Wok this Way! (Part 1 of 5)

By Helen Fan

Introduction

Woks have been synonymous with Chinese cooking since the emergence of Chinese cuisine. They have been used for some 3000 years in China for a variety of cooking methods, including stir frying, boiling, and steaming. A wok is a large, thin-walled, round-bottomed, metal cooking pan, and shaped like a shallow bowl with handles. The addition of a wooden rack and cover transforms the wok into a steamer. Although woks come in sizes ranging from 10 to 32 inches in diameter, a wok that's 11 to 14 inches should suffice for use in a household kitchen.

With the increasing popularity of Chinese cuisine, there are now many “Westernized” versions of the wok. There is the addition of a metal ring, which is set on top of a gas or electric stove to hold the wok to prevent tipping. Some have a small flat bottom instead of the traditional round bottom, for the same reason. The new versions will get the job done, but thetraditionalal" large round-bottomed woks are still, by far, the preferred wok of choice.

Since the essence of Chinese cuisine is to achieve food tenderness through quick cooking to retain the natural taste, flavor, and color of the ingredients, the wok's ingenious unique design makes it a perfect fit in Chinese cooking.

Its bottom concentrates heat to achieve 2 objectives: 1) to direct the heat at the food, while sealing in the flavors and allowing food to be cooked evenly, and 2) to allow cooking food quickly with very little oil. The stir fry cooking technique shifts food around the wok quickly, coating it with oil during cooking, as opposed to using a flat frying pan where a lot more oil is required. Consequently, cooking with a wok is essential for a healthy diet. It also has curved sides to keep in food that is being tossed and flipped during stir frying. Food, when cooked, may be moved up the sloping side of the wok to stay warm without cooking further, while other food is cooked at the bottom. It is also ideal for deep frying as it requires less oil than any other kitchen cookware to do the job.

Next, in Part 2 of Wok this way!, we'll go over selecting a wok.

Helen Fan grew up in a family that has owned various Asian restaurants all over North America, from Vancouver (Canada), Houston (Texas), Decatur (Illinois), to Chicago (Illinois). She, and the rest of the Fan family are now sharing their decades of knowledge on the art of Chinese cuisine at http://www.chinesehomecooking.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Fan

An Introduction To Indoor And Outdoor Bonsai Trees

By Lee Dobbins

Bonsai, literally “tree planted in a tray”, are miniature versions of larger trees. Depending on the type of bonsai tree under consideration, their height can range from a few inches to a few feet. Like regular trees, bonsai trees can also bear flowers and fruits.

There are two types of bonsai trees: indoor and outdoor. While most bonsai are outdoor plants, certain varieties are adapted well enough to survive in an indoor setting. These would be the tropical or subtropical varieties. If you plan on raising these, be sure to put them in a spot where they can get some sunlight in the mornings and shade in the afternoon. Avoid exposing them to too much sunlight – many varieties of bonsai do not bear up well under intense heat. Indoor varieties of bonsai include the ficus, baby jade, sago palms, serissa, fukien tea, pachira, gardenia, and some elm varieties.

Outdoor bonsai are further divided into two groups. The first group consists of the evergreen trees, which include the pine, the juniper, and the azalea. As the name evergreen suggests, these trees retain their foliage no matter what the season is. They usually undergo a dormancy period during winter, which creates a yellow tinge around their leaves.

Deciduous trees include elms and maples. These trees shed their leaves during the fall and re-bud at springtime. Most elm species fall into this category, as does the apricot, hornbeam, and gingko. Like evergreen bonsai, deciduous bonsai also go through a dormancy stage at winter. Deciduous bonsai are not well suited to being grown indoors – the levels of light and humidity are too different from those in their natural habitat.

There are many types of bonsai trees, but they do have one thing in common. All bonsai trees, with few exceptions, need specific care if they are to thrive. You will need to protect them from both excessive cold and heat, depending on the climate in your area. Also, levels of humidity have to be monitored, and as much as possible you should provide the specific humidity level that your bonsai needs to grow. As long as you know what you are doing, however, it shouldn’t be a problem for you.

