How to Save Gas when You're Driving

Saving gas is good for both the environment and your wallet. While keeping your car in good condition and using a fuel-efficient vehicle are good methods to accomplish this goal. You can also take several steps while driving to save gas. Drive smoothly and avoid stop and go habits that reduce fuel efficiency. Drive within the speed limit to reduce wind drag on the car. When running errands, plan the route to avoid traffic and slowdowns. These tactics will all help make your car much more fuel-efficient.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Adjusting Your Driving Habits

1. Drive the speed limit to eliminate excess drag. As cars increase in speed, wind drag makes the engine work harder to keep the car moving. This burns fuel at a much higher rate. Keep your speed at the posted limit or just below it for the best performance.^[1]
   
   • While all vehicles hit their peak MPG at different speeds, generally, cars are most fuel-efficient at around per hour. Going faster than that reduces fuel efficiency.^[2]
   • If the posted speed limit is higher than this, drive in the right lane so other motorists can pass you.
   • Speeding is also a safety and legal violation, so there are many other reasons to travel at the speed limit.
2. Press the gas and brake pedals smoothly to avoid stop and go driving. Stop and go driving is the most inefficient way to drive a car. Even with traffic and traffic lights, you can drive in a way that reduces stop and go travel. Always work the pedals smoothly, without slamming either one. Press the brakes smoothly to avoid a jerky stop, and accelerate back up with steady pressure on the gas pedal. This increases your fuel efficiency.^[3]
   
   • Follow other cars at a safe distance to avoid slamming the brakes if they stop short.
   • If you want to speed up or pass another driver, don’t pump the gas pedal hard. Increase the pressure gradually to bring yourself to a higher speed.
   • In an emergency, however, don’t hesitate to hit the brakes hard if you have to stop.
3. Release the gas pedal and coast before braking. Suddenly applying the brakes cuts down on your fuel efficiency. If you know you have to stop, plan ahead. Release the gas pedal without hitting the brakes yet and coast until the car slows down. Then apply the brakes. Since the car is moving slower, you won’t burn as much fuel trying to stop.^[4]
   
   • This technique works especially well with traffic lights. Once you see that a light turns yellow and you know you won’t make it, let the gas pedal go. By the time you have to stop, your car will be moving much slower.
   • Again, don’t do this in an emergency. Press the brakes as hard as is necessary to avoid hitting something.
4. Go up hills slowly to conserve energy. While it may sound counterproductive, going slower uphill burns less fuel than going fast. The engine works harder and burns more fuel if you try to maintain your speed going uphill. Don't try to maintain your speed when passing over hills. Instead, keep your pedal pressure consistent and let the hill slow you down. You'll regain speed once you get to the top.^[5]
   
   • Check behind you before driving like this. If someone is tailgating you, they could hit you if they aren't paying attention.
5. Coast downhill while keeping the car in gear. While some people switch into neutral to coast downhill, this practice actually burns more fuel. Instead, simply let go of the gas pedal and let the car coast downhill while keeping the car in gear. This way, the engine won't be working and burning fuel.^[6]
   
   • Keep your foot hovering over the brake pedal while coasting just in case you have to stop suddenly.
   • Switching into neutral while moving is also potentially dangerous. It gives you less control over the car and your engine could overheat if you have to hit the brakes.

[Edit]Conserving Power

1. Use cruise control to save fuel on long drives. Studies show that switching into cruise control on long drives is more fuel efficient because it keeps your car at a steady speed. If you’re traveling on the highway and there is no traffic, switch your car into cruise control to get the max fuel efficiency.^[7]
   
   • Pay careful attention to the road while you’re using cruise control. Don’t tune out.
   • Don’t use cruise control in bad road conditions.
2. Turn off the engine if you’re idling for more than 60 seconds. Idling burns fuel very inefficiently. If you’re idling and know you’ll be there for more than 60 seconds, then turn off the engine and restart it when you have to move again.^[8]
   
   • The best situations to use this technique are ones in which you know you'll be idling in one place for a while, such as parked at a curb, waiting at a railroad crossing, or in a busy drive-thru. It’s not the best idea in traffic, unless there is a major delay and nothing is moving.
   • If you’re idling for less than 60 seconds, however, leave the car running. You’ll burn more fuel turning the engine back on than you’ll save by turning it off.
3. Close your windows if you’re driving faster than per hour. At highway speeds, the increased wind resistance makes your car work much harder. Close the windows and use the car's AC system if you’re traveling greater than to get better fuel efficiency.^[9]
   
   • There is a long debate about whether using your air conditioner or opening your windows is more fuel-efficient. The answer is to open the windows and turn off the AC at speeds below . Faster than this, close the windows and turn on the AC.

