5 Things You Can Cook in a Deep Fat Fryer

we love to fryPresented here are five recipes that you can cook in your shiny new deep fat fryer. Before you begin however, you must be aware of the hazards of cooking with an appliance that heats oil to extremely high temperatures.

• Carefully read the manual provided with the fryer.
• Ensure that you cook in a dry area. A drop of water in hot oil can have a violent reaction.
• Keep the temperature constant. This can be achieved by cooking in small batches, to prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping due to the food, which is colder.
• The more oil you put in, the more constant the temperature will be. However, do not put too much in! 1/2 or a 1/3 of the fryer should be sufficient.

Chicken nuggets
4 servings

Ingredients
• 4 boneless chicken breasts, skinned
• 1 beaten egg
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt

Method
1. Rinse chicken with cold water. Leave to dry in refrigerator or pat dry with paper towels. Cut into small pieces.
2. Fill the fryer with oil and heat to medium heat.
3. Mix the egg and water in a small bowl. Add flour, sesame seeds and salt, and stir until everything is blended smoothly.
4. Dip the pieces of chicken into the batter. Drain off excess and add them a few pieces at a time, into the fryer. Cook for 4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove chicken and place on paper towels or a grille to drain.

Breaded scallops
4 servings

Ingredients
• 0.5kg sea scallops
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 mashed potato flakes
• 2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method
1. Beat eggs in a bowl
2. Combine potato flakes, bread crumbs, salt and pepper in another bowl.
3. Dip scallops in egg, and then roll in potato mixture.
4. Add scallops into fryer. Cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Pork Chops
6 servings

Ingredients
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
6 pork chops
2 cups bread crumbs

Method
1. Preheat oil to 350º F.
2. Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and water until smooth.
3. Dip pork in batter and coat thoroughly. Then coat with bread crumbs.
4. Place pork into fryer. Cook 8 to minutes or until done.

Hush Puppies
18 Servings

Ingredients
1/2 cup sifted flour
1 onion,minced
1 egg
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup corn meal
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Milk

Method
1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until you get a stiff consistency with the milk. Make sure that it can be scooped with a spoon.
2. Using a teaspoon, scoop the dough and place them carefully into the fryer.
3. Cook until golden brown.

French Fries
Serves 4

Ingredients
1kg potatoes (Spunta, King Edward, Bintje or Russet Burbank potatoes are recommended)

Method
1. Wash and peel potatoes. Cut into long chips and use a paper towel to pat dry.
2. Heat fryer to medium-high heat. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of potato skin into the oil. It should sizzle when the temperature is right.
3. Cook chips, 1 batch at a time, until crisp and golden brown. Season with salt and serve immediately.

The Advantages of 4 x 4 Cars

Vehicles move on torque or the force of the engine and the traction of the wheels power the torque. Each tyre of a vehicle has traction, which is friction between the tyre and the ground. The engine of a conventional 2WD uses only the traction of two tyres to move. In contrast, 4WD uses traction from all the four wheels. This improves the traction resulting in better stability of the vehicle especially when driving up a hill or off the road. It also allows better control when breaking over slippery surfaces.

For instance, assume the traction of a wheel at 120 and a torque power of 200. A 2WD would feed the 200 torque engine with 240 (120×2) traction leaving very little spare traction. On slippery roads, when traction reduces, the total traction may remain insufficient to power the torque. This results in the tyre spinning but the car not moving forward, a potentially dangerous situation. A 4WD that draws on the traction of all the four wheels makes such an occurrence unlikely and improves safety significantly.

4WD vehicles usually have a higher base height compared to normal vehicles, improving visibility and command of the road.

Until recently 4WD was commonly associated with sports utility vehicles (SUV) and trucks that operate on rugged terrain. However, of late, major manufacturers such as Chrysler, Land Rover, Nissan, Honda, Suzuki, Ford, and Mitsubishi have started rolling out 4×4 cars.

Many 4×4 cars operate as 2WD in normal conditions, and incorporate a sensor and switch that allows switching to 4WD when required. The sensor, for instance, direct control to rear wheels when it detects slippage in front wheels.

The benefits of 4×4 cars come at only a marginal increase in cost. On an average, a 4WD car costs just $1000 to $5000 more than a conventional 2WD car.

5 Hairstyles you can do at home

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One of the most time consuming and frustrating experiences of any woman in the morning is styling your hair. Simply put, it can be quite difficult to achieve the beauty you desire, in a limited amount of time, when getting to work on time is a priority. To combat this issue, here are 5 hair styles that can take less than 10 minutes to do at home.

