How to Finish Cutting Boards

If you’ve purchased a wooden cutting board, you’ll need to apply a finish to prevent the board from becoming damaged with use. The first step is to choose your preferred finish. Cutting-board finishes come in 2 categories: drying and non-drying. Drying oils require only a single application and soak deep into the wood fibers. Non-drying finishes do not dry or harden in the wood, and so will need frequent reapplication.^[1] Cutting boards made from plastic do not need to be finished.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Selecting a Non-Drying Finish

1. Use mineral oil for an affordable, popular finish. Mineral oil applies easily onto the surface of a wooden cutting board. This option is water resistant, meaning that juicy foods like tomatoes or raw meat won’t leak fluids into your cutting boards. Mineral oil is actually derived from petroleum, but is completely food safe. Since it’s a non-drying oil, it won’t leave an aroma behind.^[2]
   
   • You can purchase mineral oil at any kitchen store or woodworking store. Many large grocery stores also sell mineral oil.
2. Apply a mixture of beeswax and non-drying oil for an attractive finish. Beeswax and oil form a liquid mixture which soaks deep into the woodgrain. This is beneficial to your cutting board, since it makes the wood look attractive and repels water. But, like other non-drying oils, it will require frequent reapplication.^[3]
   
   • You don’t need to mix beeswax and oil yourself. Mixtures of beeswax and oil (most often at about a 1:5 ratio) are sold in woodworking stores and catalogs.
3. Opt for carnauba wax for a stiff, water-repelling finish. The texture of carnauba wax is similar to beeswax, but the wax itself dries harder than beeswax and is excellent at repelling liquids. Like beeswax, carnauba wax is typically blended with non-drying oil. If you’re planning to cut lots of water-retaining foods on the cutting board, carnauba wax may be your best choice.^[4]
   
   • Carnauba wax may be a little tricky to find. Check woodworking stores. If they don’t stock the wax, find an online woodworking catalog and order the wax from the website.

[Edit]Choosing a Drying Finish

1. Finish your cutting board with pure tung oil for a durable finish. Tung oil is a thick substance that will dry and harden in the fiber of the wood. This gives strength to the cutting board and will make it highly water-resistant. Unlike non-drying finish options, tung oil does not need to be frequently re-applied.^[5]
   
   • You can purchase tung oil at most woodworking stores and through online woodworking catalogs.
2. Select raw linseed oil for a cheap and easily attainable finish. Linseed oil is an FDA-approved food additive, meaning that it’s among the safest finishes you can put on a cutting board. You can purchase linseed oil at any kitchen-supply store or woodworking store. Many large supermarkets or home-supply stores will also sell it. Linseed is a drying oil, so you’ll need to let it sit out for 5–7 days before using the cutting board.^[6]
   
   • However, linseed oil also has a few disadvantages. It takes a long time to set, meaning that the cutting board will need to sit out for a few hours after you’ve applied the oil. Linseed oil also isn’t very water resistant.
   • Never apply boiled linseed to a cutting board. This processed oil contains metallic drivers and isn’t safe for consumption.
3. Opt for walnut oil for a dark, protective finish. Walnut oil is a durable, long-lasting finish that will provide a water-resistant coating to your cutting board. The curing time, though, is quite long. You’ll need to wait at least 4–5 days for the oil to dry.^[7] You can purchase walnut oil at any woodworking store or online catalog. Keep in mind, though, that walnut oil is very dark and will darken the color of the wood you apply it to.
   
   • Depending on how light or dark you’d like your cutting board to be, this could be a positive or negative aspect of using walnut oil.

[Edit]Applying and Maintaining the Finish

1. Wash the cutting board before finishing it. You don’t want to apply finish over bits of food or dirt on the cutting board. So, rinse the board off under running tap water. You can also rub it down with a small dollop of dish soap and a clean sponge.^[8]
   
   
   • After you rinse it clean, let the board dry for about 30 minutes before applying finish.
2. Rub a dollop of finish on each side of the cutting board. Pour out a small dollop of finish onto a clean cotton rag. Using the rag, rub the finish onto the cutting board in long horizontal strokes. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cutting board so there are no gaps in the finish.
   
   
   • Once the first side is finished, turn the cutting board over and rub another dollop onto the second side.
3. Let the finish dry for several hours or days. Different types of oil will take different amounts of time to dry. Non-drying oils will dry in 3–4 hours, while drying oils may take up to 7 days to dry completely. You can tell when the finish is dry by running your fingertips over the wood. If the finish is dry, your fingers will come away clean. If it’s still wet, you’ll have an oily residue on your fingertips.^[9]
   
   
   • While the cutting board is drying, leave it in on your countertop or another safe place where it won’t be disturbed by kids or pets.
4. Reapply non-drying oils when the wood begins to look dry. The frequency with which you’ll need to reapply non-drying oils will vary based on how often you use the cutting board. Most users will need to reapply the finish about once a month. This includes all non-drying oils like mineral oil and wax mixed with oils.^[10]
   
   
   • If you neglect to reapply non-drying finish, your cutting board will dry out and fluids from the foods you cut will penetrate the wood.
   • If you finished the cutting board with a drying oil, you won’t need to reapply the finish.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Finish
• Clean cotton cloth
• Dish soap

