RSS Feed

Archive: February, 2010

0

Ever Think About Getting A Barbeque Pit?

The barbeque pit has been around for ages. Some people claim that barbequing in the pit is better then cooking in the kitchen.

Barbeque pits came out around 1920. But they only became popular in the 1950 when practically everyone owned one. Back in those days more people had family and friends gathering and big cook outs, but now it’s hard to find time for all of that. But even if you use it once in a while it’s still wroth having.

You might find it challenging looking for a BBQ pit, but the best place to look for them is on the internet. There you can see how to build one from scratch; it’s not as hard as it sounds.

But before starting anything, be sure to check with your city, if you’re permitted to do so. Some may even require inspections before or after you build it, so be careful. Don’t just start making something in the back of hour house. See if you’re allowed to first you don’t want to get in trouble and pay a fine.

Take some time to research before you go see them. Decide if you want to add electricity or a gas burner, because their might be additional permit that are required, they might even ask you to have the electrical stuff be installed by a professional to ensure safety.

You’ve got to also decide on how extravagant of a pit you want. Do you want something simple or do you want to go all out. Think about how much you are willing to spend and your need. There are many optional features that you can have put in; in the end it’s up to you. There are many things to consider, such as what type of grill do you want, do you need a grill to place the food in or a place for the fire that is well ventilated.

There are boundless things to remember, like are you going to make the pit withstand the harsh climates that you may encounter. Think about the type of weather you receive. Think about where you’re going to place it, be sure that it looks good before you start building it.

If you need any help just look for books and check out the internet. Use all the resources you have before embarking on this big project.

categories Barbecue

0

Healthy Summer Snacking

Your air conditioner isn’t the only thing that uses energy in the hot weather-your kids do, too.

Warm months usually means children are playing outside more. All that running, jumping and swimming uses up plenty of energy, so it’s important to keep your kids well-fueled. Here’s a recipe that can do just that. It’s a fun, portable snack mix made with California raisins, so it has a sweet taste and supplies lots of energy.

Sunshine Snack Mix

Ingredients:

2 cups California raisins

2 cups low-fat granola cereal

1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces

1/2 cup sunflower kernels

Directions:

In large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.

Yields: 51/2 cups

Serves: 11

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Fun Fuel

The potassium in California raisins helps lower blood pressure, which has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition to adding fiber to the diet, raisins rank among the top antioxidant foods and even contain phytochemicals that contribute to oral health.

The Taste Of Health

Of course, nutrition facts probably don’t matter much to your children. Kids tend to focus on taste, and California raisins hold up well there, too. They make sweet, plump treats, which means they can be an easy way to help your children maintain a healthful diet-and to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.

Cool Ideas

Looking for more summertime snack ideas? The California Raisin Marketing Board offers a host of tasty, easy-to-make recipes that require little to no time spent in the kitchen, giving you more time to spend with your kids. Try making Raisin Peanut Butter Balls for a quick snack or Spiced Apple Pie Party Mix for a good dose of dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. Raisin Nachos with Cinnamon Dipping Sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and try Raisin Delights for bite-size balls of cream cheese and sunflower seeds rolled in coconut. Or just snack on California raisins straight from the box.

categories Healthy Recipes