[Edit]Planning Ahead

1. Remove unnecessary weight from the car. Increased weight means that the car's engine needs to work harder to bring you up to speed, meaning it burns more fuel. Make your car more fuel-efficient by taking out any excess boxes or equipment you don't use. Each pound you remove lets your car work more smoothly.^[10]
   
   • Attachments like hitches and roof racks also add weight. If you aren't hauling something on this trip, take them off to save fuel.
2. Take a route with the least amount of traffic and stops. If there are multiple ways to get somewhere, take the amount of stopping into account. A road with lots of traffic lights might make you stop and idle often. Similarly, roads that are prone to traffic will slow you down. Listen to traffic reports and pick the clearest routes to maximize your fuel efficiency.^[11]
   
   • The best route will probably change depending on the time of day. Monitor traffic reports to find the best option.
   • Apps like Google Maps or Waze calculate the shortest routes for your trip by taking traffic into account. Listen to these calculations to find the smoothest rides.
3. Travel outside the high-traffic periods of the day if possible. This may not be possible if you commute to and from work in rush hour. However, if you work on a different schedule, then avoid running your errands at high-traffic times. Cover all your driving needs in the middle of the day or in the evening after the commute.^[12]
   
   • Keep this in mind if you’re leaving for a trip as well. Leave before the morning rush to avoid slowdowns and conserve your fuel.
4. Combine multiple errands into one trip to reduce travel time. Going home between each errand increases the number of trips you have to make and the distance you have to drive. Plan ahead and list all the places you have to go to. If possible, tackle all your errands in one trip for the most fuel efficiency.^[13]
   
   • For example, if you have to go food shopping, to the post office, and get a haircut one day, don’t go home in between each errand. Do them all in the same trip to reduce the amount of driving you have to do.
   • Also try to group errands by which ones are close together. If the supermarket and post office are both on one side of town and the barber is on the other, then go to the supermarket and post office first.

[Edit]Tips

• Keeping your tires in good condition is one of the biggest ways to increase fuel efficiency. Fill them to the recommended psi for the best results.
• Unless it’s below zero outside, only warm up your car for 30-60 seconds. The engine will warm up as you drive, so go slowly for the first few minutes of driving.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/use-less-gas-with-these-simple-tricks-of-efficient-drivers
2. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-to-get-the-best-fuel-economy-now/
3. ↑ https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/conserving-fuel/#.Xg40tEdKiUk
4. ↑ https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/conserving-fuel/#.Xg40tEdKiUk
5. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a6827/6-driving-tactics-to-save-gas-this-weekend/
6. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a6827/6-driving-tactics-to-save-gas-this-weekend/
7. ↑ https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve/behavior_techniques.html
8. ↑ https://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-save-money-on-gas/
9. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a6827/6-driving-tactics-to-save-gas-this-weekend/
10. ↑ https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve/behavior_techniques.html
11. ↑ https://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-save-money-on-gas/
12. ↑ https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/conserving-fuel/#.Xg40tEdKiUk
13. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a6827/6-driving-tactics-to-save-gas-this-weekend/

How to Make a Grazing Table

A grazing table is a lavish buffet spread of tasty snacks and treats for a party or event. The keys to a successful grazing table are having lots of tasty snacks and treats arranged in a visually striking way, with no empty space on the table. Choose foods with a variety of textures to give your guests different things to try and have fun with your arrangement! Your guests will love seeing, and eating from the bountiful spread on your grazing table.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing the Food

1. Keep your food bite-sized. A grazing table gives people tons of options to choose from, so keep the portion sizes small enough to be eaten in 1 or 2 bites. That way, people can fit more of the tasty treats and snacks onto their plates and they can try a little bit of everything!^[1]
   
   • You can always cut bigger foods, such as large cuts of meat, wheels of cheese, and loaves of bread into smaller, bite-sized portions!
2. Pick cheeses with different textures to give people options. Select creamy, hard, crumbly, and aged cheeses to give your guests different textures and options to choose from. Different cheeses also pair well with different breads, fruits, cured meats, and wine, so having multiple option allows people to mix and match however they like!^[2]
   
