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Most people balk at the idea of cooking for large crowds of people. With images of huge stockpots boiling over and becoming chained to a hot stove and oven for countless hours on end, it’s no wonder that so many people avoid the idea of cooking food for large crowds with more tenacity than they avoid being last in the dinner line.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be the frightening proposition that so many make it out to be. When it comes to cooking for a large crowd, the planning phase is the most important. You absolutely must plan your meals when feeding a large group of people. This goes far beyond the notion of spaghetti or fried chicken as the meals you are planning. You need to know how many servings you will need. While obviously you never know how hungry people will be or who will eat how much when it comes to cooking for a large crowd it is a good idea to always plan for a few extra mouths in case some need a little more than you may think (you might want to double servings for teen and college aged men that will be dining).

You need to know at least a general number of servings to prepare and adjust your recipe in order to accommodate those needs. Some people find it much simpler if they can double or triple recipes rather than scaling them to specific serving sizes. If this works best for you then by all means incorporate this practice when cooking for crowds. One thing you must be aware of is that you will need to include in order to create the meal you are planning.

Having the proper ingredients and the proper amounts of ingredients is more important in bulk recipes than is often necessary in smaller recipes as there is less leeway when it comes to creating the proper consistency. You should keep this in mind when making purchases for your cooking for a large crowd event.

Some people find the best route to take when it comes to cooking for crowds is to keep everything as close to their normal cooking routine as possible. This would mean that instead of cooking one really huge pan of lasagna for a triple sized crowd, they would instead cook three normal sized pans of lasagna. This accomplishes two things really and is something you may wish to keep in mind despite the extra time spent in the kitchen.

First of all, if something goes, wrong only one third of the meal is in shambles rather than the entire dinner. Second, you have a greater possibility of finding consistency issues before the baking begins if you are using measurements and cooking containers that you are familiar with and comfortable using. It is always best to discover errors and omissions sooner rather than later when it comes to cooking as very few ingredients can be properly added after the fact.

While cooking for crowds may send some into dizzying spells with heart palpitations it helps if you take a few deep breaths, sit down, plan your menu, plan your meals, make a list of your ingredients, and cook in a manner that is comfortable for you. If you would rather get it all over with in one fell swoop, then by all means do just that. If you are more comfortable making multiple dishes of family favorites then that is probably going to be the best course of action in order to meet your large crowd cooking needs.

Most importantly you should remember when cooking for crowds is that you might have just earned yourself a well-deserved night off afterwards. Cooking for crowds is time consuming and should be approached when well rested (if that is even possible) for the best results. There is something that is actually very satisfying about knowing that you have fed a crowd and fed them well.

Each year, thousands, if not millions, of homeowners make the decision to remodel their bathrooms. Are you looking to become one of those individuals? A large number of homeowners are, but despite wanting to remodel their bathrooms, many do not end up doing so. One of the reasons for that is because of uncertainty. You and other homeowners just like yourself often wonder whether or not they could benefit from having their bathrooms remodeled. Of course, the final decision is yours to make, but you will find that you can benefit a number of different ways from having your bathroom remodeled.

One of the many benefits of bathroom remodeling is the possibility of an increased home value. This bathroom remodeling benefit is one that is important, but it is also one that tends to go unnoticed. A large number of homeowners do not realize that by remodeling their bathrooms, the value of their homes could increase. Although most bathroom remodeling projects do result in an increased home value, not all do. The increase in value, if there is any at all, will all depend on the type of bathroom remodeling that was done, as well as the quality of the remodeling. That is why it may be a good idea to have a professional remodel your bathroom for you.

Another one of the many reasons why you should make the decision to remodel your bathroom is because what a bathroom remodeling project can do for you. If you are even thinking about having your bathroom remodeled, there is a good chance that you are unhappy with the current state of your bathroom. Since the bathroom is often considered one of the most used rooms in a home, you will likely be spending a fairly large amount of time in there. When you are in your bathroom, it is important that you feel pride, not disgust. That is why if you are unhappy with the way that your bathroom looks or the way that it makes you feel, you may want to think about starting a bathroom remodeling project soon.

In addition to how a bathroom remodeling project will make you feel, it is also important to examine what it can do for your home. Aside from increasing the value of your home, a bathroom remodeling project will likely increase the appearance of your home. This appearance will not only be noticed by you, but it may also be noticed by your guests. An attractive home or at least an attractive bathroom may help to make your home feel more welcoming and inviting. In fact, once you have your bathroom remodeled, there is a good chance that you may be more willing to invite your friends or relatives into your home, whether it be for a party or just a small social call.

