Tips for Buying an Electric Ice Cream Maker

 One of the greatest joys of summer is being able to make your own home made ice cream.  And it is so fast and simple nowadays with the huge range of electric ice cream makers available.

They take hardly any space on the kitchen counter top, and are silent while they work.  Preparing the ingredients only takes minutes.  My ice cream maker has a bowl that stays in the freezer nice and cold, ready to pop into the motorised section and just turn it on!

I have compiled some electric ice cream maker model reviews here, as well as posted four free ice cream recipes to use when you get your machine, so enjoy!

Make Your Own Ice Cream With Any Of These Electric Ice Cream Makers And My Secret Recipes!

The New Releases In Electric Ice Cream Makers are Perfect

What To Look For In Electric Ice Cream Makers includes simplicity and affordability.

With your own counter top motorized ice cream maker, you will be happy to know that you can enjoy your favourite ice cream anytime! I have friends who especially visit to get a couple of scoops of my banana ice cream, because it's better than any they have ever tasted, and not with that overwhelming artificial banana flavors that commercial ice creams have.

And my frozen yoghurts are to die for! I have a big selection of favorite ice cream recipes, tried and true success with each one, and I'll share some here with you, as well as featuring some of the most popular electric ice cream makers here for you to select from.

As soon as you get one of these on your kitchen counter, you are ready to start churning out unbelievably delicious ice cream to impress everyone!

http://www.squidoo.com/best-electric-ice-cream-makers

 What can also become a favorite kids activity every summer is making their own icecream, as there are now some perfect ice cream makers made for kids to use!

Check them out here, and I hope you and the kids have a great time with them this summer!


http://www.squidoo.com/best-ice-cream-makers-for-kids

Making Homemade Ice Cream With an Ice Cream Maker

Ice cream is a tasty frozen treat enjoyed by millions of American's every single day. Versions of this delicious dessert have been around since before electricity was invented, but since the introduction of Dairy Queen and other dessert-dedicated shops, this sweet treat is easy to find, and even easier to devour. Consumers can even take a walk down their grocer's freezer aisle and see hundreds of containers of differently flavored selections which is almost enough to be overwhelming.

For avid ice cream enthusiasts, making this dessert at home is a great, cost-effective way to enjoy a delicious homemade treat whenever you have a craving.
There are a number of homemade ice cream makers available on the market, all working under the same principle: add ingredients to the machine while it stirs and mixes everything slowly in a cold container, and then freeze after the mixing has been completed.

While the principle remains the same, the model you choose can affect the consistency, the amount made, and the time it takes to complete the process. The look, style, and price of the machines also vary from model to model, so be prepared to shop around and perform research to find the product that will best suit your needs.

There are many great reasons to buy an ice cream maker for your home. First and foremost the number of flavors available at a grocery, while vast, are limited to what they feel is popular. With your very machine, you can add your own ingredients to get exactly what you want, which includes combinations not available at stores.

Plus, adding your own ingredients gives you a healthier option if you choose to substitute healthier alternatives to sugar and cream. This is also great if you have special dietary requirements or consider yourself a vegan, as you can choose things that you know you are able to eat.

Ice cream makers are becoming more and more popular, and if you are not yet convinced take some time to think about the advantages of owning such an appliance. Not only is the product easy to use, it's a fun project that can be shared with the whole family. You can make endless amounts of ice cream in any flavor you choose and please even the most eccentric palates.

 You'll be able to make your own sweet treats for birthday parties or special events which can save you a good chunk of change if you were planning on purchasing the store variety. All of the above are great reasons to consider purchasing an ice cream maker for your home. If you are finally convinced, it's time to get shopping.

Read up on ratings and reviews to find the best ice cream makers or take a look at how consumers rated the White Mountain Ice Cream Maker to see how it stacks up against the competition.

 

The Top Three Ice Cream Makers

Long gone are the days where ice cream was made with hands, and now modern technology has made the process easier with the invention of ice cream makers. These machines not only produces lip-licking frozen delights, but also makes sure they taste just as good, if not better than those handmade ones. Here are three of the industry's best machines.