   • Examples of cheeses to add to your grazing table include: gouda, cheddar, brie, goat cheese, and gruyere.
3. Select a variety of cured meats for your charcuterie. Charcuterie refers to preparing and assembling cured meats that people can use to pair with the other items on your grazing table. Give your guests options by having a variety of meats for them to choose from such as salami, prosciutto, ham, and bacon.^[3]
   
   • Other cured meat options include: capicola, soppressata, and pepperoni.
   • You can include freshly cooked meat as well, such as roast beef or grilled chicken, but make the portions bite-sized so people can taste them without filling themselves up.
4. Use several different breads and crackers. Freshly baked bread and tasty, crunchy crackers are a must have for any grazing table. Give people a selection of both so they can choose the ones they like and use them to mix and match with the various cheeses, meats, and spreads.^[4]
   
   • Some breads you can include on your grazing table are: fresh baguettes, sourdough, and pumpernickel.
   • Tasty cracker flavors include rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
5. Add some fresh vegetables to your table. Pick out some small fresh vegetables such as baby carrots and cherry tomatoes that are easy for people to grab. Cut up larger vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers into slices and bite-sized pieces so your guests can add them to their plates.^[5]
   
   • Slice up some tomatoes for your fresh breads!
   • Fresh broccoli and cauliflower are great dipping items and give people a healthier food option.
6. Have both fresh and dried fruits. When your choosing your fruit, keep variety in mind, since people have different preferences. Fresh fruit such as pineapple, strawberries, and cantaloupe add delicious sweetness and texture to the food options on your grazing table. Be sure to include softer fruits as well, such as dried apricots and figs.^[6]
   
   • Fresh pears and apples adds crisp, crunchy flavor to your table while plums and raspberries add a soft and sweet texture.
   • Having compote or fruit spreads are also great additions to a grazing table. Kick it up a notch by adding a pepper jelly for some heat!
7. Choose dips, condiments, and accompaniments to add flavor. Use small, items such as olives, fresh basil, or pickled peppers to accompany the other food items on your grazing table so people can decide if they want to add them or not. Select spreads and dips that people can use to put on their bread, crackers, cheese, vegetables, and any other items on your table. Be sure to have some condiments so your guests can fix their servings just the way they like it.^[7]
   
   • Popular dips you can put out include hummus, ranch, and spinach and artichoke dip.
   • Melted cheese dips are always a hit as well!
   • Pick out some mustard, honey, and a spicy hot sauce for your guests to use.
8. Sweeten your table with some small dessert items. Choose bite-sized portions of dessert items that people can add to their plates as a sweet treat. Cookies, brownies, or cupcakes are sure to be a hit and won’t overwhelm your guests’ plates, or their stomachs!^[8]
   
   • Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies are simple and easy to make and will wow your guests!
   • You can cut a larger cake into small, bite-sized portions and stick a toothpick in them to allow your guests to get a small taste.

[Edit]Arranging the Grazing Table

1. Choose a table or piece of furniture that fits the decor of the event. Opt for a flat, sturdy table that can support the weight of all the yummy treats you plan to arrange in your spread. Choose an attractive table with a smooth surface so you can arrange your spread.^[9]
   
   • A solid wooden table is always a safe bet to use for a grazing table.
   • Make sure the table is at a level where people can easily access the items. Don’t use a coffee table or a tall work station table.
2. Select an accessible location to place your grazing table. Choose a place that allows your guests to move about all sides of the grazing table so more people can access it at the same time. Make sure the table isn’t blocking a walkway or isn’t in the flow of foot traffic.^[10]
   
   • Avoid putting the grazing table against a wall or in a corner or you’ll limit how many people can access it at one time.
   • An open kitchen area or a dining room in a home is great for a grazing table.
3. Cover the table with butcher or brown paper to protect it. Use butcher paper or brown paper to protect the surface of the table and make clean-up a breeze. Using brown or butcher paper also adds a rustic flair to your grazing table, making your spread feel more like a bountiful harvest.^[11]
   
   
   • If you don’t want to use butcher or brown paper, choose a table cloth that fits the theme or decor of your event so the grazing table doesn’t clash with it.
4. Use different serving dishes to add visual elements to the table. Fancy wooden cheese boards, silver platters, and porcelain dishes will add striking visual effects and make your grazing table really pop. Choose dishes that also add to the decor of your table.^[12]
   