[Edit]Tips

• Never apply a lacquer or a varnish to a cutting board. These finishes form a thin film over wood, which will flake off and get in your food when you’re using the cutting board.^[11]
• Film-forming finishes will also quickly break down and allow liquids from the food you’re cutting to penetrate the cutting board.^[12]
• Do not apply food-based cooking oils, like olive, vegetable, or canola oil, to your cutting board. As time passes, these oils will turn rancid in the wood.^[13]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://ardec.ca/en/blog/7/how-to-finish-and-maintain-a-wood-cutting-board-or-butcher-block
2. ↑ https://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blogs/cutting-boards-wood-countertops-and-finishes
3. ↑ https://ardec.ca/en/blog/7/how-to-finish-and-maintain-a-wood-cutting-board-or-butcher-block
4. ↑ https://www.finewoodworking.com/2006/08/01/food-safe-finishes
5. ↑ https://ardec.ca/en/blog/7/how-to-finish-and-maintain-a-wood-cutting-board-or-butcher-block
6. ↑ https://ardec.ca/en/blog/7/how-to-finish-and-maintain-a-wood-cutting-board-or-butcher-block
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUyQIn6tmFQ&feature=youtu.be&t=2m26s
8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-oil-and-maintain-a-wooden-cutting-board-lessons-from-the-kitchn-195642
9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-oil-and-maintain-a-wooden-cutting-board-lessons-from-the-kitchn-195642
10. ↑ https://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blogs/cutting-boards-wood-countertops-and-finishes
11. ↑ https://ardec.ca/en/blog/7/how-to-finish-and-maintain-a-wood-cutting-board-or-butcher-block
12. ↑ https://ardec.ca/en/blog/7/how-to-finish-and-maintain-a-wood-cutting-board-or-butcher-block
13. ↑ https://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blogs/cutting-boards-wood-countertops-and-finishes

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How to Buy Books on Google Play

Are you looking for a new place to find cheap ebooks besides the Kindle Store? You can download and read ebooks on multiple devices from Google Play Books. This wikiHow article will teach you how to buy books using Google Play Books on a computer, Android, iPhone, and iPad.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using the Google Play Website

1. Go to https://play.google.com/store/books and sign in. You can use any desktop web browser to buy books from the Google Play website.
   
2. Click the tab. You'll see this on the panel on the left side of the page next to My Books.
   
3. Navigate to a book you want to purchase. If you have a certain title in mind, simply type the name of the book in the search text field at the top of the page and press the Enter key on your keyboard. All the titles related to your query will be displayed on the screen.
   
   • If you don't have a specific title in mind, you can scroll down to browse categories like Because you read... and eBooks for you. You can also scroll down to browse genres like Young adult and Science fiction & fantasy.
4. Click a book to buy. Click the picture of the book you want to buy to open its detailed overview page.
   
   • You can see information such as the author, the publisher, and ratings from other readers.
   • You can also click Free sample to preview the book before purchasing it.
5. Click . The price will display next to Buy, and the Payment Method pop-up will appear once you click it. Enter your credit/debit card details on the allocated text fields and click “Buy.” The book will then be added to your Google account so you can download it on any device that's logged into that account.
   
   • After the download is complete, the book will automatically open and you can start reading it.^[1]

[Edit]Using the Google Play Books App on Android

1. Open Google Play Books . This app icon looks like a blue play icon. You can find it on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching.
   
2. Tap . It's a tab at the bottom of your screen with the icon of a shopfront.
   
3. Navigate to a book you want to purchase. If you have a certain title in mind, simply type the name of the book in the search text field at the top of the app screen and press the Enter key on your keypad. All the titles related to your query will be displayed on the screen.
   
   • If you don't have a specific title in mind, you can scroll down to browse categories like Top selling and New. You can also tap the tiles at the top to browse genres like Young adult and Arts & entertainment.
4. Tap a book to buy. Tap the picture of the book you want to buy to open its detailed overview page.
   
   • You can see information such as the author, the publisher, and ratings from other readers.
   • You can also tap Free sample to preview the book before purchasing it.
5. Tap . The price will display next to Buy, and the Payment Method pop-up will appear once you tap it. Enter your credit/debit card details on the allocated text fields and tap on “Buy.” The book will then be downloaded to your Android device.
   
   • After the download is complete, the book will automatically open and you can start reading it.

[Edit]Buying Books on an iPhone or iPad

1. Go to play.google.com/store/books in a browser on your iPhone or iPad. Since Apple devices can't purchase books from the Google Play Books app, you'll have to open the website to continue.
   
2. Sign into your Google account. Make sure you sign into the same account that you have signed in with your Google Play Books app.
   
3. Navigate to a book you want to purchase. If you have a certain title in mind, simply type the name of the book in the search text field at the top of the app screen and press the Enter key on your keypad. All the titles related to your query will be displayed on the screen.
   
   • If you don't have a specific title in mind, you can scroll down to browse categories like Top selling and New.
4. Tap a book to buy. Tap the picture of the book you want to buy to open its detailed overview page.
   
   • You can see information such as the author, the publisher, and ratings from other readers.
   • You can also tap Free sample to preview the book before purchasing it.
5. Tap . The price will display next to Buy, and the Payment Method pop-up will appear once you tap it. Enter your credit/debit card details on the allocated text fields and tap on “Buy.” The book will then be downloaded to your Android device.
   
   • After the download is complete, the book will automatically open and you can start reading it.^[2]

[Edit]Tips

• You can access the eBooks you’ve purchased by opening the Google Play Books app on your Android or iPhone/iPad.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/185545?hl=en&ref_topic=6203583
2. ↑ https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/185545?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&oco=1

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How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs Without Cracking

Eggs are tricky, and it can be hard to boil them without cracking the shells. When eggs are cold, they crack more easily upon exposure to hot water; they may also crack when they jumble into one another or settle at the bottom of the pot. In order to keep your eggs from breaking, you will need to handle them gently, boil them slowly, and keep a close eye on the temperature difference between the egg and the water.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Preparing Eggs to Boil

1. Bring your eggs to room temperature before cooking. If you keep your eggs in the refrigerator, it's important that you don't try to cook them cold. Eggs crack because gases heat and expand within the shell. When the pressure becomes too great, the gases escape by cracking weak points in the porous shell. Bringing eggs to room temperature before cooking slows down that process.
   
