The Info Examiner

We build houses to protect us from the elements, dams to redirect rivers and even use chemicals to artificially enhance our food. So much goes into fighting nature that it is important to also learn how to work in harmony with the seasons and phases of the moon in order to feed body and spirit.

With your favourite wooden spoon, an open mind and generous heart you too can stir a little magic into your life with Cooking By Moonlight by author Karri Ann Allrich. Although it is not a vegetarian cookbook, many recipes contain “Moonlit Kitchen Tips” offering a vegetarian substitution making them more versatile.

In Cooking By Moonlight each aspect of the moon’s cycle is discussed offering suggestions on what to look for in a recipe, what ingredients to use during that time, blessings and food preparation tips. Learn how to develop your seasonal intuition. Enjoy the sensual experience of cooking with “love foods and practical magic” and understand how our food choices influence not only ourselves but the world around us.

Included are sections on “Stocking A Moonlit Pantry”, “Using Herbs and Spices Magically”, “Lunar Lessons and Menus” as well as over 100 recipes to tempt you. Many of the mouth-watering recipes are very easy to prepare and come complete with serving suggestions. Cooking By Moonlight is more than just a collection of recipes but is a guide to enriching your entire culinary experience.

Crab Cakes With Cranberry Orange Salsa

Crab cakes are always a special treat - the perfect appetizer for a waxing or full moon celebration, in any season.

• 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over
• 1 cup Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions (white part only)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

Garnish

• Cranberry Orange Salsa (see recipe below)
• Fresh lime wedges

In a mixing bowl gently combine the crabmeat and bread crumbs. Season with salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste. In a small bow, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and scallions and add to the crab, tossing lightly with a fork, only until the crab mixture is evenly moistened.

Lay out a sheet of waxed paper to set the cakes on and divide the mixture to form 8 round crab cakes.

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the oil over moderate head and fry the crab cakes until they are golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Drain briefly on a paper towel.

Garnish with a spoonful of the Cranberry Orange Salsa and a wedge of lime. Serve the crab cakes w!rm.

Cranberry Orange Salsa

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 2 oranges, peeled, pith removed
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored, quartered
• 1 red onion, peeled, quartered
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 jalapeno or poblano chili, seeded, stemmed
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or honey
• Juice from 1 fresh lime
• Sea salt

Process (or finely chop) the cranberries and place them in a mixing bow. Process (or finely chop) the oranges and ad$ to the cranberries. Place the garlic, red bell pepper, onion, cumin, jalapeno and cayenne in the food processor and pulse/process (finely chop) for 1 minute.

Add the cilantro, brown sugar and lime juice and continue to pulse/process until the cilantro is finely chopped. Stir this mixture into the cranberries and mix well. Season to taste with sea salt. Cover and chill until you are ready to serve.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the crab cakes on a bed of mesclun salad greens. You can also serve the Cranberry Orange Salsa with a basket of tortilla chips.

Moonlit Kitchen Tip

During cranberry seacon, stock your freezer with bags of fresh cranberries to have on hand through many moons.

Makes 4 Servings

About the Author

Chris WebAdmin is Owner and WebAdmin of The 1001Recipes2Send.com
Recipes Database. Become a member to recieve the weekly
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Gather everybody around for this really cool cold pizza. Each person will have lots of fun topping their ice cream pizza slices with lots of yummy goodies. Great for kids parties.

Cookie

cup firmly packed brown sugar
cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
teaspoon salt

Ice Cream

1 quart vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

Toppings

Fudge sauce, strawberry sauce, caramel sauce, sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, m&m candies, gummi candy, coarsely chopped chocolate sandwich cookies, chopped candy bars, candy sprinkles, nuts.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine brown sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour, oats, baking soda and salt. Beat until well mixed.

Spread dough evenly into ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.

Spread ice cream evenly over cooled cookie. Freeze until firm (1 to 2 hours).
To serve, cut into wedges; top with desired topping.