   
   • Have a variety of different serving dishes and items to add to the visual effect of your grazing table.
5. Place the cheese on wooden stands or cheese boards. Add layers to the grazing table by placing large hunks of cheese onto footed stands or thick cheese boards. Arrange the stands and cheese boards around the table to add some dimension to the table.^[13]
   
   • Elevating the cheeses makes them stand out, adds depth to your spread, and will make it easier to access the cheese.
6. Surround the cheeses with crackers, bread, and fruit spreads. People often like to pair cheeses with crackers and preservatives or fruits spreads. Place them near the cheeses for people to add to their plates.^[14]
   
   • Crackers and bread also take up space and can be used to fill in gaps around the cheese stands and boards.
7. Make piles of charcuterie and keep them together. Stack the ham, prosciutto, salami, and any other meats you’re arranging on the grazing table so your guests remove the topmost piece and add them to their plate. Keep the meats together so people can pick and choose them from 1 location, rather than having to move about the table to select their meats.^[15]
   
   • Wrap some of the salamis around cheeses for a delicious combination!
8. Add bowls of dip surrounded by dipping items. Place bowls of any dips or sauces you plan to serve your guest around the table. Arrange dipping items such as carrots, chips, celery sticks, and grape tomatoes around the bowls of dip so people can use them with the dip.^[16]
   
   
   • Don’t overfill the bowls with dip or condiments, you can always add more later if you need it!
9. Put out attractive utensils for people to use. Place cheese knives, forks, spoons, skewers, and anything else people will need on the table. Keep the utensils near the items people will likely use them for. For example, keep the cheese knives near the cheeses and the spoons near any soups or dips.^[17]
   
   • Use ornate serving spoons, skewers, and other serving items to add a decorative flair to the table.
10. Keep the plates, napkins, and utensils together near the food. Choose a section of the table or use a table or countertop nearby to stack your plates and napkins so people can easily grab them. Keep the utensils organized near the plates so your guests can select what they’ll need.^[18]
    
    • Keep the forks with forks, spoons with spoons, and knives with knives so your guests can easily take them.
11. Use decor to add color and to fill in any gaps on the table. Don’t leave any empty space or it will take away from the visual effect of a bountiful grazing table. Use vases with flowers, greenery such as trimmings of shrubs, and any other items that can add a pop of color to the table while also filling in gaps between the items.^[19]
    
    • Be creative with your decor! For example, you could tuck springs of green plants under paper along the sides of the table to cover the edges.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://gourmandandgourmet.com.au/make-perfect-grazing-table/
2. ↑ https://gourmandandgourmet.com.au/make-perfect-grazing-table/
3. ↑ https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/ultimate-grazing-platter/
4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/g26039962/grazing-table-ideas/
5. ↑ https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/ultimate-grazing-platter/
6. ↑ http://betterwithbutter.com/how-to-create-a-grazing-table-that-wont-cost-you-an-arm-and-a-leg/
7. ↑ http://betterwithbutter.com/how-to-create-a-grazing-table-that-wont-cost-you-an-arm-and-a-leg/
8. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/g26039962/grazing-table-ideas/
9. ↑ https://metro.style/living/entertaining/how-to-create-your-own-grazing-table/8209
10. ↑ http://betterwithbutter.com/how-to-create-a-grazing-table-that-wont-cost-you-an-arm-and-a-leg/
11. ↑ http://betterwithbutter.com/how-to-create-a-grazing-table-that-wont-cost-you-an-arm-and-a-leg/
12. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/g26039962/grazing-table-ideas/
13. ↑ https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/ultimate-grazing-platter/
14. ↑ https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/ultimate-grazing-platter/
15. ↑ https://metro.style/living/entertaining/how-to-create-your-own-grazing-table/8209
16. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/g26039962/grazing-table-ideas/
17. ↑ https://metro.style/living/entertaining/how-to-create-your-own-grazing-table/8209
18. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/g26039962/grazing-table-ideas/
19. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/g26039962/grazing-table-ideas/

How to Celebrate Groundhog Day

Every February 2nd, the United States and Canada celebrate Groundhog Day to check up on Punxsutawney Phil and see whether he saw his shadow this year. Supposedly, if the Pennsylvanian groundhog sees his shadow, North America can expect six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't, spring is just around the corner. Learn how to observe Groundhog Day traditions, where to find Groundhog Day celebrations, and what to do if you want to host a Groundhog Day party.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Observing the Day