   • If you don't want to wait for the eggs to warm up naturally, try soaking them in hot tap water for a few minutes before cooking.
2. Use older eggs, if possible. When an egg is fresh, the the outer membrane sticks to the egg shell while the inner membrane sticks to the albumen (the "white"). As an egg ages, these membranes adhere more closely to the shell itself.^[1]
   
3. Release trapped gas to less the likelihood of cracking. Before you submerge an egg, prick the large end of the shell with a clean thumbtack or safety pin. This will allow the trapped air bubbles—which are normally responsible for cracking—to escape during the boiling process.^[2]
   
   
4. Sort the eggs and place them in a pot or saucepan. Stack the eggs very gently to avoid cracking. Don't overcrowd the pot—you should only boil one layer of eggs at a time, and they should not be pressing against each other. If you try to boil too many eggs at once, some of them may crack from the weight.^[3]
   
   
   • Test whether your eggs are fresh by placing them into a bowl of saltwater. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it's fresh. If it floats to the top, there's a good chance that it has gone bad.
   • Lay a folded cheesecloth inside the bottom of the pot. This helps cushion the eggs so that they are less likely to crack.
5. Cover the eggs with cold tap water. Fill the pot gently with at least one inch (3 cm) of water. Pour the water against the side of the pan so that it does not disturb the eggs. If you cannot avoid pouring the water onto the eggs, steady them with your hand so that they do not slide around and crack.
   
   
   • Add half a teaspoon of salt to the water. This makes the eggs easier to peel, and it may help prevent them from cracking. Salted water helps to make the egg white firm up more quickly. It also helps plug small leaks if the shell cracks during the cooking process.
   • Never drop eggs directly into a pot of hot water, or the shells will crack and the egg will run (giving you poached eggs). By exposing cold eggs to warm or hot water, you are "shocking" them with a sudden temperature shift, which causes cracks to form. Furthermore, cold water helps to keep the eggs from overcooking.
6. Add vinegar to the water. Use one teaspoon of vinegar for each egg, and pour it directly into the water before you turn the heat on. Adding vinegar to the water helps the proteins in the egg white coagulate faster to plug any cracks that develop in the shell.^[4] This is a common problem, especially with eggs that are very cold.
   
   
   • You can also wait to add vinegar when an egg cracks in the water. You may notice a bit of white fluid seeping from a cracked egg. Try to be quick here — if you add the vinegar to the water as soon as you notice a crack, the egg should still boil evenly.
   • If you don't add the vinegar in time, don't worry. The cracked egg should still boil fine, although it may not look perfect.^[5]
   • Be sparing. If you use too much, your eggs will taste and smell like vinegar.

[Edit]Cooking the Eggs

1. Bring the water to a gentle boil using a medium heat. Let the water boil slowly so that the eggs do not crack from a rapid temperature shift. Cover the pot with a lid. The water will boil a bit more quickly with the lid on, but feel free to leave it off if you want to keep an eye on the eggs.^[6]
   
   
   • Make sure that the eggs don't settle at the bottom, where they'll cook less evenly and break more easily. Stir the water any time that you see the eggs begin to settle. Use a wooden spoon to stir, and be very gentle so that you don't crack the eggs.
2. Turn off the heat when the water boils. As soon as the water reaches a full boil, turn the heat off and let the eggs sit in the hot water. Leave the lid on the pan. The heat of the water and the remaining warmth from the burner will be enough to finish cooking your eggs. Leave the eggs in the pot for another 3-15 minutes, depending how hard or soft you like them:
   
   
   • If you like your eggs soft-boiled, remove them from the water within three minutes. The whites should be set, while the yolks should be runny and warm. Be very gentle when you remove the eggs—scoop each egg out with a large spoon to avoid cracking.^[7]
   • If you like your eggs medium-boiled, take them out of the water in 5-7 minutes. The yolks should be semi-soft in the center, and the whites should be very firm. You should still handle the eggs gently, but you don't need to worry as much about them cracking.
   • If you like your eggs hard-boiled, leave them in the hot water for 9-12 minutes. The yolks should be firm all the way through, and you don't need to worry about the eggs cracking. If you want a solid but soft and bright yellow yolk, leave the eggs in water for 9-10 minutes. If you'd like eggs with a harder, pale yellow center, leave them in for 11-12 minutes.
3. Keep a close eye on the clock, and do not let your eggs overcook. After 12 minutes, your yolk will develop grayish or greenish streaks. The egg is still edible, and the streaks don't have much effect on taste. However, some people find green- and gray-streaked eggs less appetizing.^[8] Consider buying a color-changing egg timer, a heat-sensitive indicator that you can place in the water with your boiling eggs. You can find these timers online or at kitschy kitchen-supply stores.^[9]
   
   
4. Know when it is safe to eat a cracked egg. If the egg cracks in the water while cooking, it should still be safe to eat — and, indeed, it may still cook normally if the crack is not too severe. If an egg is cracked before you start cooking, do not bother to boil it. Bacteria may well have penetrated the shell and infected the interior, making it potentially hazardous to your health.^[10]
   

[Edit]Cooling, Peeling, and Storing

1. Prepare a bowl of ice-water. While the eggs are cooking in the hot water, fill a large bowl with cold water. Dissolve another 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt in the water, then add ice to lower the temperature further. When the eggs are done cooking, you will carefully move them into this bowl to stop them from cooking any more.
   
   
2. Chill the eggs to stop the cooking process. After your eggs have cooked for the desired amount of time, gently drain the hot water from the pan, then move the eggs to the bowl of ice-water to stop the cooking process. Remove the eggs one by one with a slotted spoon to avoid cracking. Carefully drop the eggs into the bowl of ice water to bring their temperature down. Let them cool for 2-5 minutes.
   