Wavy Bohemian Hair

1. Hold your hair and flip. Lightly spray on underside with hairspray. Let it return to the normal position and spray on the top. Using your fingers, gently tousle.
2. Gathering the bangs of your hair, pin it with a bobby pin.
3. Using a 1-inch curling iron, wrap your hair around it, at ear level.
4. Unpin and curl your bangs.
5. Shake your hair gently with your fingers, but do not run your fingers through them.

Pony tail

1. Gather your hair from ear to ear, and hold it over your head.
2. Using a head band, tie the back section of your hair to make the pony tail.

Curly Bun (on curly hair)

1. Layer on shine serum on the top of your hair.
2. Tie your hair into a pony tail.
3. Use hairspray to preserve the hairstyle.

Braids

1. Use your fingers to part hair, either in the middle or the sides. It is a matter of personal preference.
2. Grab both sections on the sides of the parting.
3. Roughly braid both sections towards the back of your head.
4. Lightly apply some pomade to the braids.
5. Secure the two braids with an elastic or band.

Knotted bun

1. Use hair straighteners or brush thoroughly if you already possess straight hair.
2. Part your hair in the centre of your head, separating them downwards to your neck.
3. Spray shine spray over both sides of your head, securing an elastic a few centimetres away from the bottom of the two sections.
4. Taking both sections, twist them towards each other with your fingers.
5. Braid the two sections so it resembles a roped pony tail.
6. Fold the bottom section under and secure with pins. If there are any stray bits sticking out, use hairspray to smooth them out.

Valentines day


[Via: Basekit Valentines Day Flowchart]
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Tip for Choosing a Live Band for your Wedding

First dance!The wedding band is the most important part of the wedding celebration. The band sets the mood for all the guests and makes the occasion more memorable. Selecting wedding bands for hire should not be taken lightly by the planner. It is a step that requires much thought and excellent organizational skills. The following are some tips on how to choose a live band for a wedding:

1. Asks the Guests

The easiest way for a person to decide on an appropriate wedding band is to ask the guests. The people who are attending the wedding are the people the band is meant to please. Guests will have varying musical tastes. By asking ahead of time, the wedding planner has an opportunity to select a band that appeals to the tastes of all guests. One good way to go about asking the guests what kind of band they like is to ask it in the form of a survey question at the end of the wedding invitation.

2. Search Within the Budget

After the guests give the wedding planner a better idea of a genre for the band, the planner can begin searching for bands within the budget. The planner can narrow the list down to five wedding bands for hire. He or she can choose between these five performance groups.

3. Select by Reputation

The wedding planner could conduct a significant amount of research to check the reputation of the band. He or she should select the band with the longest tenure and most honorable reputation. The objective is to give the guests an experience they will rave about for years to come. In addition, the bride and groom will remember smiles on the faces of everyone who attended their most special event.

Written by Rob from RH Live wedding bands – the perfect choice when you’re looking for wedding bands Sussex or anywhere in the UK.

The Five Best Cars From the Movies

When our love for cars and movies combine, something magical happens. Some movie cars are so iconic that you can’t help but say, “Hey! That’s the car from…” This list is for the car enthusiast and film buff in all of us. Whether they’re known for their performance on the road or not, their performance on the silver screen is unforgettable.

1. Back to the Future series: DeLorean DMC 12 (1981)

John DeLorean only manufactured 9000 of the brushed steel, gull-wing door models in 1981 before bankruptcy but DMC’s one-year production run was long enough to achieve a starring role in one of the most well-loved hits of the 80’s.

2. James Bond films: Aston Martin (various)

Though the Bond films have featured Bentleys, BMWs, Saabs and more, none has become as iconic as the Aston Martin. From its first appearance in Goldfinger with the DB5 to its latest role in Quantum of Solace with the DBS V12, Aston Martin is synonymous with 007.

3. Wayne’s World: AMC Pacer (1977)

If you can see this car on the road and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” doesn’t pop into your head right away, why are you reading this? If it does, well party on!

4. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Ferrari 250 Spyder California GT (1961)

It’s the ultimate car for the ultimate day of playing hooky. Just don’t try to take miles off the odometer by running it in reverse. It doesn’t work that way.

5. Smoky and the Bandit: Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1977)

This was perfect muscle car lover’s movie. Smokey was no match at all for its 200hp engine and T-top, not to mention Burt’s manly mustache!

This was a guest post on behalf of Oils & Stuff who sell engine oil for cars, motorbikes and other vehicles online.

Secrets to Making Perfect Guacamole

Yummy Homemade Guacamole

Guacamole is always a welcome treat at parties and gatherings. It also makes a versatile dish for vegetarians. However, there are a few secrets to producing the perfect guacamole. Here is the inside scoop to an amazing avocado dip.