1. Read up on Groundhog Day history. Whether you research alone or with friends, learn about the origins of Groundhog Day. In medieval German culture, people believed that hedgehogs could predict winter if it saw its shadow. When some Germans immigrated to Pennsylvania, they brought this tradition with them but switched to groundhogs. The first recognized Groundhog Day celebration was February 2, 1887, when the town of Punxsutawney dubbed their groundhog Phil America's weather-forecasting animal.^[1]
   
   • Groundhog Day history can be intriguing, once you study it. For example: did you know that during the Prohibition, Punxsutawney Phil supposedly threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter if he didn't get a drink?^[2]
2. Watch Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow on TV. At daybreak in Punxsutawney, reporters gather around the groundhog's den to watch him emerge from his burrow. Get up early in the morning to watch this momentous event on TV. Be prepared for a long winter if he sees his shadow!
   
   • Call or email your local station if you're not sure what channel is broadcasting the event.
   • If you live in the eastern US coast, you can travel to Punxsutawney to watch Phil in-person at his burrow in Gobber's Knob.^[3]
3. Go on a nature walk. If groundhogs are native to your environment, go on a hike or trail walk and look for groundhogs (also known as woodchucks).^[4] Go with a group and make a game out of who can spot the most groundhogs. If you can't see any, enjoy the fresh air and see if there really will be six more weeks of winter.
   
   • Visit your local zoo if groundhogs aren't native to your area. Call ahead to ask if your zoo has a groundhog exhibit.
4. Play with shadow puppets. To celebrate the importance of Punxsutawney Phil's shadow, make your own shadow puppets out of paper. Outline your shadow puppet on a piece of paper, then cut it out and attach it to a popsicle stick. After you've created your puppets, put on a puppet show.
   
   • You could even make a puppet show about the true meaning of Groundhog Day.

[Edit]Joining Celebrations

1. Ask your teacher if you can celebrate Groundhog Day in class. If you're still in secondary school, let your teacher know Groundhog Day is coming a few days in advance. Let them know how much you enjoy Groundhog Day, and ask them if you can learn about Groundhog Day as a class. Your teacher might even plan some fun Groundhog Day festivities, like making Groundhog Day crafts or watching Punxsutawney Phil on TV together.
   
   • If you'd like, ask your teacher if you could bring a Groundhog Day-themed treat, like groundhog-shaped cookies or Groundhog Day cupcakes.^[5]
2. Look for local festivities happening in your city. Some cities in North America have their own Groundhog Day celebrations. Depending on the town, they might have a parade, town festival, or live animal shows celebrating Groundhog Day. Contact your city government to find out about Groundhog Day festivities for times and locations.
   
   • All is not lost if your city doesn't celebrate Groundhog Day. Celebrate it with your loved ones or visit a city that has special events.
3. Check out a groundhog lodge festival. Groundhog lodges are clubs in Pennsylvania that preserve German immigrant culture. Dozens of groundhog lodges across the state celebrate Groundhog Day with food, games, speech, and songs. Look for a lodge closest to you, and join in on their celebrations.^[6]
   
   • Because groundhog lodges seek to preserve the dying Pennsylvania German dialect, speeches will often be given in this language.^[7]
4. Visit Punxsutawney's annual celebration. Besides watching Phil leave his burrow, Punxsutawney also hosts an entire weekend of festivities. In the morning, town citizens gather for an annual breakfast. A celebration tent in the center of town hosts fun activities, like a cornhole tournament and top hat decorating contest. Then, in the evening, you can join the Groundhog Ball at the local country club.^[8]
   
   • In the off-season, Punxsutawney also hosts a wine festival where Punxsutawney Phil makes a special appearance.^[9]

[Edit]Hosting a Party

1. Decorate your house in a forest theme. To set the mood for your party, make your home look like the Punxsutawney forest. Cut out pine trees from butcher paper and hang them up on the wall. Use flowers or pinecones as a table centerpiece. You could even have your party outdoors to really set the mood.
   
   • Alternatively, you could separate a room into winter and spring decorations to represent Punxsutawney Phil's big moment.^[10]
2. Ask guests to come dressed in costume. Your guests don't necessarily have to come dressed up as groundhogs. Instead, ask them to come dressed as their favorite woodland animal. If your guests are not as passionate about groundhogs, they could come as a deer, bear, fox, wolf, or owl.
   
