eHow

My roommate and I use to freelance for eHow.com, pulling all-nighters and laughing about arbitrary article topics and how ridiculously unqualified we were to share our 'expert' advice. But I must say, the real joke is how much I still continue to rely on sites like this. When you're trying to learn a new thing, there's something to be said for simplicity and 'beginner's expertise'. The best process of learning is researching an overview of the topic, experimenting with it, then gradually learning integrate strategies as you practice and improve one aspect at a time. The internet is ideal for the fulfillment of that initial step, so here we are: My How-To's to share:

How to Cook a Turkey:

1. Defrost fully. 2-4 days in the fridge or 1 day at room temp.

2. Grab and throw away all insides of turkey. Rinse with cold water, inside and out.

3. Optional: Season it! Mash 1.5 sticks of softened butter and spices together (1 teaspoon of Oregano and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic salt works well), Stick that in between the skin and the turkey. You may have to use a knife to cut small holes in the skin near the neck/butt of the turkey so that you can get in between there. Don't worry about it being clumpy, it will all melt deliciously. You can also put fresh rosemary all over and inside that thing.

4. Put it on a rack. Two cookie racks work if you form them in the shape of a V. Put that in a deep pan. Or a foil lined cookie sheet. Put it upside down and wrap the wings in foil. Read how long the total cooking time is for how heavy the turkey is. Its usually on the turkey wrapper. If not, charts are online. For a 12 lb turkey, Cook for an hour at 350 degrees. Flip it over so the breast is upwards. Cook another couple hours. Take the foil off. Cook another 20 minutes (but keep checking the temp by sticking it deep into the breast). Take it out when it reaches 165 degrees (depends on lbs).

5. Cut straight into the breast in through the middle. Cut outwards from there.

How to Bake an Awesome Cake:


1. Get a recipe online. I have found that using words such as 'amazing' or 'best' in the search often result in the best rated recipes: http://iambaker.net/the-best-chocolate-cake
 2. Use good ingredients. Natural cane sugar, french pressed coffee, etc.
3. Presentation is key. Cake stands are worth the investment. Fondant can be more presentable than frosting. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/marshmallow-fondant/
4. Personalize the cake for the receiver. My friend has bright blonde hair and threw a party for her birthday (Perfect for flaming birthday shots!) Hence, the inspiration:

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