Taking care of a bonsai tree is not a task for amateurs. Bonsai trees are unusual trees and they require unusual care. Most types of bonsai are not particularly hardy, especially when compared to other types of plants. If you are considering acquiring your own bonsai tree, or if you already have one, you need to know what to do to increase your plant’s chances of survival.

Taking care of a bonsai tree requires specialized knowledge. If you are serious about growing your own bonsai plants, you need to take time to conduct a little research. But a few books and read up on the subject. If you know anyone who has had experience in raising bonsai, you should try to discuss the matter with him or her as well. Taking care of a bonsai is hard enough; being ignorant certainly isn’t going to help you.

Be sure to find a local bonsai nursery. Avoid the bonsai trees sold in department stores and malls. Although they may seem to be in good condition and sell for less, they are often close to death and will not survive in your home for long. Retailers, after all, are interested only in selling the plant, not maintaining it. It would be far better for you to find a nursery that sells seedlings or small bonsai plants. This will allow you to experience the joy (and hardship!) of raising your own plant. Additionally, you will be able to shape the tree the way you want to, which is not always an option with the more mature plants.

Don’t skimp on the tools that you need. For most people, raising a bonsai is more of a hobby than anything else. This does not mean, however, that you should skimp on the tools that you will need to raise your plants well. One example of bonsai tool is a concave cutter. A concave cutter is a tool designed to prune the plant without leaving a stub. Shears, pliers, and branch bending jacks are common as well. For shaping the tree, you will need aluminum and copper wires.

Taking care of a bonsai tree involves a continuous learning process. While this article is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to bonsai care, it should give you the idea that there is much to be learned in order to be successful. However, don’t be discouraged. If you truly love bonsai trees, learning will not be difficult for you at all! And once you’ve mastered the art of raising a bonsai, you can look forward to many beautiful days with your miniature tree.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com/ where you can learn more about types of bonsai trees and their care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Patio Design - Expanding Your Home Outdoors

By Nicholas Webb

A patio can be just like another room in your house. Effective patio design can mean that your increase the floor space of your home, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertain like never before. A patio can just be a rectangular slab of concrete with some plastic chairs and griller, but it can also be so much more.

What comes to mind when you think of a patio?

Patio design gives you the opportunity to create an outside living area – an extension of your home – for entertaining and relaxing all year round. For instance, people who like to entertain may want to consider a patio with an undercover kitchen and dining area. By adding a barbecue grill, a built in fridge and some quality outdoor furniture, the patio can, in itself, become a feature of your home.

When commencing a new patio design, it is important to remember that your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to be expensive. There are a variety of different patio surfaces to fit a particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay stones and bricks. There is no need to stick to one type of paving or surface - experiment. Pebbles, gravels, bricks and tiles, can all be incorporated. A contrasting brick edge can also be effective. Similarly, patio shades need not be extensive, just enough to cover the main cooking and eating areas; after all, why block out the view of your gorgeous garden in the midday sun or the stars in the sky on a clear night.

Consider textures, colors, and materials before starting

One of the most important considerations of patio design is landscaping. Plants help to soften the hard surface of a patio floor by providing color, texture and fragrance and they set the mood for an outdoor living space. Further, you might also like to consider the use of a water feature and some soft low voltage lighting or candles, to create a stunning patio setting for night time entertaining.

Finally,

Selecting the Right Furniture is the key to the perfect patio design. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on the right setting; more importantly you want to select items that are durable, basic in color and rich in style and sophistication. Consider resin coated wicker or rattan pieces that can be dressed up with different cushions and throw rugs. These items can be changed regularly to cater for a themed party or more simply, to match the changes in your flourishing flower beds.