3. Watch the 1993 film Groundhog Day. Bill Murray's Groundhog Day features a weatherman who must experience the same day over and over until he learns a valuable lesson. Since Groundhog Day thrust the holiday into popular culture, there's no better movie to show at your party. Snuggle up with your friends and a bowl of popcorn, and have a good laugh together.^[11]
   
   • If you do not want to watch Groundhog Day, you could watch a nature documentary on groundhogs instead.
4. Create your own groundhog masks. For a fun party craft, make groundhog masks out of cardstock. Draw your outline on the cardstock, then cut it out with a sharp pair of scissors. Color your mask with markers, paints, or crayons, then attach ribbon to the sides. You and your guests can now celebrate Groundhog Day in style.^[12]
   
   • As an alternative, you could make animal masks to complement your guests' costumes.
5. Bake Groundhog Day treats. No party is complete without treats. You could make traditional Groundhog Day cookies (popularized on the official Punxsutawney website), or you could make a festive cake.^[13] Because groundhogs eat vegetation, you could also leave out a veggie tray or fruit bowl.
   
   • To complete the woodland theme, make a trail mix for your guests to enjoy.

[Edit]Tips

• Groundhogs are also known as whistling pigs, woodchucks, and thickwood badger. Its scientific name is marmota monax.
• Celebrating Groundhog Day is most fun with kids. Help your children or younger siblings with fun activities and teach them about the Groundhog Day tradition.
• If you want to visit Punxsutawney, you will need to make travel reservations in advance.
• Wear a light jacket if you go on a nature walk or watch Punxsutawney Phil outdoors. You don't want to catch a cold from the chilly winter weather if Phil does see his shadow this year!

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-groundhog-day
2. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/01/groundhog-day-a-history-a_n_441000.html
3. ↑ http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/17332
4. ↑ http://blog.nwf.org/2011/01/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-groundhogs/
5. ↑ http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/photos/foods-to-celebrate-groundhog-day
6. ↑ http://www.lynnheidelberg.org/groundhoglodge.html
7. ↑ http://www.pgs.org/dialect.asp
8. ↑ http://www.groundhog.org/events/
9. ↑ http://www.groundhog.org/events/gobblers-knob-wine-festival/
10. ↑ http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/groundhog-day-party-planning-ideas/
11. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/
12. ↑ http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/groundhog-day-party-planning-ideas/
13. ↑ http://www.groundhog.org/teachers/groundhog-cookies/

How to Make Lemongrass Spray

Lemongrass essential oil is a popular scent for homemade sprays. Its grassy, citrusy flavor combines well with other essential oils, making it effective for insect repellent or room spray. Shake the lemongrass essential oil with other insect-repelling oils before going out in mosquito-infested areas. You can also make a room spray with refreshing lemongrass, spearmint, grapefruit, and rosemary essential oils. Spritz it in the air on or linen to neutralize odors.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Insect Repellant with Lemongrass

• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 20 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 20 drops of citronella essential oil
• 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 5 drops of geranium essential oil
• of neem oil
• of vodka or denatured alcohol
• of distilled water

Makes a bottle of spray

[Edit]Lemongrass Room or Linen Spray

• of witch hazel
• of distilled water
• 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops of spearmint essential oil
• 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil
• 5 drops of rosemary essential oil

Makes a bottle of spray

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Making Insect Repellant with Lemongrass

1. Pour neem oil, vodka, and distilled water into a bottle. Set a small funnel on a spray bottle and pour in of neem oil. Add of vodka or denatured alcohol and of distilled water.^[1]
   
   
   • It's important to use distilled water instead of tap water to prevent the spray from spoiling.
   • If you don't like the strong scent of neem oil, you can leave it out. However, if you're specifically trying to repel mosquitos, consider adding it.
2. Add lemongrass, lavender, tea tree, citronella, and geranium essential oils. Citronella and tea tree essential oils may have strong scents, but they're great at keeping insects away. Pair them with lemongrass, lavender, and geranium essential oils, which smell wonderful and can repel flies, mosquitos, and fleas. Put these oils into your bottle:^[2]
   
   
   • 20 drops of lavender essential oil
   • 20 drops of tea tree essential oil
   • 20 drops of citronella essential oil
   • 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
   • 5 drops of geranium essential oil
3. Screw the lid on the bottle and shake the spray for 10 seconds. Put the lid on the bottle and screw it on tightly so the bottle is completely sealed. Shake the spray for at least 10 seconds to help the oils combine with the vodka and water.^[3]
   
   
   • Spray the repellent before each use since the oils will separate as the spray is stored.
4. Spray the lemongrass mixture on your skin before going outside. If you know you'll be going outside in insect or mosquito-infested areas, spritz your skin thoroughly. You might need to reapply the repellent if you'll be outside all day.^[4]
   
   • Store the repellent at room temperature for up to 3 years. Although you could keep using the spray, the oils will become less effective the longer they're stored.

