Breaking
FoodNerdy Recipes Management System
Tag

what

Browsing
Cooking Tips

Frying Without Oil: How Does it Work and What do You Have to Pay Attention to?

It doesn’t matter whether the cooking oil is running low in the supermarket, you don’t have any more at home or you simply want to do without oil: With the help of a few tips, frying can be done without any oil at all.

This is how you succeed in frying without oil

If you don’t have any oil at home, you can’t find any in the supermarket or you just want to do without it, the question arises: How do you fry without oil? There are different possibilities. With some methods, however, you have to reckon with the disadvantage that the aroma can change slightly because the fat is no longer used as a flavor carrier.

So that nothing burns, it is first of all important to use the right pan. Coated pans are usually made in such a way that the food in them does not burn over low to medium heat; even if you don’t use oil.

Alternatively, you can also use mineral water for frying. It is important that you choose water with as much carbonation as possible and replace the oil in a ratio of 1:1. Proceed as if you were using oil: Before you put the food to be fried in the pan, heat the water slightly. Once the water has evaporated, you can add another small sip.

More methods of frying without oil

Another way to fry without oil, but without skipping the fat, is to use butter or margarine. To avoid burning the butter or margarine, you should only heat it over a low heat. In order to also pay attention to environmental aspects, it is advisable to use a plant-based margarine with plant material from regional cultivation. In comparison, butter has a very energy-intensive production process behind it and comes off worse in the ecological balance.

To fry at higher temperatures without oil, you can use parchment paper. It makes sense to cut the baking paper to the size of the pan and only then fry the vegetables or something similar in it. However, since the baking paper can only be used a few times before it crumbles, it is more sustainable from an ecological point of view to use permanent roasting foils. These can be washed off and can be an ideal replacement for a pan coating.

It is up to you which method you use. You can also try different methods and then decide which one works best for you.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

The Blood Group Horoscope: What is Behind It

In Japan, the so-called blood group horoscope is widespread.

The history of the horoscope

The discovery of the AB0 blood group system in 1901 laid the foundation for all blood group research. The discoverer was Karl Landsteiner. The Japanese doctor Hara Kimata continued to work with this system. In 1916 he published a text in which he postulated a connection between blood type and character traits.

His theory was well received: At the end of the 1920s, the psychologist Takeji Furukawa took up the doctor’s theses and continued to research them. However, his research fell into oblivion – until the beginning of the 70’s. Journalist Masahiko Nomi came across the research results and published the basis of today’s horoscope with the article “Detecting compatibility by blood group”.

That says the blood group horoscope

The blood group according to the horoscope should give the following conclusions about the character:
According to the blood group horoscope, with blood group A you are considered to be particularly honest, patient, careful and responsible. Other positive character traits such as consideration, politeness, prudence and diligence are attributed to you. On the other hand, there are also some negative characteristics such as tension, narrow-mindedness and a very conservative attitude to life. Blood group A is very common in Germany.
If you have blood group B, you should be a very active personality. You are seen as a creative doer, very open-minded, passionate and positive. But here too there are negative character traits such as recklessness, egoism, unpredictability and reckless action.
According to the Japanese blood group interpretation, people with blood group 0 should be very goal-oriented, optimistic and solution-oriented. This gives them good leadership qualities, among other things. In Japan, people with blood type A are considered “romantics” and thus “ideal partners”. Negative character traits are said to include jealousy and vanity.
Blood group AB is said to indicate a high level of sensitivity. In addition, these people are also said to have a high level of unconventionality, spirituality and creativity. People with the rare blood group are said to be very strenuous, unpredictable and sometimes narcissistic.
By the way: If you don’t know your blood group yet, you can find out in a number of ways. Another way to do something good is to donate blood. As a rule, you will find various contact points near where you live where you can donate blood and where you can then find out your blood group using the blood donor card. Alternatively, you can either get a quick test to take at home from the pharmacy or ask your family doctor to do a blood group test.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

What do You Need The Right Compartment of The Washing Machine For? We Solve The Riddle For You

Most people know where to put the detergent in the washing machine. But what about the right compartment in the drawer? What is it for? Here you will find the solution to the riddle.

What are the three compartments in the washing machine for?

A common washing machine has a total of three compartments, which are labeled differently depending on the type of washing machine. As a rule, the following symbols apply: main wash (II), fabric softener (III or a flower symbol) and prewash (I).