A patio design can be as elaborate or as straightforward as you want it to be. Patios can be arranged in any shape and size and can be refreshed regularly just like the interior of your home. Outdoor entertaining is an increasing pastime – enjoy it with family and friends!

Nicholas webb is the owner of http://www.allabout-patio.com A site that provides user-friendly patio furniture, patio accessories, consumer tips and buying advice for the outdoor lover. Check it out before parting with your money.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Webb

Incorporate A Water Feature In Your Landscaping

By Bill Prudehome

A water feature placed strategically in a landscape or garden provides a dynamic element to what is usually a static design. Water elements provide tranquility and a sense of calm. The sound and visual effects provided by flowing water are known for their soothing and stress relieving qualities. As a side benefit water features have been known to increase property values by as much as 10%.

Water features can be as simplistic as a statue acting as a fountain to highly complex designs that mimic natural features with multiple terraces and water cascading over a rock bed. Water flow can be slow or swift, with the feature used as a background or as the predominant design element. Only your imagination and budget control the final appearance.

Attract wildlife, from an abundance of birds to squirrels and chipmunks and depending on the location of your property larger animals such as deer. Depending on your climate adding fish to ponds and streams enhances the overall water feature.
The addition of a water feature allows you to dramatically expand the types of plants and flora that can be incorporated into your landscaping.

Many individuals hesitate when considering adding a water feature because of they feel that they are complex to install and require a great deal of maintenance. The complexity of the installation is relative to how dramatic the water feature is and the level of maintenance is relative to the initial investment in the quality of the pumping, aeration and filtration equipment installed.

In the past it was necessary to buy numerous components for your water feature and hope that all the different pieces of equipment were compatible with one another. Now many manufactures are supplying complete kits that contain all of the necessary pumps, filters, aerators, piping and connectors to ensure that all of the pieces of hardware work in conjunction with one another.

Once you have determined that you are going to install a water feature within your landscaping check with your municipal building department for any special requirements and if a permit is required. Remember that water features are difficult to relocate and usually expensive to modify. Planning is the key to success.

For additional information on landscaping your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Prudehome

Deck Patios in Your Dwellings Can Be Made to Look Unique

By Allan Wilson

Deck and patio awnings:

The roof like structure often made of canvas or plastic that serves as a shelter, as over a storefront, window, door, or deck. Take satisfaction in the instant dimness and add style and extra living space to your home, with a simple turn of the crank, you get safe pleasure of your deck, patio or terrace. You will get retractable patios for your houses and swimming pools. Mostly people get retractable awnings because they can use it in summers evening they can sit out and relax. Nowadays we get cheap awnings also in the market. The awnings are for people who like to sit in the backyard and keep jazzing. They can put up awnings in the backyard for the shelter from the sun’s rays. The ideal for patios awnings, deck awnings, terrace awnings, balcony awnings, and poolside awnings or over the grande retractable awning series features our largest awnings, which are often used in commercial awnings applications or for homes where a large expanse or projection is required. And our Mirage series retractable awning is great for smaller windows and doors.

Retractable awning:

The four level of retractable awning with various options giving you a wide selection which will provide shade on your deck or patio. The retractable awnings are given much extra importance and even used as a furnishing to enhance the look of a place. So they are not limited to roof covering and shelters. Instead of a customary shape and a dark hue they are given special cuts so that they look better. Mostly scallops are used for the edge designing. But in fashionable times more and more different cuts are made available. So that you have an exceptional look. Retractable awnings have automation in them so they rise and close at the push of a button. At the same time they can be manually installed. Sometimes awnings are even vertically hanged from a door. All you have to do is roll it up when you are through with the day or roll it down.

Deck Patio Ideas-Is your Home “Decked”-Up?

To make homes look interesting, different and unique there are several things which can be done. Architects, interior-decorators and common people are now trying to devise innovative ideas to spice-up homes. People are making even the most obscure corners of their homes look attractive with the help of various means. Thus one such area of homes which can be made to look strikingly wonderful is the deck patio.