[Edit]Mixing Lemongrass Room or Linen Spray

1. Pour witch hazel and distilled water into a spray bottle. Set a small funnel on your bottle and slowly pour in of witch hazel along with of distilled water.^[5]
   
   
   • If you don't have witch hazel, use vodka. Either of these help release the essential oils when you use the spray.
2. Add lemongrass, spearmint, grapefruit, and rosemary essential oils. Put all of your essential oils into the small bottle. If you'd like to make an all-lemongrass spray, use only 30 drops of lemongrass essential oil. For a refreshing lemongrass room spray, add all of these to your bottle:^[6]
   
   
   • 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil
   • 10 drops of spearmint essential oil
   • 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil
   • 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
3. Close the bottle and shake the mixture for 10 seconds. Put the screw cap tightly on the bottle so the bottle is completely sealed. Then, shake the bottle to combine the witch hazel, water, and essential oils.^[7]
   
   
   • Shake the bottle before each use since the oils and water will separate a little.
4. Spritz the lemongrass spray around your home or on linen. To remove unpleasant smells or to just make your room smell better, spray the mixture around the room. Keep spraying until you can smell the lemongrass. If you're ironing linen, spray the surface of the fabric with the mixture until it's wet. Then, iron the linen to remove wrinkles.^[8]
   
   • You can also spray your pillow or sheets before bed to enjoy a calming scent as you fall asleep.
5. Use the lemongrass spray within 3 years. Store the spray at room temperature and shake it gently before using it. Since the essential oils will become rancid over time, discard the spray after 3 years or if it develops an unpleasant odor.^[9]
   

[Edit]Tips

• Try combining lemongrass essential oil with your favorite essential oil for a completely unique spray.
• Use a dark brown bottle to store your lemongrass spray. The dark glass prevents light from reaching the essential oils and degrading them.

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid using essential oil products around young children, because their skin and respiratory systems are more sensitive to them.^[10]

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Making Insect Repellant with Lemongrass

• Measuring spoons
• Small funnel
• spray bottle

[Edit]Mixing Lemongrass Room or Linen Spray

• Measuring spoons
• Small funnel
• spray bottle

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/ssfMExDCL04?t=22
2. ↑ https://youtu.be/ssfMExDCL04?t=6
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/ssfMExDCL04?t=31
4. ↑ https://thethingswellmake.com/essential-oils-mosquitos-homemade-repellent-spray-recipe/
5. ↑ https://www.crazyinspiredlife.com/diy-essential-oil-aroma-spray/
6. ↑ https://www.crazyinspiredlife.com/diy-essential-oil-aroma-spray/
7. ↑ https://www.crazyinspiredlife.com/diy-essential-oil-aroma-spray/
8. ↑ https://www.spiritedwellbeing.com/non-toxic-room-spray/
9. ↑ https://www.usingeossafely.com/shelf-life-of-essential-oils-and-how-to-make-them-last-longer/
10. ↑ https://www.wabe.org/essential-oils-popular-but-can-pose-risk-to-kids-georgia-health-news-reports/

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How to Make Mango Jam

Making jam is a great way to capture the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of mangoes. Chop the mangoes into small pieces and cook them with lots of sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. You can even customize your mango jam to come up with completely unique flavor combinations. Once the jam is as thick as you like, transfer it to sterilized jars and enjoy the jam on toast, waffles, or pancakes.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Basic Mango Jam

• 6 to 7 large mangoes
• 1 cup (200 g) of sugar
• of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) of powdered pectin

Makes 2 cups (650 g) of jam

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cooking Basic Mango Jam

1. Slice the flesh from 6 or 7 large mangoes. Rinse the mangoes and put them on a cutting board. Hold a mango against the board and carefully cut down 1 side of it. Try to cut as close to the seed in the center, so you're able to remove the most fruit. Then, slice down the other side of the mango. Scoop the flesh from both pieces and chop it into pieces.^[1]
   
   
   
   • Use a small knife to trim the flesh around the seed itself.
   • You should get around 4 cups (660 g) of mango pieces.
2. Put the mango pieces in a pot with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin. Place the chopped mango in a large pot on the stove. Add 1 cup (200 g) of sugar, of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons (25 g) of powdered pectin.^[2]
   