   
3. Refrigerate the eggs or serve them immediately. Once the eggs are cool enough to hold in your hand, put them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to loosen the shells. If you're not particular about how pretty your peeled eggs are—or if you like your eggs warm—you can skip the refrigerator and start peeling them immediately after chilling them.
   
4. Make sure that your eggs are thoroughly hard-boiled. Spin an egg on a table to test whether it is hard-boiled without breaking it open. If the egg twirls quickly and easily, it is hard-boiled. If it wobbles, let it cook for longer.
   
   
5. Peel the eggs when you're ready to eat them. Press each egg into a clean, flat surface and roll it in your hand to crack the shell. Start peeling from the fatter end of the egg, where there should be a small empty space under the shell. This makes it slightly easier to peel.
   
   
   • Rinse the eggs under cold water as you peel them. This helps keep bits of shell and membrane from sticking to the egg.
   • It is usually easier to peel eggs once they are cracked. Put the eggs back in the pot with the lid on. Shake the pot back and forth to crack the shells before you begin peeling. You may need to do this several times to crack them all.
6. Use a teaspoon to keep the egg white intact while you peel it. Pinch off a small section of shell and membrane from the large end. Slip the spoon inside the shell and membrane so that it cups the egg. Then, simply slide the spoon around to peel off sections of shell.
   
7. Store eggs in the refrigerator for up to five days. The eggs are ready to eat as soon as you peel them. Store the leftover eggs in a sealed container, and cover them with a wet paper towel. Change the paper towel each day to keep the eggs from drying out. Eat the eggs within four to five days, before they go bad.
   
   
   • You can also store the eggs in cold water. Change the water each day to keep the eggs from breaking down.
   • You can store hard-boiled eggs for several days before you crack and peel them. Keep in mind, however, that they tend to grow somewhat dry and rubbery. It's usually better to keep peeled eggs moist in the fridge than to leave the eggs unpeeled.

[Edit]Tips

• Extra-large eggs need to cook for slightly longer than large eggs. Add about three minutes to the cooking time, depending how large the egg is. For instance, an extra-large hard-boiled egg might take as long as 15 minutes.
• If you are using white eggs, throw some onion skins (the dry brown part) in the water while they cook. The onion skins will color the eggs slightly brown, and you'll be able to tell the difference between cooked and uncooked at a glance. This may be especially useful if you store cooked eggs alongside uncooked eggs.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Hard Boil an Egg
• Boil Eggs
• Peel an Egg
• Peel a Difficult Hard Boiled Egg
• Blow the Shell off a Hard Boiled Egg
• Hardboil Eggs in a Microwave
• Make a Bouncy Egg
• Make Scrambled Eggs

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.incredibleegg.org/eggcyclopedia/a/albumen/
2. ↑ http://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/909/how-do-i-prevent-an-egg-cracking-while-hard-boiling-it
3. ↑ http://www.ibtimes.com/how-boil-easter-eggs-without-cracking-them-tips-perfect-hard-boiled-egg-1571632
4. ↑ http://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/science_of_cooking/boiled_eggs.htm
5. ↑ http://khymos.org/eggs.php
6. ↑ http://able2know.org/topic/160972-1
7. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-soft-boiled-egg-kitchn-cooking-lesson-138819
8. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_perfect_hard_boiled_eggs/
9. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/apr/17/how-to-boil-poach-scramble-eggs-back-to-basics-henry-dimbleby
10. ↑ http://food.unl.edu/safety/egg-handling-safety

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How to Make Bottle Cap Earrings

There's nothing like a pair of novelty earrings. Bottle cap earrings can make great conversation starters, and they are a great way to recycle used bottle caps. All you need are some bottle caps and some basic jewelry craft pieces, and you'll have adorable new earrings in no time. This article will show you how to make them.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Making Dangling Earrings

1. Find two matching bottle caps. Make sure that they are clean. If they are dirty, wash them using soap and warm water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
   
2. Place the bottle cap down on a sturdy surface. The best surface to work on would be a slab of wood or an old cutting board you won't mind poking holes in. The underside of the bottle cap should be facing up. You will be punching the hole from the inside.
   
3. Punch a hole into the bottle cap. Place a small, thin nail against the top of the bottle cap. Hit the top of the nail with a hammer. Try to get the hole as close to the side edge as possible.
   
   
   • Make sure that you are punching the hole near the top of the bottle cap design.
4. Twist open a jump ring. Take hold the jump ring with a pair of jewelry pliers, making sure that the seam is facing upwards. Pinch the other side of the jump ring with your fingers or another pair of pliers. Twist the jump ring towards you. Do not pull the jump ring apart, or it won't close evenly again.
   
   
5. Slip the jump ring through the hole you made earlier. Don't close the ring just yet.
   
   
6. Cut a 1 to 2 inch (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) long piece of delicate chain. Use a pair of wire cutters to do this. Even though you are working on one earring at a time, it might be a good idea to cut the chain for your other earring at this time as well. This way, you can be sure that they are perfectly even.
   
   • To make basic earrings without a chain, omit this step. Click here to continue.
7. Slip one end of the chain onto the jump ring, and twist the ring close. Grab the jump ring again with your jewelry pliers. Make sure that the seam is facing upwards again. Pinch the other part of the jump ring with your fingers or another pair of pliers. The bottle cap and chain should be hanging from the jump ring. Carefully pull the two ends towards each other to flatten and close them.
   
   
8. Attach another jump ring to the top of each chain. Pull open a new jump ring as before, and slip it onto the top of the chain. Don't close the jump ring just yet.
   
   
9. Slip an earring hook onto the jump ring and twist it close. Use the same twisting motion as you did on the first jump ring.
   
   
   
10. Repeat the whole process of the other earring. When you are done, you can wear the earrings, sell them, or give them away as a gift.
    