The compartment on the far left is for the detergent, whether in liquid or powder form. The washing machine draws detergent from this so-called washing-in compartment for each wash cycle. This compartment is usually the largest and can be filled with heavy-duty detergent, color detergent, mild detergent or water softener. The temperature of the washing cycle is not decisive.

Even with the middle compartment, the temperature of the wash cycle is not decisive. This compartment is for the fabric softener. You can also fill in disinfectant detergent, vinegar for descaling the washing machine or scented oils.

The forgotten right compartment of the washing machine: that’s what it’s for

So the first two subjects are clear. But what is the third compartment on the far right for? The answer is not that difficult: It is used for the pre-wash, for which you can fill the compartment with liquid detergent, powder or special detergent.

But watch out! Some washing machines have the main wash compartment in the middle and the fabric softener on the left.

It is best to always pay attention to the symbols of the compartments in order to use them correctly. For the pre-wash, the symbol is a tub with a vertical line in the middle.

Prewash – when to use it

Prewash is an additional washing program used to soak stains and dirt on clothes. You can use it with front-loading and top-loading washing machines as well as tumble dryers. To do this, fill the detergent in the prewash compartment and select the program provided for this, usually “+ Prewash”.

At the end of the washing process, the fibers of the textiles inside the washing machine are loosened by a short spin cycle. This allows the detergent used in the main wash to work better.

A pre-wash is rarely really necessary. However, it can be useful for heavily soiled clothing or textiles with stubborn stains. There are also some garments for which the washing label recommends prewashing. Otherwise, it’s better not to use it unless it’s really necessary. This saves you electricity, water and detergent and the laundry is finished faster. Normally soiled clothing gets clean without pre-treatment and you also protect it and can wear it longer.

Prevent mold – clean washing machine compartments regularly

Incidentally, all compartments, including the washing-in compartment, should be cleaned every two months. After each wash, dirt settles there and detergent residues stick.

You should pay particular attention to this, as the existing water residue can also cause mold to form. For thorough cleaning, take out the entire drawer and clean it with detergent or vinegar. The chambers can simply be made to shine with a cloth and cleaning agent.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

Baking Tray or Rack? When You Use What

If you have an oven, it usually comes with a baking sheet and rack. What is the difference between the two utensils and when should you use which one?

baking tray

The baking tray is a flat sheet of tin. This is used to put food, such as fresh bread, in the oven and bake it.

In contrast to the grid, a baking sheet provides strong heat from below. The baking tray is therefore suitable for home-baked pizza and tarte flambée, for example. It ensures that the dough is baked quickly. Rolls made from fresh dough and cookies are also usually baked on a baking sheet.

rust

The grid differs from the baking tray in that it consists of metal bars and thus forms a grid base. Almost all dishes can be put into the oven on this.

The grid is particularly suitable for recipes with top heat or if you use the grill function. Therefore, the grid is an advantage if you want to bake cakes. The sheet cake is of course an exception. In contrast to fresh homemade dough, you can also use frozen pizza, for example

Tip: If your mold is very heavy, it is recommended to use the baking tray to gain more stability.

Conclusion

The difference between the baking tray and the grid is that the baking tray emits a lot of heat from below, for example to quickly bake fresh roll dough. The grid is suitable for recipes with top heat or grill function, such as cakes.

Another factor is the stability of the utensils. You should put heavy molds on the baking sheet in the oven.

Overall, you should make sure to clean the sheet metal and grate immediately after use. To keep the dirt to a minimum, you can use parchment paper or a reusable baking mat*.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Curious Household Tip: Cleaning The Shower With Potatoes – What Does it Do

Clean the shower with a potato? What does the strange household tip bring?

Why would you clean your shower with a potato?

If the potato is already a useful helper here, it can do even more in the shower. If you have a shower with walls or doors made of glass, treat them with a potato to give them a natural impregnation. This ensures that water and dirt roll off the surface and do not stick to it.

Of course, this impregnation doesn’t last forever, but you save yourself having to grab a wiper and towel every time you shower. Another advantage: The potato is an absolutely environmentally friendly and inexpensive household item that you can use at any time without hesitation.

You don’t even need very fresh potatoes for this, but you can also use specimens that are already germinating a bit. This is irrelevant for the cleaning process itself. This way you can also use sprouted potatoes for yourself at the same time and don’t have to throw them in the trash.