The name Cuisinart is synonymous with excellent kitchen equipment for generations, and their dessert maker range is also highly applauded. The Cuisinart Classic Dessert Maker does not only make one type of frozen confectionary, but also frozen yoghurts and sorbets. Model ICE-25 exudes brings the user to the good old days with its classic design, but it boosts a technology that allows for an automatic and simple usage.

With just a touch of a button after pouring the ingredients, the machine will start mixing them and users can expect the finished product in just 20 minutes. For easy cleaning, the machine's mixing paddle and freezer bowl are both easily removable.

Sunbeam also makes exceptional ice cream makers in the market. They boast of their GL8200 Gelateria as possessing an internal compressor that freezes until -30 degree Celsius, to ensure perfect frozen confections.

The machine has the capacity of making up to a liter of gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt. With an LED timer display included, users not need to worry about their desserts' consistency, because now you can choose the timer setting to the desired consistency.

 Like most machines that aim to boost efficiency, the GL8200, that sports a classic white-colored exterior, has a removable cylinder for easier cleaning and serving.
Although American brands are more known among consumers, when it comes to dessert makers, one European brand name stands out among the rest.

 Italian company Lello Musso manufactures the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart that can freeze 3 quarts per hour. Its fully automated operation allows for efficient and quick making of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, gelato and frozen drinks.

The machine has a timer control that suits the freezing and making time for each different frozen confection, so that users can enjoy the best and most delicious frozen delights. The 4080 has stainless steel housing, bowl and paddle for easy cleaning, encased in an attractive Italian design.

No longer do you need to tire your hands to manually churn the ingredients, with these three of the best ice cream makers in the market, you can now easily make your own delicious homemade frozen dessert.

To read more comprehensive reviews on these ice cream makers mentioned, visit the Ice Cream Maker Reviews Website. You can find guides to help you buy the best ice cream maker.

Buying an Electric Ice Cream Maker

So, you want to buy an ice cream maker. What features do you look for? If you are like me, you would want ease of use and for it to be easy to clean. That sounds like a good start.

There are many from which to choose. Manufacturers such as Cuisinart, Kitchenaid, Whynter, Lello, and Hamilton Beach, just to name a few. You do want to buy an ice cream maker with a good reputation like Cuisinart and Whynter.

I would want convenient features such as a large spout for adding ingredients, a transparent lid to see what's going on, dual or multiple speeds, a timer with automatic and safety shut-offs, two freezer bowls, easy clean up, and a quiet operation. These are the things I would look for when I buy an ice cream maker.

Units that use a freezer bowl are the most popular of these types of machines since they are affordable. Also, with two of them, you can put them in the freezer, have them ready for use and can do more than one project.

When purchasing, see if you can buy an additional bowl for your unit, unless, of course it already comes with two. Most of these types of machine do not come with two bowls, however. The more expensive units have their own compressor which precludes freezing the mixing bowl in your freezer beforehand. These freeze the ingredients for you.

Now, realistically, I may not get all the features I am looking for depending on the price I am willing to pay. For example, the Cuisinart ICE-30BC, is a 2-quart model that sells for about $64.00 at my local Lowe's. It has a large spout, one double-insulated freezer bowl, is easy to clean, and easy to use.

However, it is somewhat noisy. I would not get all the features that I wanted, but, the price was right. Or, how about the pricier Whynter model IC-2L SNO, 2-quart version that sells for around $235.00 on Amazon.com? This unit, in addition to being easy to use and clean, has an electronic timer and its own high-efficiency CFC-free compressor! Wow!

With this model you do not have to pre-freeze the mixing bowl! You get what you pay for folks. It all depends on your budget when you buy an ice cream maker.
All in all, see what features you want, go with a manufacturer you can trust, and determine what price you are willing to pay. Then, go buy an ice cream maker and let's have ourselves an incredible, tasty homemade treat!

To find informative tips on using and purchasing an electric ice maker please visit http://www.bestelectricicecreammakers.com/

 

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http://www.squidoo.com/best-ice-cream-makers-for-kids

Learn how early childhood education can shape a child's world.