Ingredients:

  • 6 ripe avocados
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons lime or lemon juice

Take a knife and split each avocado lengthwise, remove the seed and use a table spoon to scoop out the green flesh into a bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocados. Add all of the other ingredients to the bowl. The lime or lemon juice keeps the avocado flesh from darkening. The next step is to mix all the ingredients with a hand blender. Using a hand mixer is vital in creating a creamier dip and allowing all of the seasonings to be distributed evenly. Guacamole is traditionally served with corn chips. It can also be served with toasted slices of sour dough bread or warmed pita bread.

Starting with ripe avocados is extremely important. The avocados should give slightly when squeezed. Do not use avocados that feel mushy or hard. Avocados are high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and Niacin. They are also low in sugars and high in dietary fiber, making them a good choice for diabetics.

A Wedding Day Checklist for the Best Man

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Being chosen to be a best man in a wedding includes more than just throwing the bachelor party. The best man should perform a host of duties to ensure the wedding day proceeds as smooth as possible. A best man checklist will help ensure a good wedding and avoid any wedding day mishaps.

Before the Wedding:
The role of best man entails helping the groom dress for the wedding. Make sure he has packed for the honeymoon before the ceremony. Gas up the getaway car, the last thing the wedding couple need is to run out of fuel. Ensure travel documents and ID are ready as well as money and credit cards.

Prior To Walk Down the Aisle:
Make sure the groom has used the bathroom and his fly is zipped. Check the groom for bad breath and deodorant. Check to make sure his shoes are tied and his hair is combed. A best man will need to guarantee that if the groom has written his vows that he has them with him. Calm the groom down if necessary and double check that rings are at the ready.

The Reception:
The best man should arrive to the reception early to make sure everything is set up properly and the music is in place. A proper speech should be written in advance to avoid last minute jitters or inappropriate jokes. Give a toast to the new couple and dance with the bride and her bridesmaids.

This was a guest post by John for The Grand – one of the best Sussex wedding venues for your big day.

Groupon- What’s All The Fuss About?

groupon logoThe word “Groupon” is a combination of “Group” and “Coupon.” The Groupon company offers Groupons, or group coupons, that may be purchased by the general public. Essentially, the Groupon company partners with a retailer of goods or services for a special deal, such a £40 gift certificate for the reduced price of £20. Individuals are notified of new deals online by visiting the Groupon website or by receiving an e-mail or alert to their smartphone. If a certain number of people sign up for the deal, then everyone who signed up receivers the deal. If not enough people sign up for it, then no one receives the deal. A voucher is sent via e-mail for the special deal, which can be printed and taken to the particular deal location, such as a shop or restaurant. A new Groupon deal is offered every day, and generally each region that is a Groupon “hub” has a different deal daily. There are dozens of such hubs throughout the UK, including Groupon London deals, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and many more. They are also popular throughout the United States.

The most important thing to do before participating in a Groupon deal is reading the fine print of the deal. For example, many restaurants may require that a customer using a Groupon coupon spend a certain amount of money in the transaction at hand or restrict the days that the coupon can be used. Most commonly, Groupons cannot be used on weekends or holidays, which are busy times for commerce. You can also always telephone the establishment with any questions about such restrictions. It’s also important to be mindful of expiration dates, as some deals expire very quickly.

Travel Review: Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier, formally called the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier, is an entertainment pier in Brighton, England.

After construction began in 1891, the pier opened in 1899. A concert hall, added in 1901, was transformed into a theater. All through World War II, the pier was shut down because it was a security risk.

In the following years, entertainers used the theater for summer shows until a loose barge damaged the pier, closing the theater permanently. Currently, the end of the pier toward the sea has a more modern appearance than the remainder of the pier.

The pier has a covered entertainment arcade and amusement rides such as roller coasters, a log cascade, and children’s rides.

Brighton Pier’s Thrill rides spin, invert and hurtle riders in the direction of the sea. The Air Diver Super Booster, unique to the pier, reaches 60 mph in a few seconds. Four riders are lifted up 38 meters in the air and then dropped while swinging at 60 mph. The Galaxia and Twist rides also twirl, as does the Crazy. To cool down, ride the Wild River Cascade.

Brighton Pier offers the traditional amusement park rides such as the Ghost Train and Helter Skelter, plus Dodgems, Waltzers, and the Gallopers, which is one of the most long-established carousels.

Families will find rides for children who can drive around the Grand Prix course on trucks, motor bikes, and buses, climb the bubbly BMX castle. and slide down the high slide at Scull Island. The Gallopers and Horror Hotel Ghost Train are favorites.

Brighton Pier is open from 9 AM until 2 AM all week in the summer and 10 AM until 12 AM in the winter. It is also open on Christmas Day.

Entry to the pier is free, and visitor use purchased tokens for the rides and games. Costs for the rides are £25 for a wristband to ride all day.

For Brighton taxis to the pier see taxibrighton.com