Clean the shower with the potato: That’s how it’s done!

So that you can clean your shower in an environmentally friendly and quick way with a potato in the future, you only have to do a few simple steps:
First, clean your shower of all previous limescale stains and water residue. Make sure the shower is completely clean.
Use a raw potato for the subsequent impregnation. It’s best to peel them so you don’t get dirt on your hands or the walls of the glass.
Now cut your potato in half and rub all the glass walls and the doors of the shower stall with the cut inside. Rinse again with water. This will remove any remaining streaks from the remains of the potato and the shower cubicle will not smell of the tuber afterwards.
The next time you take a shower you will notice how the natural lotus effect kicks in and the water rolls off. The sap of the tuber acts as a kind of impregnation agent and makes it difficult for the dirt to stick. Repeat the process after a few showers so that the impregnation is renewed.
This simple method can save you a lot of time and nerves in the future. You are also doing something for the environment at the same time and you can leave expensive bathroom cleaners on the shelf without hesitation. Tip: You can also soak heavily soiled clothes with unsalted potato water. This makes it even easier for dirt to be removed during the subsequent wash cycle.

Keep Reading
By
health

Study Shows This is What Happens to Your Body When You Smoke Cannabis

Smoking cannabis has different effects on the body. Researchers have now investigated whether there is also a risk of thrombosis.

Cannabis: what happens in the body?

As the University of Saarbrücken announced, the scientists compared the blood cells of three marijuana smokers with those of three non-smokers. All test subjects are in their mid-30s. Prof. Kaestner and his team observed that the red blood cells swelled immediately after contact with the cannabis active ingredient dronabinol – more so in people who regularly smoked marijuana than in non-users.

Dronabinol – also known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – stimulates a specific ion channel on red blood cells during smoking. The channel called TRPV2 regulates the uptake and release of certain messenger substances into and out of the cell. Cannabis consumption increases the concentration of sodium ions in the blood cells, which means that more water is absorbed. This causes the cell to swell.

However, the situation does not last long. Within an hour, the cells returned to their original shape. According to Prof. Kaestner, however, the risk of thrombosis for cannabis smokers increases slightly during this time. Because the blood cells are larger and rounder, they tend to get stuck in small capillaries. In addition, when smoking cannabis, the vessels constrict, which also increases the risk of micro-thrombosis.

Scientists: health risk is unclear

According to the German Society for Angiology (DGA), in the event of a thrombosis, vessels such as veins are blocked by a blood clot. Leg and pelvic veins in particular can be affected. If a clot forms in these areas, there is a risk of the clot being carried through the bloodstream to the lungs. A pulmonary embolism is imminent. Various factors can lead to thrombosis. One danger is, for example, prolonged lying down, for example during a hospital stay. In this case, thrombosis stockings prevent vascular occlusion. However, the tendency to thrombosis can also be inherited.

The disease can be fatal. According to figures from the DGA, around 100,000 people die every year in Germany as a result of a pulmonary embolism. This is the third most common fatal cardiovascular disease after heart attack and stroke. If thrombosis is suspected, action must be taken quickly. As a first step, the patient is injected with an anticoagulant substance. This prevents the clot from growing and leading to a pulmonary embolism.

Prof. Kaestner cannot say that the observations of the Saarbrücken researchers actually pose an immediate health risk. This question was not part of the study.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Batteries: What You Need to Know About The Expiry Date

Ascending trend. The energy balance is rather poor and the mini power plants are also expensive. We can all contribute to a better environmental balance.

Recycling rate too low

More and more devices require mobile energy dispensers. In Germany alone, the consumption of device batteries or finger batteries rose to 65,368 tons in 2020. Compared to the previous year, this is an increase of 9,463 tons or 16.9 percent.

The rules for the disposal of batteries are in the Battery Act (BattG). So that used rechargeable batteries and batteries (non-rechargeable) do not end up carelessly in the rubbish bin, retailers are obliged to take them back free of charge: Regardless of the type, whether block battery, button or round cell – “return after use” always applies.

In fact, this has so far been the case for less than half of all old batteries. Only 45.6 percent of the disused mini power plants came back in 2020. In 2019 it was 52.2 percent. Germany has thus just exceeded the EU-wide collection target of 45 percent. Quite obviously: Too many old batteries are not recycled or properly disposed of.