About the Author

© Donna Monday
Love Cookies? All your favorites here
http://www.best-cookie-jar-recipes.com

It is easier to choose a lover, these days. Joking apart, choosing a cellular phone is tough. With so many models and features, not to mention an offer here and a discount there-the task is positively Herculean. Mobiles will come and go; a phone will be the toast of a season, another will take its place. Before you get confused figuring out the best, let us get the cat out of the bag. Best buy cell phones do not exist. Each mobile is as good as it gets. The best is “What You Decide”, i.e., what best suits your needs and budget.

However, some simple pointers can make your hunt for best buy cell phones a lot easier. Finding out about a mobile’s Signal Reception can be a bit like convincing Woody Allen to be present at an Oscar night. Nevertheless, user reports and a bit of research can lead one to the mobile with the most consistent signal reports. A cellular phone without Ring Tones is like Jennifer Lopez in a nun’s habit. Again, only with some mobiles you can get new ones free. Size, does matter and Weight, too. A small cellular phone that snugly fits into your pocket is definitely a plus, if you travel a lot. A mobile with a Speakerphone is a good safety measure while driving. A good Voice Memo is another feature that you can keep in mind while you go shopping.

Best buy cell phones do not exist. Nevertheless, some general characteristics are best thought upon before buying. Cellular phone Band Support can be an important criterion if you are one of those sorts that are gallivanting around the world. A tri-band mobile picks up 900 MHz (covering Europe), 1800 MHz (Asia) and 1900 MHz (The United States) and is technically functional, all around the globe. The Design of your phone, once again can be a teaser. There are two options. The flip-open (remember Star-Trek?), clamshell- style mobile and the standard non-flip ones. You can have difficulty with flip-phones if you are prone to hold your mobile with one hand because the cover may be heavier than the base. If you go for the non-flip one then it is important to check that your mobile has the automatic key guard. The final say, should obviously include whether you are comfortable handling it.

Keypad, battery life, screen, display contrast and backlight strength are some other important aspects of the best buy cell phones. If you need to check the manual for Keypad functions then you can think again. The Keypad layout and menu functions should be easy to grasp; protruding buttons are handy on the long run. The average Battery Life of most mobiles comprises three hours of talk time and two to six days on stand by. A cellular phone that has to search for its signal, constantly, finishes its battery faster. Surfing the web, sending and receiving text messages or using an organizer requires a screen. Generally, a mobile Screen accommodating six lines of text is considered more than enough. Similarly, Display Contrast and Backlight Strength afford easy view ability and if they can be set according to individual requirement, then nothing like it.

For Cheap Cell Phones Please visit us at http://www.cellphones-now.com

A few decades ago, sports were only meant for men. It was unthinkable to even think that women would some day be taking up sports like tennis, and golf, and even rough-aggressive sports like hockey, football and soccer. Women have done so well in these types of sports that now they are able to compete in the Olympic and professional field of these sports. Leagues like the NBA and MLS have created women leagues, which draw just as much crowds as the men field.

All of this change has really been a positive influence for thousands of women who are able to leave their stress at home by getting out to their nearest gym and really play away their problems by taking on sports like basketball, running and swimming. This is not only good to help with the daily stresses but to lose weight complementing it with the Acceletrim weight loss product. Women as they grow and move away to build their own families and have kids, should really encourage their daughters to take on any type of sport, it will be of great benefit to them as they grow up no only for recreational purposes but to really belong to a part of a group like belonging to a soccer team and making friends. It will also help them to stay healthy and in shape.

Do you have conversations over the phone that you do not want others to hear? If so, then it may be necessary to protect yourself from cell phone bugs. Cell phone bugs are just as high tech as many other bugs, and can pose even more of a threat, since they are harder to detect. Depending on the bug that is used to listen to your conversation, you might not even realize that someone nearby can hear every word crystal clear.

Even if most of your conversations are of little importance, it is a good idea to make sure that you are well protected against cell phone bugs when you make a vital phone call. It is possible to decrease your chances of being listened to if you follow a few simple steps to avoid eavesdroppers.