How can the Deck Patio in your home look Beautiful?

The deck patios in your dwellings can be made to look unique by implementing the following ideas and means:

1) Deck patios can be made to look interesting by making decks out of different types of woods. The different types of woods which can be used for making attractive decks are redwood, Alaskan yellow cedar, white cedar, treated wood, iron wood, foreign wood, water-repellent wood, wood tiles and other exterior wood.

2) Deck patios can be made to look great by using vintage woodwork and rhino decks.

3) Decks can also be made of wooden composite decks and products like EZDeck, Trimax plastic lumber and timber deck can be used.

4) Beautiful patio decks can also be made of vinyl. Thus individuals can have vinyl decks, plastic lumber yard, rhino deck and new life decks.

5) Deck patios can look beautiful with brick work and brick tiles.

6) It is necessary that deck patios are made by taking the help of professional contractors who specialize in decks. They can offer many options, including integrating your deck with stone patios. They can also install electrical wiring for lights and heaters and can even run a gas line through the deck to an outdoor grill and/or piping to a portable kitchen.

7) It is also possible to outfit the patio with a barbecue grill.

Conclusion:

Deck patios must be built with strong and long-lasting materials even if they are expensive. A patio is the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s work. It is also a great place to entertain guests. Deck patios are often overlooked part of the home. Thus they can be customized with furniture, plants, and decorative accents to become a restful haven. Irrespective of the style of homes, a patio will increase its value and would definitely be rewarding in many ways!

You now have your beautiful new deck but have you thought about deck furniture? If not pay a visit to:http://www.deckingfurniture.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allan_Wilson

Chinese Food - Anhui Cuisine

By Ada Cao

Auhui province is located in east China. Anhui cuisine, one of the eight major cuisines in China, features the local culinary arts of Huizhou, a city close to Huangshan Mountain, which is not only the most beautiful mountain in china, but also provides abundant products for dish cooking. The major ingredients in Anhui cuisine, such as stone frog, mushroom, bayberry, tea leaves, bamboo shoot, dates, pangolin, etc., are from mountain area.

One distinctive characteristic of Anhui cuisine is the elaborate choices of cooking materials. The chef uses fresh and high quality material to prepare dishes. Anhui dishes preserve most of the original taste and nutrition of the materials. Some of the Anhui dishes actually are also medicine cuisine, which it good to health. For example, Chukka has tender flesh and a sweet taste. It can be boiled in clear soup or braised in soy sauce. The dishes help relieve internal fever and build up vital energy. Huangshan bamboo shoots are tender and delicious; it can be made into very delicious food. Shitake is also very tasty, and it helps prevent cancer.

Anhui Cuisine chef were trained to master the art of the strict control of the temperature and the cooking process, which is the key to good taste and color of dishes.

Anhui Cuisine chefs are good at braising and stewing. They are experts especially in cooking delicacies from mountains and sea. Generally the food here is slightly spicy and salty. Some master dishes are usually stewed in brown sauce with stress on heavy oil and sauce. Chinese Ham is often added to improve the taste and sugar candy added to gain freshness.

My favorite Anhui dish is the Taros with Honey Juice, and it is really easy to make. Here is the recipe:

Materials:
1,000g red taros
200g honey
125g crystal sugar

1. Choose some orange-colored taros which have "sweated", wash, peel, chop into pieces which have two pointed ends.

2. Put a bamboo steamer in a casserole, add water and crystal sugar, when the sugar melts, put in the taros and honey and simmer for one hour.

3. When the juice has boiled down, transfer the taros to a plate and pour on the juice.

Ada Cao is the editor of http://www.orientalshoppingmall.com/, the portal for the best Asian and oriental goods such as Asian Food grocery, oriental rugs, oriental furnishing, and many other Asian style home decor items. She also writes articles for http://www.jewelrywise.com/, a website that helps consumers to save money on jewelry.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ada_Cao