Battery power is expensive

Non-rechargeable batteries in particular are inefficient, as the Federal Environment Agency has determined. Batteries require 40 to 500 times more energy to manufacture than they make available later when used.

The situation is similarly unfavorable with regard to costs. The Federal Environment Agency clarifies this with a sample calculation: A kilowatt hour (kWh) currently costs around 0.35 euros from the socket. For the same amount of energy (1 kWh), provided by batteries, you would have to spend around 77 euros with AA batteries, for example (AA battery: 2600 milliampere hours, 1.5 volts, 0.30 euros each).

The comparison is even more disadvantageous when the smaller AAA batteries are used (1250 milliampere hours, 1.5 volts, 0.30 euros each): Here you would have to spend around 160 euros.

note the expiration date

Electricity is generated in the mini power plants through chemical reactions. However, this does not work indefinitely – batteries age and constantly lose some of their original power through self-discharge. An expiry date printed on the pack or the battery provides information on how long the manufacturer can guarantee the quality.

These three tips can help you:
In order not to get already weakening energy dispensers, this date should be at least four years in the future when you buy it.
Batteries should be stored cool (between 10 and a maximum of 25 degrees), dry and preferably in the original packaging.
Batteries of the same type and with the same state of charge always belong in the device.
If batteries touch the poles or come into contact with other metal parts, this can lead to faster discharge or even a short circuit.

Tips for correct disposal

When your batteries are dead, it’s important to dispose of them properly. The consumer center NRW gives tips:
All depleted batteries and accumulators must be returned to the seller. This applies regardless of markings and inscriptions. Household waste is an absolute taboo for the polluted energy dispenser.
Button cells, rechargeable batteries and the like are returned free of charge, even if you don’t buy any new energy cells. Retailers have to take back batteries of all brands, but only the types that they have or have had in their range.
Smaller devices with built-in batteries or rechargeable batteries – such as wristwatches – can be handed in at municipal collection points for old electronic devices or sent back to online retailers free of charge.
When making a purchase, customers in the shop must be informed about the obligation to return the goods.
Batteries and accumulators contain valuable raw materials such as nickel, zinc or lithium. But also toxic heavy metals, caustic alkalis and acids; therefore caution is required. Up to 90 percent of the materials in batteries are recyclable, depending on the method.

Tip: Before you dispose of it, you can use a measuring device to test whether the residual voltage is still sufficient for devices that don’t need much “juice” – for example a small alarm clock. This saves money and protects the environment.

The advantages of rechargeable batteries are clear

The Federal Environment Agency has another clear recommendation: If you only use devices stationary, you should operate them via the socket. You rarely need household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, drills, razors or hand blenders outside of the reach of sockets. As a rule, mains-operated devices without a battery are more powerful and cheaper.

Batteries are the solution for grid-independent energy. Multiple recharging reduces the inefficient nature of the energy supply. Depending on the type and handling, batteries can be recharged 200 to 1,000 times before they reach the end.

Conclusion

Rechargeable batteries and batteries are expensive. You should therefore only use them if mains operation is not possible. Rechargeable batteries have a clear advantage over batteries. If the mini power plants have used up their power, you should definitely dispose of them at the dealer.

Keep Reading
By
Lifestyle

Bugs in The House: This is What The Ball Beetle Can do in Your Home

The ball beetle is a household pest that should not be underestimated. But what does it look like and what damage can vermin actually do in your home? What you should know about the bug and how to get rid of it.

Why are they so dangerous?

In themselves, the beetles are not directly dangerous or poisonous for us humans, but they indirectly damage our health. Since bullet beetles are omnivores, they stop at almost nothing: they eat wool, fabrics, fillings, grain, but also dead insects, animal and plant remains.

Once they have established themselves, they can spread quickly and besiege entire houses. The females produce clutches of up to 200 eggs, which is one reason for the rapid reproduction.

The beetles can infest half-timbered houses or apartments in old buildings, as these represent the ideal conditions for them.

As a result, they gradually eat their way through the building fabric and over time make living in it difficult or even unreasonable. Since the animals are very hardy and undemanding, it is incredibly difficult to drive them away at an early stage.