A child's first impression of schooling and education can and will shape your child's view on whether or not they enjoy learning. Starting your child's education process while they are a baby is the best way to ensure not only a smart baby but also a smooth transition into formal education.

It is strange to think that your child, who is learning and showing you their achievements on a daily basis at home, could become scared of learning, or rather trying to learn successfully at school.

First impressions really do last a lifetime. If in early childhood, your child has had undo pressure applied to their learning, or tasted the bitterness of failing – or being told that they have failed – this leaves lasting impression on their young minds.

So what can we do to ensure that our children have a positive experience within the education system?
Consider the type of education you are enlisting your child into.

 Some parents do not always realise that there is a choice when it comes to education. And to clarify, I am not talking private versus state.

In certain areas of Europe (notably Switzerland) young children do not begin school until the age of seven. This is two years later than most schooling systems. The reasoning behind this is that children learn through play, this giving them an additional two years to “play”.

The children, who start their education later, on average, exceed those who began aged five when tested at the beginning of secondary schooling.

Research has shown that this actually hurts children (especially boys) to hold a pen or pencil in the “correct” way when aged below seven.

There is no surprise then that in recent years boys have been underachieving in written based subjects. It hurt them to write when they were younger, and as teenagers they still associate this pain with writing. This then turns them off of English, which is the one subject that will help them unlock the others.
Schools that begin a “formal” education at the tender age of five have begun to address these issues however. Before writing they now do warm up exercises to help relieve cramp. This is a step in the right direction.

When going through homework or if you have some educational material to go through at home, ensure you do so in short bursts. The human brain struggles to concentrate on any one thing for longer than twenty minutes at a time – and this is adults.

Make sure you only use positive praising words when helping them with their understanding and have in place a reward system like stickers and stamps.

Learn more here about

Why you should use Educational Toys for your Baby 

And the most suitable toys for smart babies:

http://www.squidoo.com/top-educational-toys-for-babies

The Best Educational Electronic Toys for Toddlers 

As a parent you are benefiting your baby in a big way by getting them electronic learning toys.

Playing with toys is an excellent way to entertain your child as well as expand their mind. There are a variety of toys for infants that are fun and great for learning.

This page will feature some of the most popular electronic toys that will help you on your search for finding a toy that will be fun, safe, and help your infant learn.

http://www.squidoo.com/electronic-toys-for-toddlers

The Citrus Of Biblical Times

Even though citrus is not directly mentioned in the Bible, varieties of citrus did grow during biblical times and became part of the the religious culture of the time.  

Even though there was no word for “citrus” in ancient Greek or Hebrew dialect, we learn about this type of fruit, not in biblical text, but rather in written instructions for religious ceremonies in which the fruit mentioned appears to fit the category we know as citrus. 

Take a look at how historians have come to understand the citrus fruit of biblical times.

Etrog is the Celebration Citrus

"And you shall take on the 1st day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God 7 days!" Leviticus 23:40.

Described in the Bible as early as 200 B.C., etrog is commonly referred to as peri eitz hadar, literally translated to a 'fruit of the beautiful tree.'  So even though there is no direct mention of the word “citrus” in this Bible verse, historians believe the 'fruit of a beautiful tree' would be this citrus fruit.

Through other historical writings and religious manuscripts outside of the Bible, it is learned that etrog, or ethrog, is an oblong fruit with knobby skin, which is light gold in color.  Jewish people were introduced to this fruit in Babylonia during their exile there and carried it back to Palestine.  Etrog,  a member of the larger class citron, became one of the 'four elements' (palm branch, willows, myrtle, and citron) in the religious Feast of Booths.

In traditional Jewish culture, the fruit must be as unblemished as possible for religious ceremony. This means extra care is needed to cut around the leaves and thorns to prevent scratching the fruit. 

Also, if dust or dirt gets caught in the fruit's stomata during growth, it will later appear as a black or brown dot on the fruit, which is unacceptable for religious ceremonies. This perfection wouldn't very likely occur if the etrog was shipped, therefore making etrog a fruit that needed to be grown locally.

