It is! But stretch yourself by trying to find the answer yourself first.
- Choose the field of engineering that interests you. There are several different types of engineers. Spend some time thinking about what kind of job you want and then choose your specialty based on that. You can ask your academic advisor to go over the different options with you. Some of the most common fields include:[3]
- Civil engineering. This career involves planning and completing infrastructure projects, such as highways and bridges.
- Electrical engineering. The focus in this field is inventing and improving the electrical functions of machines like cell phones and cameras.
- Mechanical engineering. These engineers invent, make, and improve items like seat belts, refrigerators, and elevators.
- Chemical engineering. People in this field work on safely using chemicals and finding new ways to use them.
- Software engineering. Software engineers apply math and the principles of computer science to improve and create things like games and computer operating systems.
- Take a variety of engineering classes for supplemental knowledge. Obviously, you'll spend a lot of time taking classes in your concentration. But make sure to save some time in your schedule to take other engineering classes, too. In engineering, it's not just the subject matter that is important. It's also useful to learn how other engineers approach problems.[4]
- For example, if you are studying mechanical engineering, it might be helpful to include some classes in civil engineering. These fields overlap sometimes regarding the components of buildings.
- Take courses outside of engineering to broaden your skill set. Like most careers, engineering requires a wide variety of skills. Seek out classes that will enhance your work as an engineer.[5]
- Try taking a visual design class to learn how to better display your ideas visually. A writing class can help you convey your thoughts and ideas in a compelling manner.
[Edit]Getting the Most Out of Each Class - Attend every class and sit near the front. Engineering courses are challenging and often cover a lot of material in each class session. In order to succeed, it's important to be present in class (both physically and mentally). Show up on time and be ready to pay attention and concentrate.[6]
- Sit where you can see the materials presented and where you can easily hear the professor.
- Ask questions during class if you don't understand the concepts.
- If you have to miss class, borrow the notes from a classmate.
- Get a good night's sleep before the lecture. Being well-rested makes it easier to concentrate.
- Do the reading before class to feel prepared. Read the entire chapter or section before the relevant lecture. This will help you understand what the professor is talking about. It's also a good way to identify potential questions that you would like to ask during class.[7]
- Make sure to take notes as you read. You can jot down helpful examples and make note of anything you don't understand.
- Take good notes so that they are useful to you later. Write down any formulas that your instructor indicates are important to know. But take care to write down more than just the math. Your notes should also include information about how to apply the math and the logic behind it.[8]
- Don't worry about trying to scribble down every single word the professor says. Instead, focus on concepts they emphasize, repeat, or spend a lot of time talking about.
- Ask your instructor if they post PowerPoints online. If they do, you can annotate them with your own notes.
- Keep a separate notebook of important information for easy access. There are some key concepts and formulas that you will use in multiple classes. Copy these in your regular notes, but also write them down in a separate notebook. That way, you can easily find all of your most important information.[9]
- Develop a relationship with your professor so they can help you. Many students feel intimidated by their professors. But try not to be! They are actually there to help you. Take time at the beginning of the semester to introduce yourself to the professor. That way, they will know who you are if email them with a question.[10]
- Take advantage of office hours. Professors set this time aside to meet with students, so make it a point to stop by and get help when you need it.
[Edit]Doing Well on Tests and Projects - Form a study group at the beginning of the semester. Ask some other students in your program or in your classes if they want to join your study group. Study groups are beneficial for all students, but they're especially helpful for engineering students. Some of the benefits of working in groups include:[11]
- Learning new ways to approach the material
- Exposure to creative problem solving
- Experience working with a team, which most engineers do
- Having a more enjoyable time studying
- Teach the material to someone else to master it. This is considered one of the best ways to retain information. Being able to teach something means that you really understand the material. Practice teaching someone else how to use a formula, for example. Go over the material until your "student" has a good understanding. By that point, you'll likely be very confident with your own understanding.[12]
- This is a great activity to try in your study group.
- Copy your notes to review the material. Writing things down helps you retain the information. Every 2-3 weeks, copy the notes that you have taken while reading and attending lectures. Each copy should be a little shorter. As you become more familiar with the material, you won't feel like you have to write down every single detail.[13]
- Each time you copy your notes, write a 1-2 page summary of the information. You can use that to review for tests.
- Give yourself plenty of time to study for tests and prepare projects. Don't try to cram the night before an exam. You'll end up feeling stressed and exhausted. Instead, make it a habit to review the material each week. You can then add some extra hours to study each day during the week prior to the exam.[14]
- Similarly, don't wait until the night before a project is due to start working on it. As soon as your professor gives you an assignment, figure out how you are going to approach the topic.
- Add material to your presentation over time, and refine it as necessary. All you'll have to do the week before it's due is to give it a polish!
- Read each test question carefully and check your work. When you're taking a test, make sure to take time to look at the entire question. This can prevent simple mistakes. Neatly show your work for each problem. Not only will you get partial credit, but your instructor will be able to give you better feedback if they can see where you went wrong.[15]
- Start with the easy questions first. That can help you feel more confident about the rest of the exam.
[Edit]Building Your Network - Seek out internships to gain experience. Start looking for summer internships early in your academic career. Internships indicate that you are motivated and a hard worker, traits that will make you attractive to potential employers. Internships can also help you figure out what kind of career you would like to have.[16]
- Talk to the career center at your school, or your advisor or program director for advice on finding an internship.
- Develop a group of mentors that can advise you. Corporations have boards of directors that provide advice and direction. You're not a corporation, but you can also gather a group of people that can do the same for you. Forge relationships with your professors and mentors and ask them for advice.[17]
- You can also learn a lot by talking to more advanced students.
