If you’ve invested in some quality cookware and taken the time to learn how to use it properly, it is incumbent upon you to learn how to care for it.
Unfortunately, while the pieces I reviewed here can be put in the dishwasher, it is advisable to avoid doing so. Over time the cookware will lose its nice finish and, worse, the surface may begin to pit which will shorten the effective life of the pieces.
The single best tip I can give when it comes to cleaning this cookware is to cook properly with them. By this I mean do not use a heat that is higher than necessary. Read the rest of this entry »
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January 10th, 2008 | Posted in Kitchen | 1 Comment

A couple tablespoons of flax meal on a daily basis will provide essential omega-3 fatty acids to promote good arterial health. Flax meal has been proven to lower cholesterol, and is a good source of fiber. In addition, omega-3’s serve as a sort of “WD-40″ for the body, lubricating joints that typically experience increased friction and pain as we age.
Try mixing the ground variety with a bowl of cereal, oatmeal or yogurt to get your daily dose of this superfood. It’s also fantastic when included in pancake and waffle recipes. Another idea is to sprinkle a tablespoon over some peanut-buttered toast.
Flax meal can be purchased in most natural foods stores, and is now become more readily available in supermarkets.
chris@clawblog.com
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January 10th, 2008 | Posted in Health | 3 Comments
This is part 4 of 6 in my series on Digital Photography Workflow for the Beginner. In this lesson, I’m going to explain how to email images to friends and family.
Emailing images seems like a simple enough process, and it is. The issue is many folks do not realize that it is not necessary to send a full-resolution, or full-sized, photo when it’s going to be viewed on a computer.
This article will explain the differences between computer resolution and print resolution, and detail a common approach to preparing images to send via email. Read the rest of this entry »
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January 10th, 2008 | Posted in Photography | 2 Comments
In a related post, I reviewed what I consider to be the 10 essential pieces of cookware for everyday cooking. I’m now going to offer my insights on how one would typically use a specific type of cookware, benefits of that type, as well as tips for usage.
My input is specific to the types of pan surfaces to which I’ll be referring, including stainless steel, nonstick pans, and porcelain-enameled cast iron, and is based on more than 12 years of everyday experience with this cookware. Read the rest of this entry »
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January 9th, 2008 | Posted in Kitchen | 3 Comments

Photography by: Jaeden
In the interest of cutting down your meal portions, try a handful (no more than 1/4 cup) of raw, unsalted nuts 30 minutes prior to your meal. Almonds, cashews and walnuts are all very good choices, as they are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
This “good” fat will prevent your stomach from emptying too quickly, and will slow down the digestive process allowing you to feel “fuller” longer. Omega-3’s have another major benefit in helping your arteries by lowering bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipids, or LDL) and raising good cholesterol (High Density Lipids, or HDL).
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January 9th, 2008 | Posted in Health | No Comments
This is part 3 of 6 in my series on Digital Photography Workflow for the Beginner. In this lesson, I’m going to share my methodology for proofing, or reviewing, your photos.
In the previous lesson I shared my method for transferring photos from your media card or camera to your computer. Now, I’d like to share my approach on quickly reviewing the images.
With digital cameras, it’s quite easy to take more pictures than we were previously accustomed with conventional film cameras. While having the flexibility to take more shots has its benefits, the downside is a significantly increased number of photos on the computer that, if not addressed initially, will make locating a particular image more difficult down the road.
To combat this problem, I strongly recommend proofing, or reviewing, your photos shortly after you transfer them to your computer. Read the rest of this entry »
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January 9th, 2008 | Posted in Photography | 1 Comment
My appreciation for cooking and cookware began at an early age, but I’ve only recently completed a collection of what I consider to be the core utensils necessary for proper daily cooking.
This article will focus on the types and brands. Future excerpts will detail the typical uses of these types and tips for keeping them looking and performing as new. With proper care, the pieces referenced below will last for many years.
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January 8th, 2008 | Posted in Kitchen | 6 Comments
This is part 2 of 6 in my series on Digital Photography Workflow for the Beginner. In this lesson, I’m going to share my preferred method for transferring photos from your camera onto your computer.
There are a multitude of tools and software available that simplify the process of getting your digital photos from your camera to your computer. I’ve tried many, but my hands on favorite is Breeze Systems Downloader Pro.
Downloader Pro (DP) is a fast loading, feature-filled application that offers many capabilities the amateur / beginner photographer will not use, however, I highly recommend it for its role in my photo storage methodology. At $29.95 U.S., it’s a must have piece of software. I’m going to introduce two program basics that will greatly enhance your digital photography workflow, including:
January 8th, 2008 | Posted in Photography | 3 Comments
This is part 1 of 6 in my series on Digital Photography Workflow for the Beginner. In this lesson, I’m going to share my photo storage methodology.
Welcome to my series on Digital Photography Workflow. This is the first in a multi-article series. The intended audience is the amateur / beginner photographer, but established shooters may find some useful tips as well. Today I will review my photo storage methodology. Future posts in the series will cover:
January 7th, 2008 | Posted in Photography | 4 Comments
I have never been one to drink coffee for the kick. The flavor and social aspect of enjoying a cup of coffee are my reasons for enjoying the hot beverage. With that in mind, the coffee maker plays an important role, as do the tips I alluded to in my post on 5 basics to a great cup of coffee. I have tried them all over the years: Krups, Braun, Cuisinart, Gevalia, etc., but the one that is clearly a cut above the rest is the Capresso MT500.
The following features are my reasons for preferring this machine: Read the rest of this entry »
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January 6th, 2008 | Posted in Coffee | No Comments