It becomes particularly problematic when the ball beetle also infests foods such as flour, spices or oatmeal. They contaminate food with their droppings, pupae and larvae skins

You can do that against the bugs

If you have a ball beetle infestation, you should definitely take the following measures:
Check your supplies regularly: the beetles will eat and burrow through packaging. Make sure the food is well sealed and see if you can spot any holes or debris from the faeces or larvae. Dispose of this packaging immediately.
Use masking tape: This is a great way to check if you actually have bullet bugs in your house. For example, put double-sided tape on the floor so the bugs stick to the tape.
Oatmeal and Newspaper: Set up small traps out of oatmeal and wet newspaper. The animals love the moisture and will congregate there. Therefore, use adhesive tape here as well, which you stick around your trap.
Prevent: Clean regularly, ventilate well and avoid moisture in the house. Also, make sure you regularly check your supplies and wardrobe. Always clean thoroughly and keep everything closed and dry.

However, if the bullet beetles have nested in you for several months or longer, you should definitely contact an exterminator for professional help. This is the only way you can safely rid your house or storage room of the bugs.

Keep Reading
By
health

What You can do Against Weak Connective Tissue

Connective tissue can become weaker with age or after pregnancy. This is how you can counteract it.

Avoid or reduce obesity

If we have too many pounds on our ribs, our inner support system is constantly being stretched. He cannot withstand the constant “pull” and is therefore becoming weaker and weaker. A healthy, slow weight reduction helps the connective tissue.
Regular exercise

Who would have thought? Endurance training and regular daily exercise can help reduce the effects of weak connective tissue. Sport trains the muscles, relieves the connective tissue and also helps to lose excess weight.

Avoid smoking and too much sunlight

Nicotine and UV light cause the skin to age faster. Connective tissue and the outer skin are damaged and lose their firmness more quickly.
Healthy diet, lots of water
Another classic in pretty much all health issues: skin and connective tissue benefit from a diet rich in vegetables and fruit and low in meat. This is due to a large number of vitamins, trace elements and micronutrients that we cannot get in the form of food supplements. Drinking enough non-carbonated water purifies and helps the connective tissue to remove harmful substances.

Massages, contrast showers, creams

While massages and contrast showers stimulate blood circulation and are therefore by no means wrong, lotions and collagen tablets often promise effects that cannot be proven. The main damage is the wallet. If you want to do something good for your connective tissue, it is better to invest in delicious, healthy food or in a new pair of sports shoes.

Keep Reading
By
health

Avoiding Calf Cramps: What Are The Causes – and Which Tips Really Help

They often occur, especially when doing sports: calf cramps. There are simple ways to avoid the annoying pain. Read the best tips for relieving and preventing calf cramps here.

Electrolyte Imbalance – Most Common Causes of Leg Cramps

Common causes of cramps are overexertion of the muscle or a disturbed electrolyte balance. However, if the symptom occurs regularly for no apparent reason, it can be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes or an underactive thyroid. In this case, a doctor should be consulted.

A disturbed electrolyte balance, on the other hand, can easily be avoided. The body needs a variety of minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium, especially when exercising. During strenuous physical activity, large amounts of it are lost through sweat production. If this loss is not compensated promptly by the intake of fluids, there is a risk of a deficiency and imbalance in the electrolyte balance, which then manifests itself in the form of cramps.

Magnesium plays a particularly important role: The mineral has a major influence “on the activities between nerve cells and muscles,” explains Apotheken Umschau. If there is too little magnesium in the body, the muscles can cramp more quickly.

These tips will help against calf cramps

If the cramp is already occurring, stretching exercises are particularly helpful to loosen the cramped muscle. The following tips can also help to prevent calf cramps:

Balance electrolytes: The loss of electrolytes through the urine or heavy sweating must be balanced, for example by drinking. Isotonic drinks can help with this.
Walking around: If you get a cramp while exercising, walking around can help a little. Even if it is painful, the movement stimulates blood circulation in the leg and relieves the cramp.
Stretching: Stretching is particularly helpful. An effective exercise for calf cramps is to lock your leg and pull your foot in toward your body. At the same time, the heel must be pushed through. After half a minute at the latest, the pulling should subside.
If you want to avoid calf cramps, you should make sure that you drink enough. However, the electrolyte balance can also be controlled through diet. Affected people should pay attention to balanced meals with minerals such as magnesium, iron or calcium. Dietary supplements are also an option to compensate for the loss of electrolytes.

In addition, you should always pay attention to the right footwear when doing sports. Anyone who regularly suffers from calf cramps should still see a doctor.

Keep Reading
By