- If you have a family friend that works in engineering, ask if you can pick their brain.
- Attend extracurricular events to stay current in the field and meet people. Engineering is a field that changes regularly. It's important to stay up to date on trends and new developments. Make it a point to attend any lectures that relate to your field that are sponsored by your college or community. You can also meet new contacts to add to your network at such events.[18]
- You can also join a networking group on campus. That will allow you to meet other engineering students and alumni in your field of study.
- Make sure to get enough rest and eat a healthy diet. If you don't take care of your physical health, it will be hard to find the energy to study.
- Save time for socializing. Doing something fun will keep you from feeling like you're drowning in coursework.
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Chai Latte Posted: 11 Oct 2019 01:00 AM PDT Chai lattes are a delicious take on traditional chai tea. Similar to a latte made with espresso, the chai latte combines frothy milk with a concentrated brew of spiced tea. Making your own chai at home is easier than you might think, and it allows you to customize the spices and toppings to your liking. Chai lattes are perfect for cold winter days or as a delicious after-dinner treat. [Edit]Ingredients - 1 crumbled cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp (1.8 g) whole black peppercorn
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 cracked green cardamom pods
- thinly-sliced ginger
- water
- 1 tbsp (6 g) loose-leaf black tea
- whole milk
- Honey, maple syrup, or whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
[Edit]Toasting the Spices and Brewing the Tea - Combine all the spices in a small saucepan. Add 1 crumbled cinnamon stick, 1 tsp (1.8 g) of whole black peppercorn, 5 cloves, and 3 cracked green cardamom pods to the saucepan. Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon.[1]
- You can mix and match spices to suit your tastes. Other popular spices used to make chai include fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and star anise.[2]
- Toast the spices over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Continue to stir the spices as they cook. This will prevent them from burning, which can ruin the flavor of your chai. The spices are done toasting when they're fragrant.[3]
- Add of thinly-sliced ginger and of water. Stir these ingredients together with your other spices in the saucepan using the wooden spoon.
- Using fresh ginger adds a note of sweetness to the spice in your chai. In traditional Indian masala chai, ginger is sometimes the only spice used.[4]
- Lower the heat to a simmer and brew the mixture for 5 minutes. Let the spices integrate into the water and mix together. You can help speed this process up by continuing to stir gently while it simmers.[5]
- Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 tbsp (6 g) of loose-leaf tea. Stir the tea into the mixture thoroughly with the wooden spoon to help it mix with all of the spices.
- The most commonly used teas for chai lattes are assam and ceylon. However, you can also use English breakfast or another black tea.[6]
- If you don't have loose leaf tea on hand, you can use 3 tea bags instead.
- Cover the pan and steep the tea for 10 minutes. Try to avoid lifting the lid while it steeps. This prevents steam and heat from escaping.
- For a stronger, more flavorful chai, you can choose to leave the tea to steep for longer.[7]
- Strain the tea into a teapot and cover it with a tea cosy to keep it warm. Replace the lid of the teapot and cover it with the cosy as quickly as possible after straining the tea to keep it hot while you froth the milk.[8]
- If you don't have a teapot available, you can use a thermos or other insulated container.
- Substitute a couple of clean kitchen towels for a tea cosy if you don't have one available.
[Edit]Frothing the Milk - Pour of whole milk into a microwave-safe jar. Leave the lid off the jar, and make sure there is no metal anywhere on the jar before putting it in the microwave.[9]
- Full-fat milk is traditional, but you can also use low-fat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or any other type of milk you like.
- If you don't have a suitable jar on hand, you can use a bowl or other microwave-safe container instead.
- Microwave the milk on high for 30 seconds, or longer if necessary. Depending on your microwave, you may only have one heat setting. If the milk isn't hot when you take it out of the microwave, put it back in for 15 more seconds.[10]
- Always use caution when handling hot liquids. Be careful not to spill the milk when you remove it from the microwave and use an oven mitt or towel if the container is too hot to touch.
- Pour the milk into a thermos or other insulated container. Screw on the lid, making sure it's nice and tight.[11] The thermos will keep the milk warm while you froth it.
- Shake the milk for 30-60 seconds to froth it. The longer and more vigorously you shake the milk, the frothier it will be.[12] When it's ready, the milk should appear foamy and whipped.
[Edit]Combining the Ingredients and Adding Toppings - Pour of tea into each mug from the teapot. Don't fill the mugs too high with tea, as you need to leave space for the milk and any toppings.[13] Use caution when pouring the tea, as it should still be very hot.
- Add of frothed milk to the tea. Fill the remainder of the mug with the frothed milk from the insulated container.[14] Remember to leave a bit of extra space if you plan on adding whipped cream.
- If you have an especially large or small mug, you may need to adjust the amount of tea and milk you pour. But try to keep the ratio roughly the same.
- Add honey, maple syrup, or whipped cream for a sweeter flavor. Depending on how you like your chai, you may want to sweeten your latte.[15] Use a small amount of sweetener to begin with, as the chai will already be flavorful due to the spices. You can always add more if you decide you want it sweeter.
- You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg to taste. This adds a bit of extra flavor and spice to your latte as a finishing touch.[16] Once you're done adding your toppings, all that's left to do is enjoy your delicious chai latte!
- For an easier and quicker chai latte, simply purchase a chai concentrate, mix it with hot water, then top with steamed milk.
- If you have one available, you can use a steamer or steam wand from an espresso machine to froth the milk instead of the microwave.
[Edit]Warnings - Hot water and steamed or heated milk will be very hot, so use caution when handling these ingredients.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tea strainer
- Teapot
- Tea cosy
- Microwave-safe jar
- Insulated container
- Mugs
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