Go somewhere where you know you’ll be alone. Some cell phone bugs intercept signals being sent. A person who looks like she or he is speaking on a cell phone has a special device that allows him or her to hear what you are saying on the phone. Additionally, make sure you are in a place where you can watch for newcomers.

Beware the charging or forgotten phone. Many cell phone bugs look just like they are charging or like their owner forgot them. If see a cell phone charging or lying nearby unattended, go someplace else. Someone may be listening in via the innocent looking phone.

Don’t accept new cell phones as gifts. The latest in cell phone bugs is a phone that works like a regular phone, but has a secret access number. If someone gives you a cell phone as a gift, be aware that he or she may be able to dial the phone and not only listen to what you saying while you are on the phone, but activate the cell phone’s microphone in order to hear anything that is going on inside the room.

With a little vigilance, you can avoid eavesdroppers through cell phone bugs. Best of all, if you use ingenuity you can “plant” false information for eager ears. You can outsmart surveillance and the use of cell phone bugs.

(c) 2005 Copyright www.spyassociates.com. This article is about: Cell Phone Bugs.

Knowing what to look for when choosing refurbished laptops is important. Here is a list of certain features that you should compare when shopping for one.

Let’s begin with laptop basics-

Processor Speed- This is the speed at which the laptop can retrieve data and information. You’ll often see speeds like 900MHz or 1.2GHz. The larger the number the faster it is. 1.2GHz is 1200MHz. Gigahertz is more than megahertz. When choosing a refurbished laptop this is sometimes important. If you are only going to use it to surf the internet (surfing the web only depends on your internet speed and not the computers speed), or operate a few application software programs, or use if for document creating a lower speed is all you need. The lower the processor speed the cheaper it usually is. If you plan to use it in a business setting, gaming, or need it for several operating procedures then you’ll need a faster processor speed.

System Memory- Here is where you’ll see the 128mb, 256mb, or 512mb system memory. The system memory is the place where the computer holds current programs and data that are in use, or holds the instructions that the processor executes and the data that those instructions work with. Picture it as the central nervous system of your laptop. It allows everything to work and also is needed for faster processing speeds. The system memory is essential for operating multiple functions at once. The 128mb and 256mb are ample amounts of memory. If you plan to do a lot of things at once the higher number is better.

Hard Drive- The hard drive is what holds all your memory on the computer. The higher the number the more storage you have. An example is a 20GB hard drive. That holds all your programs, downloads, pictures, music and more. Many users don’t need much more than 10GB of storage, but if you plan to keep a laptop for an extended period of time you may want to consider a larger hard drive.

Optical Drive- The optical drive is either CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM/RW, or a combo of both. ROM stands for “read only memory” and RW stands for “re-write”, for copying disks. The CD drive is for software and can play music CD’s. The DVD drive can do everything a CD-ROM can do and more. It can play music, software, and DVD movies. It’s like an upgrade to the CD drive. Some laptops do have a floppy drive which operates floppy discs. Most programs are on CD though.

Modem- This refers to how your laptop connects to the internet. A 56K modem is for dial-up and DSL internet. There is also wireless internet called Wi Fi. If you choose a laptop with a 56k modem it is still possible to buy hardware for Wi Fi.

Network- You’ll see something like 10/100, or 10/1000 and this refers to how fast a laptop computer can transfer data to other computers on the network. Although most don’t use a computer on a network it is important if you’re in a business setting, or something similar. For most people this isn’t a determining factor in choosing a computer.

Operating System (OS)- The operating system is referring to what system the laptop is using. The most common are Windows, Linux and Unix and Macintosh. By far the most popular is the Microsoft Windows programs like Windows 98, 2000, Millenium, and the most current XP home, or professional. This is a big factor in choosing a refurbished laptop. You need a compatible OS to function with what you need it for. For a few highly inclined individuals the Linux and Unix systems are great. For the vast majority of people a Windows based OS is the best. It is the most user friendly and most compatible with more software and hardware programs. If you are not sure what’s the best operating system for you choose the Windows program.