Of course, shipping containers have improved so Jewish families can find this fruit just about anywhere in the world today.  Harvesting techniques have also improved in order to provide enough etrog wherever it is needed for religious ceremony.

 In order to ship properly, the fruit is picked while still green, taking advantage of the excretion of ethylene gas to further ripen the fruit in a controlled manner. This is the same gas that is naturally released from apples, so some growers simply put the fruits in the same box as apples when transporting.

For commercial use etrog is generally harvested no earlier than January when it is at optimum size.  As prescribed in religious writings, the fruit can only reach the size of a hen's egg in order to be considered kosher, but as long as the etrog can be held with one hand, it will work.

Citron is a Varied Family

While the etrog is generally grouped under the larger classification of citron, there are numerous varieties. Some are ribbed and bumpy on the outer rind.  One variety even has finger-like projections, which is commonly referred to as 'Buddha's Hand.'

During biblical times, aside from religious ceremony, citron was used for medical purposes for combating seasickness, intestinal problems, and even as an antibiotic and antidote to poison.

The citron is unlike the more common citrus species we are familiar with today. While those more popular fruits are peeled to consume their pulpy and juicy segments, the citron's pulp is dry, containing a small quantity of juice, if any.

The main content of a citron fruit is the thick white rind which cannot be separated from the segments easily. Other than religious ceremony, today the citron is used for the fragrance or zest of its rind.

Papeda is a Peculiar Citrus Cousin

The papeda group includes some of the most tropical, and yet frost-tolerant, citrus plants. Because of this unique combination, it is believed that papeda may have been found in cold mountainous regions of Asia as well as hot, desert areas.  Biblical references to this particular citrus are not made, but as a member of the citron family, and because of the ability to grow in most of the lands of biblical times, papeda would very likely be a part of the fruit basket.

Many papedas are known for slow growth, small size relative to other citrus species, and thorniness. Though all papeda fruits are, in fact, edible, some varieties are considered too sour or bitter to actually want to eat.

However, when food is scarce, this citrus fruit may have been consumed, but just nothing to write home about.  This could explain why it would probably not be written about in biblical times.

If you search for citrus fruits in the Bible, you won't find any direct references, but you will discover some very unique uses for what was a part of the citron family.  Both religious and medical, when people of biblical times were given the gift of citron, or citrus, they made use of it to the best of their ability. 

Because of the region, many varieties would have been grown and harvested.  You not find  Etrog, Buddha's Hand, or Papeda in your neighborhood grocery store, but the uniqueness of these citrus fruits would be well worth the search.

Brand new Easy Citrus Recipes Cookbook for the Summer!

Just published instant download in both eBook & kindle versions!

learn more here and buy online:

http://www.squidoo.com/easy-citrus-recipes


 

And I include 4 more cookbooks as a bonus!

or first learn more here, along with more free citrus recipes:

http://www.squidoo.com/easy-citrus-recipes   

 

How to Help Your Kids Learn Science With A Smile!

Who ever said that you couldn't combine business with pleasure was a total idiot. Why is that so? It is so because being serious, at the same time having fun, is possible.

Science is always thought to be a highly serious subject, but still, your children can enjoy while exploring those scientific discoveries and innovations.

Children nowadays seem to have a dam around them when it comes to telling them to do their homework or to study. Oftentimes you just can't persuade them to concentrate on their studies because they are just too busy playing with their toys.

To save you from further frustration, educational science toys were invented. This way, your children not only learn from the things that are taught, but they also do so with big smiles on their faces due to utter enjoyment and pleasure.

Crime Lab Investigation is an example of an educational science toy for it lets your child enjoy the job of a crime investigator. The mental capacity of your child will be enhanced, for this toy lets your kid examine evidence by using forensic science to be able to solve certain cases.

Another educational science toy is the Weather Center Science Fair Project. With this educational science toy, your child can get to learn all about the various kinds of weather conditions, with regards to temperature, wind speed, wind direction, total rainfall, and many more.

This complete weather tower storage system is self-contained so that you can mount it outdoors on any sort of pedestal. Your kid will definitely have fun while exploring the science of weather.