As you can see, there are a number of different reasons why you should want to remodel your bathroom, or at least think about doing so. What is even more amazing is that the above mentioned reasons are just a few of the reasons why a bathroom remodeling project may be just what you need. In fact, there are not only a large number of reasons why you should remodel your bathroom, but there are also a large number of benefits too. That is why it is, at least, advised that you sit down and think about remodeling your bathroom. After a close examination, there is a good chance that you would like to get started right away.

Are you a homeowner who has recently decided that you would like to have your bathroom remodeled? If so, why would you like to have it remodeled? One of the most common reasons for bathroom remodeling is for a change. Many homeowners make the decision to remodel their bathrooms when they are no longer pleased with the way that their looks. If you are looking to change the way that your bathroom looks, you could definitely benefit from a remodeling project, but that is not all that you could benefit from. You could also benefit from changing your bathroom theme or décor.

When it comes to changing bathroom themes or décor, one of the most commonly asked questions is why. A large number of homeowners automatically assume that remodeling their bathroom is enough. If you are remodeling your bathroom, the remodeling, alone, may be more than enough to give you what you want, as well as what you need, but it depends. It depends on how much remodeling you are doing. If you are planning on changing around your whole bathroom, you may be pleased enough. However, if you are only remodeling a portion of your bathroom, you may want to do more. In fact, if you are looking to remodel your bathroom, so it looks as if you have a completely different bathroom, you may want to think about changing your décor or your bathroom theme.

As previously mentioned, the biggest reason why you should want to change your bathroom theme or décor is because of the change. You can change a bathroom as much as you want, by replacing the fixtures, but if you have the same bathroom theme or décor, it may still seem like the same old bathroom. If that is the case, you may still be unhappy. After spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bathroom remodeling project, unhappiness is not a feeling that you should be left with. Therefore, it may be a good idea for you think about changing around your bathroom décor or even completely changing your bathroom theme.

Aside from wondering why, many homeowners fear the extra work that goes along with redecorating a bathroom. Many hoped that the work would stop when the remodeling did. In all honesty, it really isn’t that difficult to pick out and change your bathroom décor or bathroom theme, at least it shouldn’t be. Bathroom themes and decors are often used to describe kitchen wall hangings, shower curtains, window curtains, and bath mats. What is nice about these items is that most can be purchased from an unlimited number of different locations. In fact, if you are looking for the easiest way to replace your bathroom décor or change your bathroom theme, you are advised to shop online. You can easily browse through bathroom products, as well as order and pay for them, without ever having to leave your home; talk about saving time!

Although there is a good chance that you could benefit from replacing the décor in your bathroom or changing your bathroom theme, you may want to wait until your bathroom remodeling has finished before making a decision. There is a chance that you may find the remodeling enough to give you the bathroom of your dreams; thus eliminating the need for a new bathroom theme or décor.

If you have children in your home, chances are you have an abundance of worn down crayons that don’t get used much anymore. Before throwing them out and buying new ones, consider using them to make candles. This can be a great way to turn them into something new and bright again. Most children will love the idea of creating candles with you and enjoy knowing their old crayons helped create them. Making candles out of crayons can also be a great gift giving idea.

Before you get started, discuss safety with your children. Since the crayons will have to be melted at a very high heat, they will not be able to participate in that portion of the candle making process. Assure them that there are many other aspects of the candle making that they can be a part of. To start, gather your supplies. In addition to the crayons, you will need a wax cartoon. This can be from milk, fabric softener, or orange juice. You will also need paraffin wax, two full ice cube trays, a double boiler, and white packing string. If you don’t want to use your double boiler an old coffee can and a saucepan will work just as well.

Trim the top off of the wax carton, leaving it approximately six inches high. You will want to cut the string at least 8 inches long. You will later cut the wick to fit the holder. To ensure a wick that burns easier take three pieces and bread them together. Use smaller pieces of string to tie the ends together. The holders for your candles can be anything you desire as long as they are non-flammable. Pretty vases, glasses, and jars work nicely.

Melt about three pounds of paraffin wax in the double boiler or coffee can. To help it melt faster, cut it into small chunks. The melting process with take about fifteen to twenty minutes. While the wax is melting, peel the papers off of the old crayons. You and your children can choose to separate the colors by lights and darks to have a mix that melds well or you can mix it all together and see what the color ends up being.

For best results, only add the crayons to the wax after it has completely melted. After the crayons and wax have both melted together, immediately remove the mixture from the stove and pour into your candle holders. If you would like to make scented candles try adding a splash of cinnamon or vanilla to your hot wax mixture.