[Edit]Making Beaded Earrings

1. Find two matching bottle caps. Make sure that they are clean. If they are dirty, wash them using soap and warm water. Pat them dry using a paper towel.
   
2. Place the bottle cap down on a sturdy surface. The best place to work on would be a slab or wood or an old cutting board. The underside of the bottle cap should be facing you.
   
3. Punch a hole into the bottle cap. Place a small, thin nail near the top of the bottle cap, as close to the edge as possible. Hit the head of the nail with a hammer. You will be punching the hole from the inside.
   
   
4. Poke a head-pin through the hole. The flat head part of the pin should be inside the cap. You can find these types of pins in the beading section of an arts and crafts store. They are long, and easily bent.^[1]
   
   
   
5. Consider slipping a few beads onto the pin. You won't need a lot of beads. One to three small beads will do. Choose colors that match the design on your bottle cap. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   
   
   • If you are adding one bead, match it to the background color of the bottle cap, or the letters.
   • If you are using 2 beads, match the bottom one to the letters, and the top one to the background.
   • If you are using three beads, match the top and bottom beads to the background. Match the middle bead to the letters.
6. Bend the shaft of the pin at a 90 degree angle. Use your jewelry pliers to take hold of the shaft, as close to the beads/bottle cap as possible. Bend the shaft until it is at a 90 degree angle.
   
   
7. Snip off the excess shaft until you have about ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) left. Use your wire cutters to do this.
   
   
8. Twist the shaft into a loop, but don't close the loop all the way. Grip the very end of the shaft with a par of round-nose jewelry pliers. Twist the shaft into a loop. Don't close it all the way.
   
   
9. Slip the earring hook onto the loop and twist it close. If you are having troubles getting the loop closed all the way, try pulling it a little bit towards you, and pulling it until it meets the shaft. Then, push the loop back towards the shaft to flatten it, soft of like closing a jump ring.
   
   
10. Repeat the whole process for the other earring. If you are using beads, make sure that they match your first earring.
    

[Edit]Making Variations

1. Consider painting the bottle caps a different color. You can use acrylic paint or spray paint, although spray paint will give you the smoothest finish. Be sure to seal the paint afterwards with a brush on or spray on sealer to protect the paint. You can use a matte, glossy, or semi-glossy sealer.
   
   
   • When working with spray paint, be sure to work outside or in a well ventilated area.
2. Change the design of the cap using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. Cut a circle out of a sheet of colorful paper using a craft knife or a 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide hole punch. Spread of white glue on top of the bottle cap, then press the paper circle down onto it. You can seal the design by brushing Mod Podge or decoupage over it. You can also spread some glaze, epoxy, or clear, dimensional paint over it instead. Be sure to extend the sealer over the edges of the paper and down the sides of the bottle cap to seal it in.
   
   
   • If you are printing your own design, print it on a laser printer or at a photo lab. Do not use an ink jet printer, or the ink will bleed.
3. Fill the inside with epoxy or clear, dimensional paint/glaze. After you have punched the holes in your bottle cap, decorate the inside of the cap. When you are done, will the cap with epoxy or clear, dimensional paint/glaze. Be sure not to fill above the hole, or the epoxy/glaze will leak out. Wait for the epoxy/glaze to cure, then finish making your earrings. Here are some decorating ideas:
   
   
   • Cut a circle out of scrapbook paper, a page in a book, or a picture, and glue it to the inside of the bottle cap. Use a 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide circle punch to do this.^[2]
   • Paint the inside of the bottle cap using acrylic paint or nail polish. Let the paint/polish dry before filling the bottle cap.
   • Cover the inside of the bottle cap with glue, then fill it with some glitter, sequins, or confetti. Tap off any excess glitter, then let the glue dry before filling the bottle cap.
   • If your bottle cap came with a plastic liner inside, you will have to remove it. Click here to find out how.
4. Consider removing the plastic liner inside the bottle cap. Before you do anything, drop the bottle caps into a pot of boiling water. Wait until the plastic liner begins to curl up, then pull the bottle cap out with a spoon. Drop the cap onto a paper towel, then quickly pull the plastic liner out.
   
   • If there is any liner residue, you can either pop the cap back into the boiling water, or try to scrape it out using a craft knife.
   • Bottle caps cool off quickly, but the water left on them may not. Be careful.
5. Punch a second hole into the bottom of your bottle cap to add some dangly bits. Slip an open jump ring. You can then slip chains onto the jump ring. To add beads, slip some beads onto a head-pin instead, then slip the end of the pin through the hole; twist the end of the pin into a loop (inside the bottle cap) to hole it in place.^[3]
   
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Arts and crafts stores sell blank bottle caps that already have holes punched into them.
• Use soda can tabs instead of a chain when making the dangling earrings for a different look.
• Sell the finished earrings online or at craft fairs.
• Ask family and friends to save bottle caps for you.

[Edit]Warnings

• Some caps have sharp edges. Be careful so that you don't cut yourself. Consider filing them down.
• Do not sleep or swim with these earrings on.
• Do not use a rusty bottle cap.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• 2 matching bottle caps
• Delicate chain
• Earring hooks
• Hammer
• Small, thin nail
• 4 jump rings
• Jewelry pliers
• Wire cutters

[Edit]Making Beaded Earrings^[4]

• 2 matching bottle caps
• 2 head-pins
• 2 earring hooks
• Hammer
• Small, thin nail
• Jewelry pliers
• Wire cutters
• 2 to 6 small beads
• 2 small jump rings

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make a Beer Box Top Hat
• Make a Ring Pillow
• Make Hanging Earrings
• Make a Beaded Ring
• Make a Pop Tab Wristband
• Make Earrings

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2010/06/diy-bottle-cap-earrings.html
2. ↑ http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/bottle-cap-necklaces
3. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2010/06/diy-bottle-cap-earrings.html
4. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2010/06/diy-bottle-cap-earrings.html

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How to Fix a Burnt Cake

Burning a cake is an unpleasant experience that almost every baker has done before. A burnt cake will usually taste dry and have an irksome taste that others can notice pretty well just by looking at it. Thankfully, however, there are ways to fix and save a burnt cake to prevent it from going to waste, or if you're in a rush and baked a last minute cake that ended up burnt.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Fixing a Burnt Cake

1. Remove the burnt edges from the cake. Trim off the burnt edges from the cake using a bread knife by using a fast but gentle cutting action. Ensure you also slice off the burnt bottom and sides to remove the burnt areas. Shaving off the burnt edges will prevent the cake from having an unpleasant taste and will help make it more enjoyable to eat. This method can also be useful if your cake has gotten minor brown burns while baking.
   