Let's Get Gross is another toy, which is, mind you, the grossest set of them all. This educational toy set gives enough of the ingredients or materials needed in creating lots of odorous and really disgusting body parts.

You can get to make slimy brains, fake eyeballs, rotten egg smells, fake snot, and fake cuts and wounds. All these parts have been molded in various body part shapes to make your children realize that the body is not all good, and that it can get really ugly and smelly if not taken cared of.

Our Amazing Avalanches and Mudslides helps your children learn more about avalanches and mudslides while they create their own. This educational science toy can be deemed as very advantageous in learning most especially to those who live in areas where such happen most often.

 With this set, you and your kid can paint and display the base of your mountain, create snow, watch those trees topple down, and also learn about the different factors that cause an avalanche or a mudslide.

Our Amazing Earthquakes brings you and your kid the science and art of simulating your self-made earthquakes. This set is inclusive of quite a number of different related activities and facts about this extremely powerful and earth-moving phenomenon.

Another educational science toy, and also the most used and most popular, is the Our Amazing Volcanoes Science Fair Project. This set will give your child a chance to safely explore the most destructive force of nature on Earth.

 You are allowed endless experiments and variations due to the number of seven volcanoes that are available, together with the dual-chamber volcano bottle. You can make the lava of your artificial volcano thicker or foamier, and also change the level of eruption from a puny trickle down the sides to a whopping six-foot roaring fountain.

You can also explore the science and art of building bridges with Our Amazing Bridges Science Fair Project. You can create different sorts of bridges from ones that just cross narrow ravines and rivers using logs or just rocks, to the extremely huge mile-long suspension bridges of today's time.

You start, first, with spanning a realistic landscape of a river using a modern truss bridge out of steel by just using a few bits of gussets and plastic I-beams. After that, you can start making a graceful and lean yard-long suspension bridge from materials that weigh as light as a feather.

There are different kinds of toys you could purchase for your children. But there are only a few educational science toys to help you children improve science-wise; at the same time have fun. 

Mixing business with pleasure is indeed possible. With educational science toys, you have just hit two birds with one stone.


Check Out The Best Kids Science Experiments HERE:

http://www.squidoo.com/kids-science-experiments

Swimming Pool Maintenance Guide - Do You Use a Neat Robotic Pool Cleaner Yet?

Basic Swimming Pool Maintenance Guide

This swimming pool maintenance guide should be used as the basis for your swimming pool cleaning routine. The exact routine you use will depend on the type of pool you own, where you live, and how much time and money you have to spend.

Whatever you do, regular cleaning is essential. Algae and dirt can quickly build up in a poorly maintained swimming pool, not only making the water unpleasant to be in, but increasing the risk of bacteria multiplying and damaging the health of swimmers.

Daily Maintenance Is Best

Unfortunately the very best way to keep your pool in good working order is to see to it daily. Small daily tasks are a lot easier to perform than huge monthly maintenance operations! They'll also keep your pool a lot healthier for you and for your family to use.

Your Swimming Pool Filters

The filter is one of the most important elements of any swimming pool maintenance guide. This may come in the form of a sand filter, a cartridge filter or a DE filter. All of these types do the same thing (in different ways) - filter the water of your pool to keep it clear and safe.

You should aim to check your filters around once a week, and clean them according to their specific instructions. You should also give them a thorough clean when the pool season is over to make sure they're ready for next season. 

Lastly, to keep them running properly, you'll need to replace the sand in a sand filter around once every three to five years, the diatomaceous earth in a DE filter a few times a year, and the cartridge in a cartridge filter every two to three years.

Cleaning Your Pool

Every day, try to make use of supplies such as pool brushes, nets and vacuums (attached to telescopic poles) to clean the surface, walls and floor of your swimming pool.

Next you'll need to make use of chemicals to sanitize the pool. This means first checking the pH levels of the water. If these aren't right, your chemicals aren't going to do the job as effectively, and the water may become uncomfortable for swimmers.

