Asparagus is that spear like vegetable you’ll often see served just steamed or blanched. But do you know that you can also cook asparagus in a pan? If you’d like to learn how to cook asparagus in a pan, here is a guide that will help step by step all the way. You will no longer need to just order it in the restaurant because you can cook it at home! Let us start with the first step you should do, how to buy asparagus.

Asparagus is a popular vegetable which tends to be among the most versatile and delightful. It can be cooked with citrus-flavored sauces, hollandaise, or roasted nuts. At the same time, you may not be aware but asparagus can also come in color white or purple. Asparagus is also a great vegetable to serve to your kids because it is a great source of potassium, folic acid, fiber, and vitamin C among other vitamins and minerals.

So now, how do you buy or choose asparagus? Asparagus can be bought fresh or frozen. Fresh asparagus can be found during late February up to June. However, you can find the frozen or canned spears in your grocery all year round. If you want it fresh, it would be ideal to use them the same day. So the question when buying is how much to buy? A pound and a half of asparagus would generally serve about four people. You can choose thin or thick spears, depending on your preference. There’s really not much difference in taste. At the same time, you can buy whatever size of stalk you like just as long as you choose the tips that are closed. You can buy fresh asparagus but make sure that you keep it in the refrigerator if you’re not going to use it yet. You can store it for about 3 to 5 days to be able to maintain its flavor. To store, it would be best to let them stand upright in a drinking glass with an inch of water or wet paper towel then keep in an airtight plastic container.

When you’re ready to cook your asparagus, simply rinse before you cook them. It is very important that you wash them thoroughly as they grow in sandy soil. You can cut or snap them just where the color begins to change. You may also peel off the outer skin of your asparagus for even cooking. Now you’re ready to learn how to cook asparagus in a pan.

Now in a large saucepan, simply place your asparagus and cover them with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat once it boils and cook for another five to eight minutes depending on how crisp or tender you like. When done, simply drain your asparagus and drizzle with salt, pepper, and olive oil. That is the most basic way to cook asparagus in a pan!

No related posts.

Scroll Down for the Actual Recipe.

The amaranth is a highly nutritious plant that has actually been here for centuries. Back in the days of the pre-Columbian Aztecs, the amaranth was once a staple. In fact, it was thought of having powers that it has become present at all their religious ceremonies. That was also the reason why amaranth went almost extinct.

During that time, the seed of the amaranth was grinded and added with honey or human blood to eat during the ceremonies. They were shaped into idols before it was eaten. Thus, the amaranth’s association to human sacrifices was then banned. The Spanish has banned the ceremonies, the human sacrifices, and the amaranth altogether. Spain has forbidden the growth or consumption of amaranth. It could have been completely extinct if not for those who continued to cultivate them in the Andes and Mexico regions. Thankfully, we still have amaranth today.

Mexico has continued cultivating amaranth as they made use of it in different things. The Mexicans combined amaranth with a sugar solution resulting to a confection that they call the “alegria” which means happiness. On the other hand, they also mill and roast amaranth to use it for creating the “atole” a traditional drink in Mexico. Of course, other regions have their versions of how they use amaranth. The Peruvians ferment the seeds to brew their beer. Now even the flowers of the amaranth plant are used for treating fevers and toothaches! On the other hand, it is also a great food color to use. It is used to color quinoa and maize, and it is even used as face paint too. Let’s now learn how to cook amaranth with this basic recipe. Let’s learn how to cook amaranth the most basic way.

To cook amaranth, you’ll need 1 ½ cups of water for every ½ cup of amaranth. You’ll also need salt to taste. Using a small saucepan, simply combine the water and amaranth and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes. Cover the saucepan and cook in low heat. Once the water is absorbed, you can turn off the heat and let cool before eating. You can add more salt depending on how you want it. Another variation you can do to your cooked amaranth is to mix in other tiny grains. You can use teff and quinoa too. Just make sure to cook these separately by following the instructions in their packages. When using quinoa, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking.

No related posts.

In 2007, during a study that was conducted at Michigan University, investigations concluded that assigned homework kept increasing with time. When a sample was done on the students of six to nine years, it showed that they spent two hours weekly or more on the homework given, which differed in 1981 where it was at forty four minutes. Harris Cooper, a homework researcher, concluded that homework never advances the academic accomplishments for the students in grade schools. He scrutinized many students and discovered that those given homework in high and middle schools essentially achieved better grades on consistent examinations. On the contrary, the ones who did the homework performed poorly. The homework idea has been a bone of contention in various countries with some welcoming it with open arms and others opposing it. The question is, is homework really necessary?

Related posts:

1. Who Invented Zero?
2. Who Invented Crayons?
3. Who Invented School?

However, the sandals proved inefficient in the colder regions as they did not have the ability to protect feet properly. This called for addition of material used in preparing shoes and hence resulted in the birth of

shoes. The Egyptians in Mesopotamia are recorded to be the first people who were civilized to make and wear shoes. The shoes then were made from papyrus or leather pads that ware fastened on the feet using two straps. The top part of the shoe in most cases was turned up to protect toes. Shoes have undergone an evolution over years and currently, there is a wide range of shoes for all occasions and weather.

Related posts:

1. Who Invented Zero?
2. Who Invented Crayons?
3. Who Invented Swimming?

Herpes is a known virus that can be categorized into simplex 1 or HSV1 and simplex 2 or HSV2. Both types are very contagious. HSV1 is also known as oral herpes since it infects the lips or the mouth resulting to fever blisters or cold sores. Its first signs are redness and tingling sensation in the infected area. After which, small blisters will start to appear and it will get obvious as time passes. These blisters will then become painful. A brown scab will form if it starts to heal and it will turn yellow as it completes the cycle. On the other hand, HSV2 is also known as genital herpes. Rashes and painful blisters can possibly be seen in the vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum, buttocks, and anus. It is also possible to feel healthy not knowing that you have herpes virus since it can stay dormant for several years without any appearance of blisters. Although for some, outbreaks happen occasionally, while others are more frequent. If sores are about to develop, expect itching, tingling, and burning feeling in the affected area. Symptoms of herpes are always the same, except for the first outbreak which is usually the most painful. Also, each time it recurs, the sores and pain lessens. But what actually causes herpes? To know more about it, below are some of its risk factors.

1. Oral herpes can be found in the saliva and the blood of the infected person. Direct contact with someone who has HSV1, such as kissing, sharing toothbrush and utensils, or any exposure to his or her saliva, can easily pass on the disease to you.
2. Having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of getting herpes virus. Through sexual activity, the infection can be transmitted easily either by genital to genital or by oral to genital.
3. Children can also be infected by oral herpes. In fact, most people who have it were first infected when they were 6 months to 3 years on the average. Usually, this is more prevalent in dirty and crowded places.
4. Based on studies, gender can also play a role in getting herpes. Sexually active women are more likely to get the virus compared to men; although, men get more recurrence.
5. Having an impaired immune system increases the probability of acquiring herpes. This is particularly true with HIV patients. In fact, a high percentage of people with HIV develop HV2.
6. People engaged in health care, such as doctors and nurses, are more exposed to different viruses since they are the ones whom patients go to when they have illnesses. Herpes can easily be spread through contact in the infected area. Proper sanitation and wearing protective clothing or gloves are always required in the workplace.

No related posts.