   • While the cake may end up looking smaller and the serving amount will decrease, the burnt edges will be gone and the cake can be happily devoured.
   • If the top is burnt, level it to remove the burnt part.
2. Add butter if the cake is dry. Sometimes when over-baking a cake it won't burn or blacken, but instead, taste dry and crumbly. You can fix that by spreading the cake with butter with a large butter knife while the cake is still warm. The butter will melt into the cake and allow it to moisten and not taste as dry. ^[1]
   
3. Consider making a trifle out of the cake. If you shaved off the burnt edges from the cake and notice the cake is too small, fix the cake and save it by making it into a trifle instead. Cut off the burnt edges of the cake if you haven't already and crumble it up into a bowl. In a tall glass, make a variety of layers such as one layer of chocolate pudding, another layer of the cake, one layer for walnuts, etc. Others won't notice the burnt cake and you'll end up with a new tasty dessert to enjoy. ^[2]
   
   • You can also add freshly chopped fruit into your trifle for a sweeter flavor that can hide the taste of the burnt, dry cake.
4. Add toppings, icing, and frosting. Cover up the burnt flavor of your cake by adding a variety of cake toppings such as icing, frosting, ganache, vanilla glaze, fresh fruit, chocolate candies, gummies, sprinkles, and nuts to hide the burnt, dry flavor. ^[3]
   
   • After you snip off the burnt edges from a cake, cover the cake with icing and frosting. This fixes the cake from looking and tasting burnt. ^[4]
5. Enjoy the cake with a beverage. While you and others enjoy the cake; serve the cake with a glass of milk, a mug of hot chocolate, some tea, or coffee. This prevents the burnt flavor the cake to show and will usually hide the dry, crumbly flavor of a burnt cake. ^[5]
   
6. Freeze the cake and re-frost if. One way to fix a burnt cake is to freeze it in a freezer. Snip off the burn edges from the cake, frost it, and then freeze it until the frosting is solid. Allow it to thaw and then re-frost it again with more frosting. The dry, burnt taste will be gone and you won't even notice it.
   
   • It will usually take about 5 hours till overnight until a frosted cake can freeze solid. ^[6]
7. Make cake pops. If your cake ended up pretty much dry and crumbly, cake pops are a good idea to save and fix up your cake. Crumble the cake up into a large bowl and then add a cup or two of frosting. Combine them together and roll the mixture into medium-sized bowls. Allow the balls to chill until firm and then stick cake pop sicks into each pop. Dip and roll into any desired toppings and enjoy. ^[7]
   
8. Cut the cake into mini-sized cubes. If the cake has many burns and the edges are brown, snip them off and only cut the inside of the cake into cube-sized pieces. Garnish it with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and sprinkles to fix up the cake and make it more enjoyable to eat. ^[8]
   

[Edit]Avoid Burning a Cake

1. Set a timer. This is a common and known method to keep any foods from over-cooking or baking when making them. If you know you'll be away or get distracted, set a timer for the amount prescribed by the recipe. Make sure the timer is loud enough to hear if you're far away from the kitchen. ^[9]
   
2. Check the oven temperature before baking. It's possible you could accidentally set the temperature too high without meaning too. Double-check the oven temperature before placing the cake in the oven to bake to ensure it doesn't burn. ^[10]
   
3. Use aluminum foil to avoid the cake from burning. When the cake starts to brown while it bakes, but the inside of the cake is still raw, cover the edges and top with foil. The aluminum foil will protect the cake from burning and blackening. ^[11]
   
4. Make sure your oven settings are working properly. If you've set the correct temperature and time for the cake to bake and it stills ends up burnt, double-check your oven to make sure there is nothing wrong and that the settings are correct. It's possible your oven's settings could have been switched which causes it to not produce the correct heat level. ^[12]
   
5. Check the cake every now and then. While the cake bakes, check it every 10-15 minutes to ensure it isn't burning and that it is baking correctly. It's best not keep opening the oven door, however, since the heat leaves every time you open it. Instead, use the oven light that's placed in your oven so you can watch the cake, but also avoid it from under-baking. ^[13]
   

[Edit]Tips

• If the cake is seriously burnt and rock-hard, it's probably not worth a fix. Use common sense to know whether your cake can actually be fixed or if it might need a trip to the trashcan.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Fix Cake Disasters
• Bake a Cake
• Freeze Cakes
• Test a Cake to See if it is Done]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/987411/how-to-save-a-burnt-cake
2. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/987411/how-to-save-a-burnt-cake
3. ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/how-to/how-to-save-a-ruined-cake
4. ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/987411/how-to-save-a-burnt-cake
5. ↑ http://www.craftfoxes.com/blog/fixing-cake-wrecks-how-to-deal-with-a-burned-dry-fallen-or-crumbly-cake
6. ↑ http://thebearfootbaker.com/2015/11/how-to-freeze-a-cake-before-frosting/
7. ↑ http://food-hacks.wonderhowto.com/how-to/burn-your-cake-keep-calm-make-delicious-desserts-0166322/
8. ↑ http://thehappyhousewife.com/cooking/save-your-cake-wreck/
9. ↑ http://foodomania.com/prevent-cake-top-burning-or-cracking/
10. ↑ https://www.cakecentral.com/forum/t/682001/burning-edges-and-underneath-of-cake
11. ↑ http://www.livestrong.com/article/513982-how-to-not-burn-the-outside-of-cake/
12. ↑ http://www.livestrong.com/article/513982-how-to-not-burn-the-outside-of-cake/
13. ↑ http://foodomania.com/prevent-cake-top-burning-or-cracking/