Expansion Slots- Most laptops will have open slots like USB, serial, or ethernet slots which allows for multiple items to be added like a mouse, printer, external hard drive, modem and things like that.

Upgrades- Most refurbished laptops can be upgraded. You can add things like external hard drives(for more memory), external optical drives, add the wireless internet capabilities, flash drives, and more. The advantage is you can choose a refurbished laptop with a fair amount of hardware and just add to it what you need. It’s nice feature that will come in handy when you rely on your laptop computer to do more. It’s just like upgrading a desktop, most external hardware uses a USB connection and there is also hardware to add more USB connections. It’s great!

We hope to have answered some of your questions about which refurbished laptop is right for you. Technology is wonderful these days and refurbished laptops are a great investment for school, business and general use.

Online Crazy Deals informs you on what is important in mobile computing. http://www.onlinecrazydeals.com

The best cell phone deals are now within everyone’s reach as the consumer base as well as the supply pool are bothgrowing by the minute. As tallied by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, almost 55,000 people are signing up for a new and improved cell phone deals everyday. This number alone is quite overwhelming for cell phone dealers. The dealers are focred to come up with new and better cell phone deals. This section outlines the best cell phone deals available.

The best option in choosing the best cell phone deal is choose the one that suites your lifestyle. Do not go spend more just because your friend says you need it. Remember, every deal is different and what other people need may be of no use to you.

A good cell phone deal allows you to maximize phones services and features. Take into consideration the length of your contact versus the price of your cell phone. You may actually be paying for the full cost of your phone because you are binded by a contract. The best cell phone deals are always economical and efficiently priced.

Finding the best cell phone deal can be easier than you think thanks to the immense capabilities of the Internet. Just choose your usual search engine and type in “cell phone deals.” You will be a list of hundreds of websites offering the every cell phone plan imagineable. With lots of information available at your fingertips, you will definitely find the best cell phone deal suitable for you.

So here’s a short list of essential tools you need to have when working on a PC. Remember to bring them along - you will most certainly have an easier time when working on that PC of yours.

A computer tool kit for PC maintenance

Philips Screwdriver

Gosh, this is the most important tool for me as a computer hardware enthusiast. All computer parts are connected by screws - from add-on card slots to drive bays and PC casings. Remember to get a screwdriver that does not have a magnetic tip - magnetized objects inside your PC may damage some circuits.

Cable Ties

If you’re like me, you’ll hate the sight of untidy cables. Whenever I open up an old PC, I just roll my eyes at the mess of wires inside. Here’s where the humble cable tie (also known as zip ties) came in really handy. Organize those untidy cables into bundles, route them through specific paths and tie them up. Not only does this improve the look of your computer’s insides, it also helps airflow.

Tweezers

I always remember these. How are tweezers useful when working with a computer? Well, when you accidentally drop a screw into the deep, dark regions of the motherboard! Use those tweezers to reach into tight spots or for retrieving that lost screw. I also tend to use tweezers for removing or changing jumpers on hard drives, optical drives and the motherboard.

Lint Free Cloth

If you have an old computer, you can be sure dust is accumulated inside that PC. This can cause lots of problems - in particular, it can clog up fans and air slots, raising the PC’s temperature. Using a lint free cloth to wipe off that dust from your case or components.

Grounding Strap

If you’ve read my guide on maintaining a PC, you’ll be well aware that static electricity can cause severe damage to electrical components in your computer. Prevent this by using a grounding strap. This is usually a Velcro strap with a metal contact to help discharge any static charge built up on your PC.

Windows Installation CD and Boot Disk

Many people forget that the original Windows installation CD and its accompanying boot disk is a very important toolkit for a computer enthusiast. The Windows installation CD is very useful whenever the operation system asks for a Windows driver. The boot disk, on the other hand, is very useful if the computer fails to boot up. If you don’t have a boot disk, check out this link which offers free boot disk images for download.