It is important that the candles by left alone to completely harden. Make sure you have an area this can be done without disruption. It is also important to make sure small children can’t reach them, as out of curiosity they may want to check on their candles. The wax will stay hot for several hours and can scold the skin.

Making candles out of old crayons is a great way to spend the afternoon creating a neat project with your children. This process can also be done at schools and childcare centers with old crayons as presents for parents. Simply allow each child to decorate the outside of their candle holder while adults complete the rest of the process.

Are you on a tight budget, but have an important baby shower that you dare not miss? Don’t worry…here are ten items that you can give as a gift, without breaking the bank.

Books. Buy baby board books online for less than $5 a pop (shipping included). Get discounted rates when buying on a bundle.

Baby Clothes. Any new Mom will appreciate a set of clothes as a baby shower gift. However, if you plan ahead, you can give the Mom-to-be toddler clothes instead of infant sets. She’ll surely appreciate the vision. Another tip is to buy off-season, while the clothes are on clearance. You can surely fit more than a piece for under $10.

Engraved Charms. If a silver or gold bracelet is out of your budget, why not give a personalized jewelry charm? Choose from several shapes, with heart as being the most popular. It can be used as a pendant or bracelet charm. Have the baby’s name and birth date engraved at the back of the charm.

Basket of Goodies. In dollar stores, purchase an inexpensive woven basket and decorate it with leftover holiday ribbons. Line the basket with pastel confetti and fill the basket with goodies, like purse versions of lotion, cologne, powder, diaper pins, wet tissues, anything that the baby needs. Some of these miniature items are grocery give-aways, so the over-all price comes really low.

Painted Pots. Paint clean clay pots with pastel colors and use stencils to place simple designs. Give a set of three to give the Mom-to-be a handy desktop storage for cotton balls, Qtips, diaper pins, etc.

Hand or footprint kit. These are kits that have materials to imprint the baby’s hands or feet onto framed shadowboxes. Most kits are at $10.

Framed Cross-Stitch. For a personal touch, buy cross-stitch materials and sew the baby’s name and birth date on a rectangle piece of cloth. Have it framed for a lasting gift. If you are short of time, give her a short and sweet note written on a copy of the pattern to say, “gift is work-in-progress, will be done in time for his/ her birth.”

Plant a Tree. Various government-sponsored companies are promoting tree planting and this is definitely a great gift for a baby shower. Most tree planting gifts come with a certificate complete with the baby’s name and a personalized dedication. Some companies offer a dollar for every tree, so your $10 can buy 10 trees. Now that’s a guarantee of fresh air for the baby’s future.

Baby Website. For the tech savvy Mom-to-be, create a free website for the future newborn. This gift will last until the baby grows up and can personally edit his or her website. If you know that the parents already have a web host, why not pay for the domain registration of the baby’s name so for the next five years, the future new born will have his or her own e-niche.

Pamper Mom, Too! Who says baby shower gifts are only for babies? Be creative by giving the Mom-to-be a gift, instead of the baby. After all, the occasion is, in fact, a celebration of her strength and dedication in carrying another life for nine months. Dollar stores frequently offer pampering gift baskets or customize your own, similar to the basket of goodies described above.

Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe

1 cup instant brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons canola oil
6 ounces asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1/2 bunch)
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced into 1-inch pieces
4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Hot red pepper sauce, to taste

Combine rice and broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes. Spread the rice out on a large plate and let stand for 5 minutes.

While the rice is cooling, coat a large nonstick wok or skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Pour in eggs and cook, stirring gently, until just set, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl.

Heat canola oil in the pan over medium-high; add asparagus and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add bell pepper, scallions, garlic and ginger; cook, stirring, until the vegetables are just tender, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce and vinegar to the pan; cook until the liquid is absorbed, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Fold in the cooked eggs. Remove from the heat; stir in sesame oil and hot sauce.

Makes 2 servings, 2 cups each

Chocolate Cherry Layer Bars Recipe

Base
1 (18.25 ounce) box dark chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 egg

Filling
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 can ready-to-spread vanilla frosting
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained

Glaze
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons margarine or butter

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9x 13-inch pan.

Combine all base ingredients at low speed until crumbly.
Press in bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes
or until set.

In small saucepan, combine gelatine and water, let stand 1
minute. Warm over low heat until gelatine dissolves. In
small bowl, combine dissolved gelatine, frosting and
cherries at low speed until well blended. Spread evenly
over cooked base.

In small saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate chips and
margarine, stirring constantly until well blended. Drizzle
over filling. Refrigerator until firm; cut into bars. Store
in refrigerator.

Makes 48 bars.