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How to Recycle Biodegradable Waste

Biodegradable waste is animal or plant matter that breaks down naturally with exposure to microorganisms, heat, and oxygen. Recycling biodegradable waste into a nutrient-rich, usable material is often called composting. The material created through composting can later be added to soil. Since it is not always convenient to compost your own organic waste at home, public services and private organizations are now making it easier than ever for urban and suburban residents to recycle their biodegradable materials.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Collecting Biodegradable Materials

1. Gather organic food waste and scraps. Collecting compostable material requires little additional work—you simply place organic items, such as food waste and scraps in a collection container separate from your trash can. While you may purchase a designated indoor compost bin, many people collect their food scraps and waste in repurposed plastic food containers, trash cans, or compostable bags. After preparing or eating meals, place your food scraps into a compost collection bin.
   
   • Acceptable items include table scraps, fruit, vegetables, and eggshells. These items are considered “green” waste as opposed to “brown” waste.
   • If you are participating in a public or private program, only place approved compostable materials in your bin.
   • If you are composting in your backyard, do not save meat and fish products for your compost pile—these items attract rodents and pests.
   • Store your collection bin under the kitchen sink, on the kitchen counter, in your fridge, or in your freezer.^[1]
2. Collect green manure. If you are composting in your backyard, your pile should include about 50% green waste or manure. These items, which introduce nitrogen into your pile, serve as a catalyst to the compost process. Table scraps and food waste are just two forms of green manure. Other green waste items include:
   
   • Grass clippings
   • Clover
   • Buckwheat
   • Wheatgrass
   • Coffee Grounds
   • Tea leaves or tea bags
   • Store these items in an outdoor yard waste bin.^[2]
3. Set aside brown waste for your compost pile. Brown waste should make up the other 50% of your compost pile. The brown waste adds carbon to your compost pile. You may find brown waste items both inside your home and outside in your yard. These items include:
   
   • Shredded newspaper
   • Shredded paper
   • Shredded brown paper bags
   • Dead branches
   • Twigs
   • Leaves
   • Straw
   • Untreated sawdust^[3]

[Edit]Participating in a City Composting Plan

1. Contact your city's waste management facilities. Cities across Europe and the United States have committed to reducing or eliminating their residents' waste. In an effort to achieve this goal, these cities have established curbside composting programs. For more information on your community’s public program or to determine if your city provides this service, call your city’s waste management facilities of visit its website.
   
   • Inquire about the cost of the service.
   • Ask if the city provides indoor and curbside collection bins.
   • Ask how frequently the city picks up compostable material. Do they collect it twice a week, once a week, every two weeks, etc.?^[4]
2. Sign-up for your city’s composting program. When you contact your city's waste management facilities or search its website, inquire about or look for instructions on signing-up for the service. Every city’s sign-up process will be slightly different. To join the program, you may need to fill out an online form or send in a paper copy of the contract.^[5]
   
   • Before opting into the city program, renters, especially those in apartments, should contact their landlords.
   • If your building already participates in the city’s program, your landlord may be obligated to provide you with all of the necessary equipment and information. They may also be required to provide tenants with a central composting location.^[6]
   • If your complex is not currently involved in the municipal composting program, head up the initiative to join the composting movement.
3. Receive a composting starter kit and guidelines. Once you have joined the program, your local municipality may provide you with the equipment and educational resources you need to start composting. The equipment provided may include an indoor collection bin, an outdoor bin, and/or compostable bags. The city may also provide you with a set of instructions, a list of approved biodegradable materials, and a list of unaccepted organic materials.
   
   • The indoor collection bin is typically intended for your kitchen. Many people store this bin under the kitchen sink or on their kitchen counter. Line your inside bin with a compostable bag, newspaper, or a brown paper bag to keep it clean. If you are concerned about the smell or mess, you may also freeze or fridge all of your compostable food materials.^[7]
   • The outdoor collection bin is emptied by city workers. If you live in an apartment building, you may be required to share this outdoor collection bin with other residents.
   • If the city does not provide an indoor composting bin, you can find composting containers at many kitchen supply stores or purchase one online. You can also use takeout containers, food containers, pails with lids, or lined trash cans with lids.
   • Read the guidelines for your city's composting program. Make note of the correct procedures and your city’s approved compostable materials.^[8]
4. Collect your compostable materials throughout the week and place them outside on collection. Throughout the week, place your organic materials into your indoor compost bin. You can also collect biodegradable materials in your home office, bathrooms, and bedrooms. When your biodegradable collection bins are full, add the contents to your outdoor compost bin. On your a designated compost pick-up day, leave your outdoor bin at the curb each week. Once the bin is emptied, bring it in from the curb.
   
