Did you know that peanuts are a smart choice?
For a time, it was considered wise to avoid peanuts because of their fat content. Times have changed. Health conscious people now know that peanuts hold no damaging cholesterol. Their high protein content makes them a good choice for anyone, particularly for vegetarians.
Technically, peanuts belong to the legume family as do peas and green beans, but some people wonder whether peanuts should be in a food group of their own. In addition to protein, they contain vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, and important minerals.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity shows that eating peanuts is a valuable way to control hunger without weight gain.
Once considered only fit for animal feed, scientist George Washington Carver spent his life finding better uses for peanuts.
Try this easy recipe.
Peanut-Crusted Chicken
This is a variation of a popular Oriental dish, peanut pork. Peanut-encrusted chicken is high in protein, low in fat and has all natural ingredients.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
1 cup salted peanuts
2 tablespoons Canola oil
4 tablespoons honey
Using a blender or coffee grinder, reduce the peanuts to a coarse mixture. Do not over grind or you will end up with dry peanut butter.
Lightly salt and pepper the chicken breast fillets and brush on a coating of honey for binding and flavor. Roll in the coarsely chopped peanuts and press the coating into the chicken with the back of a tablespoon.
Coat a deep frying pan with Canola oil and bring heat to high. Place the chicken in the skillet, reduce heat to half, and cook until golden brown, or about half an hour to 45 minutes.
This dish can also be baked, eliminating the use of the Canola oil. Bake the fillets at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until crusty brown on top. The dish can be sliced and served piping hot as an entree or it can be served with your favorite dipping sauce as an appetizer.
Protecting Your Home from Hidden Allergens
Are your allergies out of control? Have you considered the possibility that allergens may be hiding in your home? Most people have no idea that some home products may intensely aggravate skin and respiratory allergies.
If you have pet allergies, you’re probably already aware of them. Did you know, however, that certain pet shampoos could decrease or increase these sensitivities? Likewise, many carpet deodorizers, particularly those that contain talc, can heighten allergies, as well as allergy-induced asthma. Many veterinary clinics and animal specialty stores offer pet-related merchandise specifically for owners who are sensitive to pet dander or chemicals used in animal care items.
Many people are also sensitive to dust or dust mites. While removing this dust is necessary, many dusting and furniture polishes contain aerosols or other compounds that increase sensitivities to allergies. Usually, dusting with a damp cloth once weekly is sufficient to remove dust without harming your furniture. If your allergies are very severe, you may want to consider delegating this job to another member of the family.
Recently, office supply companies and home department stores have been selling aerosolized products designed to purge dust from computer towers and other locations that are hard to reach. If you have respiratory allergies, do not use these products; they have caused numerous severe allergy-induced asthma attacks. If these products must be used in your home, let someone else do this job, and leave your home while they are being used. In addition, be sure the room is well ventilated, and allow the product to dissipate completely before returning home or re-entering the room.
Be aware, as well, that aerosolized dust removers can be lethal to children and adolescents. These items are becoming popularly used as inhalants, for ‘getting high’, by schoolchildren. Furthermore, these aerosols remain in the air sacs of the lungs much longer than other commonly used inhalants or ‘huffing’ drugs. As the number of fatalities continues to rise steadily, manufacturers may be required to significantly restrict the sale or distribution of these products. If you have children in your home, consider whether having these chemicals around is really worth the risk.
Another home allergen is hiding in your laundry room. Many people know of their sensitivities to laundry detergents. Are you aware, though, that fabric softeners cause nearly as many allergic reactions as laundry soap? The synthetic chemicals from these items attach to clothing and are worn throughout the day, creating constant exposure for people with respiratory allergies.
Did you know you can purchase reusable fabric softening balls that do not contain chemicals? These balls are placed in the dryer with each load of laundry. They reduce static cling and soften clothing fabric without causing allergic reactions. They are an inexpensive, effective way to quickly reduce your exposure to domestic allergens.
Explore possible causes of allergies in your home. Eliminate or reduce them. If you and your family do not have allergies, know that people can develop sensitivities with repeated exposure to allergens. Protect your family from future allergies by decreasing their exposure!
This article sponsored by PebbleArt’s line of naturally absorbent sandstone drink coasters
How to Get the Lawn Mower Blades Sharpened
Home advisors will give you detailed instructions on how to sharpen the blades of your mower using a vice and a sharpening tool. But unless you have the time and skill, you’re better off taking the blades or the mower to a repair shop.
Having the blade sharpened will cost about $10. Taking the whole mower into the shop costs more, and you need a trailer to transport the unit. To remove the blades yourself, do this:
- Disconnect the spark plug to keep the mower from starting accidentally.
- Put the mower on its side so engine oil can’t flow into the air filter.
- Block the blade with a piece of wood so it can’t turn when you are loosening the bolts, then remove the bolts.
- When you pull the blade out, mark the surface that faces the mower housing so you’ll know how to put it back.
- If the blade has deep nicks, it should probably be replaced. The same is true if the blade is warped, split or deformed.
 | US $35.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Nov-19-2008 15:47:07 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Simplicty Lawnmower Wheel Weights Rear 8" wheel
 | US $41.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Nov-19-2008 16:08:52 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
International Harvester Cub Cadet Lawn Tractor Mower NR
 | US $405.00 (20 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Nov-19-2008 18:05:20 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
RANSOMES FRONTLINE 728D RIDING COMMERCIAL LAWN MOWER
 | US $1,725.00 (40 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Nov-19-2008 18:20:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
72" KING KUTTER LAWN MOWER TRACTOR PTO ATTACHMENT NR
 | US $300.00 (15 Bids) End Date: Wednesday Nov-19-2008 18:25:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