Toolkits

I like to have a big tool kit to store all of the above things. It also makes me feel like a handy computer guy too . A tool kit helps to keep all your important tools in a central place so you never forget anything.

Conclusion

Well, you now know what tools to bring along when next working with your PC. Remembering to bring these tools will help your maintenance or setup job that much easier. Good luck!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.

The eight-treasure rice pudding is a well known traditional Chinese dessert, cooked with sticky rice and 8 different freshly dried fruits (typically called dates here in general) and nuts. This food has been through several thousand years and spreads the entire nation. The ingredients used in each place are largely identical but with minor differences. The eight-treasure rice pudding from south of Yangtse River is one of the most well-known varieties and has become a delicacy in Chinese traditional banquet.

Ingredients:
a). For step 1 & 2:

• 2 cups (320g, or 11 oz.) glutinous rice (sticky rice)
• 2 cups (400 cc) water
• 1 tablespoon lard (another key ingredient, do not replace it with other oil)
• 4 tablespoons sugar

b). 8 treasures:

• lotus seed
• candied cherries
• dried dates

  Small amount for each, or any amount you prefer

c). For step 3 - 6:

• 300g (10 oz.) red sieved bean (mashed bean)
• 3 tablespoons lard
• 1 cup (200cc) water
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

Method:

1. Wash and soak glutinous rice 5 ~ 6 hours. Drain. Add proper amount of water. Steam for 1 hour.
2. Add sugar and lard to rice while hot. Mix well.
3. Sieve bean, add lard and sugar. Mix well.
4. Chop dried fruits. Coat deep bowl with lard. Arrange fruits to be displayed attractively.
5. Place rice in bowl. Add bean filling in center. Close with remaining rice. Steam again for 15 minutes.
6. Place plate over bowl. Turn over (rice is now on the plate). Boil 6 tablespoons sugar with 1 cup water. Thicken with cornstarch diluted with water. Pour over pudding and serve hot.

Cooking time: 1 2/3 hours

Nutritional information:
Yield: 4 servings
Each serving provides:
Calories: 756
Protein: 24.4 g

Note: You may freely republish this recipe as long as author bio and active hyperlinks are kept intact. Thank you.

About the Author

Jacklyn Chen - Webmaster of news-blogs.com, satellite info, and emobile-news.com. She is a full time mom who works very hard to make living with multiple web sites. For more information and articles about fine living, visit fine-living.news-blogs.com.

The history of chocolate is a rich and interesting one. Most of the world didn’t know chocolate existed until Columbus went to the Americas and took the cacao bean with him back to Spain. However, it wasn’t until the Conquistadors went to Mexico that the Spaniards really discovered the wonders of cacao.

The Aztecs and Mayans worshipped the cacao bean and believed it was a food of the Gods. The Aztecs used it as both nourishment and currency. They believed the fruit of the cacao tree imparted wisdom and they made a special drink with it called xocolatl, of which the Aztec emperor Montezuma is said to have consumed large amounts every day.

When the Spaniards conquered the Aztecs, they were fascinated by cacao but thought the xocolatl drink was too bitter, so they added cane sugar to it and drank it hot, thus creating the first hot cocoa.

The Spanish kept their new discovery a secret from the rest of Europe for about 100 years.

With the decline of Spain as a power, the secret of cacao leaked out at last, and the
Spanish Crown’s monopoly of the chocolate trade came to an end. In a few years the
knowledge of it had spread through France, Italy, Germany, and England.
(from “The History of Chocolate and Cocoa” published by The Nestle Company)

In 1847 the first solid chocolate bar was created by Fry & Sons in Bristol, England. The first milk chocolate bar was created in 1875 in Switzerland by Daniel Peters. The first chocolate factory in the United States was founded in 1765 in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Today, chocolate is big business and is sold in every country in the world. The little cacao bean has come a long way.

About the Author

Rachel Williamson is a contributing writer for Eat This!, where she has written about the history of chocolate.