   • Your city may have specific requirements regarding the placement of the pin.
   • If you live in an area that receives a lot of snow, you may have to shovel a path from the street to your bin.
   • Officials may contact you if you fail to comply with the city’s procedures and rules.^[9]

[Edit]Composting Your Biodegradable Waste at Home

1. Select a composting container. In order to compost in your backyard, you need to build or purchase a composting container. This container should be placed in a shady location that is near a source of water. Types of containers include:
   
   • Homemade Containers: Construct your own round or square composting container out of fence posts and wire mesh siding, fence posts and lattice, or brick and wood. Build a structure that is at least three feet wide and three feet deep.^[10]
   • Compost Bins: This product, also known as a compost digester, is enclosed on the top and sides. Its open bottom sits directly on the ground. While these bins are small and inexpensive, it is difficult to turn the compost pile inside of them.
   • Compost Tumblers: These rotating composting containers are the most effective and mobile bins on the market. The rotating drum makes it easy to turn and aerate the compost. The drum also serves as insulation, which keeps the composting materials at the ideal temperature year round. The center paddle helps to aerate the compost and prevents the materials from clumping.^[11]
2. Layer your organic materials inside the container. Begin your compost pile in late spring or summer when it is hot and slightly damp. Organic materials must be placed thoughtfully and carefully in the compost pile. A well laid out compost pile will promote drainage and aeration while deterring clumping and rotting. Place your biodegradable materials in thin, even layers.
   
   • Place brown waste, specifically twigs and straw, on the bottom of the pile to encourage drainage. This layer should be a few inches thick.
   • Add alternating layers of moist and dry green and brown waste. Keep this layers thin to avoid clumping. Moist items include food scraps, food waste, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Dry items include straw, twigs, leaves, and untreated sawdust.^[12]
3. Maintain a moist, covered, and well turned compost pile. In order for the microorganisms to breakdown the green and brown waste into compost, the pile must remain moist, warm, and well aerated. Monitor your pile frequently.
   
   • Your compost should maintain the moisture of a damp sponge. If it is too dry, add water to the pile with a hose or let the rain water it naturally. If it is too wet, your organic materials may rot instead of compost.
   • Your compost pile should retain an interior temperature between 135° to 160° F. You can monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Covering your compost pile with a lid, carpet squares, wood, or a tarp will help regulate the temperature of the pile.^[13]
   • In order for the compost process to work, your pile must have a sufficient amount of air. Add oxygen to your pile by turning it every two to four weeks. You can turn the pile with a pitchfork or rotate your compost tumbler.^[14]
4. Add green manure and bury new materials ten inches down and turn the compost. When your compost pile is well developed, you can introduce new green waste and green manure to the compost. These products add nitrogen to the pile. The nitrogen serves as a catalyst for the composting process.
   
   • Use a pitchfork to add and mix in green manure to your pile. Acceptable green manure items include grass clippings, buckwheat, wheatgrass, and clover.
   • Bury new vegetable, fruit, and food scraps at least ten inches below the top of the pile.^[15]
5. Add the finished compost to your garden. Once the material at the bottom of your pile is a rich dark brown, the compost is ready for use. This can take anywhere from two months to two years.
   
   • Open up your composting container and empty its contents onto the ground.
   • Add the compost to your garden, vegetable patch, or orchard.^[16]

[Edit]Exploring Alternative Methods of Recycling Your Biodegradable Materials

1. Subscribing to a private composting service. If your city does not offer a public composting service, search for a private composting business in your area. Select a business and a plan that is within your price range, meets your needs, and fits into your schedule. Once you sign-up for the service, the business will typically provide you with a composting bin or bags.
   
   • Many services will take the full bin and leave you with a sanitized bin.
   • If you do not produce much food waste, find a service that will pick up your compostable materials every two weeks or once a month.
   • If you are interested in using compost in your yard, select a service that provides you with compost for free or at a discounted rate.^[17]
2. Bring your compostable materials to a composting collection site. Instead of paying for a public or private composting service, bring your organic materials to a designated biodegradable waste drop off site. These sites may be operated by the city, private organizations, or nonprofits. Before bringing your materials to one of these locations, make sure all of the items in your compost bin or bags adhere to the site’s standards.
   
   • Find these drop off sites through a quick internet search.
   • Instead of paying for your city’s composting service, you may be allowed to bring biodegradable materials to a drop-off site yourself.^[18]
3. Donate your organic materials to local farmers or community gardens. Giving your biodegradable materials away is an excellent ways to support the farmers and systems that produce food for your community. Contact farmers and community gardens in your area to see if they accept organic donations.
   
   • This is a great option for business and restaurants looking to cut costs while giving back to the community.
   • Some farmers and gardens may already have drop off boxes for composting donations.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Compost bin
• Compost guidelines
• Countertop compost container
• Rake
• Hose

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://sfenvironment.org/zero-waste/overview/zero-waste-faq, http://minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste/organics/WCMS1P-140932, http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html
2. ↑ http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html, http://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
3. ↑ http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html, http://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
4. ↑ http://sfenvironment.org/zero-waste/overview/zero-waste-faq, http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/organics/index.htm
5. ↑ http://minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste/organics/WCMSP-171641, http://sfenvironment.org/article/recycling-and-composting/recycling-and-composting-in-san-francisco
6. ↑ http://sfenvironment.org/article/recycling-and-composting/recycling-and-composting-in-san-francisco
7. ↑ http://minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste/organics/WCMS1P-140932, http://sfenvironment.org/solution/now-that-singleuse-plastic-bags-are-banned-what-should-i-use-to-line-my-bins
8. ↑ http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/organics/index.htm, http://sfenvironment.org/zero-waste/overview/zero-waste-faq
9. ↑ http://sfenvironment.org/article/recycling-and-composting/recycling-and-composting-in-san-francisco, http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/organics/index.htm
10. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/gardeners-gumbo/
11. ↑ http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html
12. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home, http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html, http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/gardeners-gumbo/
13. ↑ http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/fundamentals/needs_temperature.htm
14. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home, http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html, http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/gardeners-gumbo/
15. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home, http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html, http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/gardeners-gumbo/
16. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home, http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html
17. ↑ https://compostnow.org/composting/
18. ↑ http://sfenvironment.org/zero-waste/overview/zero-waste-faq, http://sfenvironment.org/article/recycling-and-composting/recycling-and-composting-in-san-francisco

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