   
   • The pectin helps the jam set up. If you prefer a looser jam, you can leave the pectin out.
3. Stir the mixture and cook it over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir well so the mango pieces are coated with the sugar. Continue to stir the mixture every few minutes until the sugar dissolves and becomes liquidy.^[3]
   
   
   • It should take about 3 to 4 minutes for the sugar to dissolve.
4. Bring the jam to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the burner up so the liquid becomes syrupy and starts to bubble vigorously. Stir the jam occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot or boiling over.^[4]
   
   
   • It's important to use a large pot so the jam doesn't bubble over as it cooks.
5. Cook the mango jam until it reaches . Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot or occasionally insert an instant-read thermometer into the jam to see if the jam has reached the setting temperature of . Stir the jam occasionally as it bubbles and thickens.^[5]
   
   
   
   • Skim off foam that floats to the top of the jam and discard it since becomes rubbery if you leave it in the jam.
6. Spoon the jam into sterilized jars. Get out 2 sterilized half-pint jars and place a funnel on a jar. Carefully spoon the mango jam into the jar and leave headspace. Place a sterilized lid on the jar and screw on a band until it's finger tight.^[6]
   
   
   • Although you can soften the lids in hot water before pressing them on the jars, you don't have to in order to get a good seal.
7. Process the jars or store them in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, place the jars in a water bath so they're covered by at least of water. Boil the jars for 10 minutes and then set the jars aside until the jars are at room temperature. If you don't want to can the jam, put the jars in the refrigerator and use them within 3 weeks.^[7]
   
   • If you process the jam, store the jars at room temperature for up to 1 year. Press down on the lid to check that the seal doesn't pop back up before you open the jar and eat the jam.

[Edit]Trying Variations

1. Swap half of the mango for peaches or nectarines. Although pure mango jam is delicious, it's also fun to add another fruit to the jam. Use half of the mango called for in the recipe and replace the other half with peeled peaches, nectarines, or stonefruit. Mango also pairs well with any of these fruits:^[8]
   
   • Strawberries
   • Papaya
   • Pineapple
   • Raspberries
   • Plums
2. Substitute honey or alternative sweetener for the granulated sugar. If you don't want to use white sugar, add as much of your favorite sweetener as you like. Try honey, agave, or a low-calorie sweetener. Keep in mind that since sugar acts as a preservative and you're leaving it out, you'll need to refrigerate the mango jam and use it sooner.^[9]
   
   • Store jars of the mango jam in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
3. Add 1 teaspoon (2 g) of your favorite ground spice for a unique flavor. Customize your mango jam by stirring in dried spice halfway through the cooking time. You can use a single spice or a combination that equals 1 teaspoon (2 g). Consider using any of these spices or seasonings:^[10]
   
   • Cardamom
   • Cinnamon
   • Ginger
   • Nutmeg
   • Vanilla paste
4. Leave out the sugar and pectin to make a loose mango spread. If you want the natural sweetness of the mango to really come out, don't add any sugar, honey, or sweetener. Cook the mango with of water over medium heat until the mango breaks down and thickens.^[11]
   
   • If you'd like smoother spread, push the mango spread through a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl.
   • Because there's no added sweetener to the spread, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 2 weeks.

[Edit]Tips

• If you can't find fresh mangoes to use, buy frozen mangoes that have already been peeled and chopped. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before making the jam.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Large pot
• Spoon
• Small plate
• Candy thermometer or instant-read thermometer
• Funnel
• Jars with lids

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Dried Apricot Jam
• Make Rose Petal Jam
• Make Red Raspberry Jam
• Make Simple and Fresh Strawberry Jam
• Make Passionfruit Jam
• Make Peach Jam

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cut-a-mango-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-166290
2. ↑ https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/mango-jam/
3. ↑ https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/mango-jam/
4. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/mango-jam/14639/
5. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/mango-jam/14639/
6. ↑ https://practicalselfreliance.com/mango-jam/
7. ↑ https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_07/storing_jams.html
8. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/papaya-and-mango-jam-12688
9. ↑ http://www.scratchingcanvas.com/healthy-spicy-mango-jam-no-sugar-no/
10. ↑ https://www.happyandharried.com/2016/10/19/mango-saffron-cardamom-jam/
11. ↑ https://www.weelittlevegans.com/mango-turmeric-ginger-fruit-spread/