Now you'll need to use bromine or chlorine to sanitize your pool, keeping it free of bacteria. Check chlorine levels regularly, and invest in shock to prepare your pool before recharging it with cleaning chemicals.

As mentioned above, this pool maintenance guide forms the bare minimum of what needs to be done to look after your pool. Every chemical kit or piece of equipment you buy will come with specific instructions for different types and sizes of pool. It's important to follow these carefully to ensure your water is safe.

Learn more here about the many models and styles of robotic pool cleaners you can get online to maintain your swimming pool this summer: 

These Robotic Pool Cleaners Make Swimming Pools Fun Again!
Neat Robotic Pool Cleaners!

 

Choosing The Best Plants for Your Landscaping Needs

 Landscaping designs generally involve plants. It's rare to find landscaping that doesn't include some type of plant material.

It's only natural that you will want to choose plants that you love, but ones that also compliment each other. They also need to be suitable for your climate.

 Choosing your plantings can be a very exciting part of your landscaping design.

Unless you hire a full time gardener you will need to have some knowledge about the plants you intend to use. You don't want costly mistakes like planting sunny varieties in a shady area or moisture loving plants in a dry area.

You will need to know the individual plant's water needs, soil needs, what type of fertilizer and how much, along with how much light they need. Knowing these things before you buy will help you to determine which plants you can mix and match. You want to plant a willing garden, one that will grow and thrive with relatively easy care.

 The floor of your landscape

This includes grass, ground cover, flower beds, walkways, shrubs, vines, etc. Everything needs a base to be build upon. Landscaping is no different. Deciding on your plants also involves deciding on the types of plants and their growing season. You can opt to plant bulbs, fungi like tree and ground moss, or viney plants like ivy and grapevines.

 Blooming season

It's essential to know when certain plants bloom. If you want color to last from early spring to fall, you will choose plants that have different blooming seasons.

Tulips are great for early spring, but once they stop blooming you are left with only greenery. You'll want to plant other plants in the same area that will bloom later on.

You need to decide if you'll choose to plant annuals, biennials, or perennials. Annuals, of course, will have to be replaced every year. If you enjoy planting each spring you may want to leave a bed or two open for these types of plants.

 This way you can mix and match or choose something entirely different each year. Annual beds are very versatile.

 How much color?

Some of the nicest landscapes include lots of colorful plants. You should consider if you want mostly greenery with a splash of color here and there, or if you want flower beds and areas that look as if they've been sprayed with tons of beautiful color.

Your choices all depend on what appeals to you and the effect you're trying to create. You can have areas of mostly greenery and areas of mostly color. It's really up to you and your tastes.

Other elements to consider

There are so many things you can and should consider during the planning phase of your landscaping design. Many of these elements aren't plants either, but can help show off your plantings by adding depth and contrast. Things such as fences, trellises, walls, etc.

You can also grow natural walls from shrubs and trees or use vines on fencing. Landscaping can be a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. If you plan to tend to the yard yourself, make sure you have a good bit of knowledge about the plants you will use. You can create your own personal journal to keep up with each plant's individual needs.

Even though it can be work, it should also bring you years of enjoyment and relaxation.

I have put some more tips online here on my squid pages, and I'll also be publishing some really helpful gardening books soon - ENJOY!

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-build-kids-playhouse

http://www.squidoo.com/garden-planning-design-tips

http://www.squidoo.com/build-child-treehouse

http://www.squidoo.com/patios-verandahs-decks-balconies-how-to-tips

http://www.squidoo.com/pretty-garden-gloves-and-tools

http://www.squidoo.com/spring-flowers-flora

http://www.squidoo.com/greenhouse-construction

http://www.squidoo.com/small-manure-spreader

http://www.squidoo.com/worm-castings

http://www.squidoo.com/fall-seasonal-products

http://www.squidoo.com/residential-solar-energy-systems-pros-cons

http://www.squidoo.com/benefits-of-solar-energy-for-homes-info

http://www.squidoo.com/ecofriendly-diy-solar-power

Helene Malmsio

p.s. and I love my indoor gardens too - I have THREE Aerogardens on the go!

http://www.squidoo.com/aerogarden-too