October 11, 2012
Nebraska Farm & Ranch - Country Living
Individual Ingredients Are Key To Success With Baked Goods Susan Hansen, University of Lincoln Extension, Colfax County
Nebraska-
During the baking process, it is easy to forget how important the function of individual ingredients are to the success of the recipe. However, keeping a few facts in mind will ensure a delicious result each time. The main ingredient in most baked goods is flour. Flour creates structure and provides protein to strengthen the dough. A high level of protein generally results in a tough finished product. Therefore, all-purpose flour is most commonly used because its medium protein content makes it adaptable to a variety of recipes. Sugar and salt are most commonly thought of as taste enhancers. Although this is true, it is important to remember they serve other important functions as well. Table sugar helps produce gases for raising yeast dough and contributes to a baked product’s tenderness and brown color. Salt works hand-in-hand with sugar during yeast fermentation and keeps the dough from rising too quickly. It also enhances other flavors within the finished product. Yeast commonly is used in homemade bread dough. This microorganism gives off carbon dioxide as it grows and multiplies, thus expanding dough over a given amount of time. However, yeast is not the only common leavening agent. Many quick recipes call for either baking soda or baking powder. Baking soda produces gas for leavening when combined with an acidic ingredient such as
vinegar. Baking powder is baking soda that already contains the right amount of acid needed to react and produce gas. Shortening, butter, margarine and oil all contribute to the overall quality of a product. Commonly called fats, these ingredients add tenderness, moisture and smoothness to baked goods. Fats contribute their own flavor and enhance those of other ingredients. A small amount of fat in yeast dough also will yield a loaf with greater volume due to its stretching effect on gluten. Eggs serve many functions in baking. They add flavor and color, contribute to structure, incorporate air into the product and provide liquid, fat and protein. The absence of egg yolks often will result in a tough product and omitting egg whites decreases volume. Although every ingredient serves a specific purpose, none could carry out their function without the presence of a liquid. As water is absorbed, chemical changes take place that are necessary for the development of structure and texture. Liquids also are needed to hydrate proteins, starches and leavening agents within a recipe. This process results in a moist product that has a favorable mouth feel. Milk is one of the most common liquids used in baking. It not only contributes water, but valuable nutrients as well. Milk also assists in the browning process and adds additional flavor. Some recipes call for juice. However, these are typically recipes that contain baking soda and require an acidic ingredient for the leavening process.
Lawn Winterizing Tips David Lott, Horticulture Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, North Platte As I mowed my yard this weekend, I couldn’t help but think about the jobs I needed to take care of in my lawn. There are several fall lawn care items that need to be taken care of now if they haven’t been already. Here are some simple reminders and steps to help finish up some winterizing projects around the lawn before it gets any cooler outside. Some of these winterizing chores may need to be completed sooner than others depending on quickly cold weather settles in. Draining Water Lines and Garden Hoses Now is the time to clear out sprinkler lines and garden hoses before they freeze and burst. Empty garden hoses by stretching them out in a straight line before coiling them up. The water will run out when the hose is coiled over the arm or on hose stand. Store the coiled hose in a place where ultraviolet rays will not break down the hose material. A dark corner of a garage or shed is a good place to store these for the winter. Sprinkler systems are set fairly shallow under the surface of the soil. While there is some protection from the weather, sprinkler lines can burst or be damaged when the ground freezes for the winter. First, if there is a shut-off valve, close it off. Next, run the sprinkler system’s zone to bleed off the lines. If you as a homeowner do not feel comfortable draining out the sprinkler system, contact a local professional to drain the system and blow out the lines. Mulching Fall Leaves Leaves are falling in earnest now, and it has been fun to watch children play in area yards. Outside of the fun, what do we do with all the leaves on the lawn? Collecting, bagging and removing leaves can be a very time-consuming process that is ongoing throughout the late fall. The wind also has an uncanny ability to
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blow the neighbor’s leaves into your yard! Instead of spending all that time and energy removing leaves, why not compost them with the help of the mower? First, check the mower blades to make sure they are sharp to help shred the leaves as fine as possible. Second, mow over the leaves when they are dry to help increase the ability to shred. Third, mow the lawn at its regular height using three or four slow passes to shred the leaves as fine as possible so they fall into the lawn, and do not cover the turf. Turfgrass will still need to have access to sunlight to continue photosynthesis and store carbohydrates to build a strong root system. The mulching process will probably need to be repeated to keep the lawn from being covered with leaves for the duration of the fall.
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Magnificent Verandah
#HMAFAPW01271 Magnificent Verandah Visit www.houseoftheweek.com
The most striking thing about this simple onestory home is the magnificent verandah that stretches across the entire front. A rear deck offers more outdoor living space. Inside, the master suite enjoys a private bath; two additional bedrooms share a bath. The great room is warmed by a fireplace, and the kitchen, with a convenient island counter and plenty of work space, is wide open to the dining area.
Detailed Specifications House Style Country Farmhouse Ranch Bedroom Extras First Floor Kitchen Extras Country / Family Island Walk-in Pantry Foundation Type Unfinished Basement Key Information 1,344 Square Feet Beds: 3 Baths: 2 ½ Stories: 1 Width: 48' Depth: 34' Room Summary Great / Gathering Room Special Features Skylights Split Bedrooms Fireplace Open Floor Plan
Main Level
Final Step: Lawn Fertilization Cool season lawn turf such as bluegrass and fescue can be fertilized one last time before spring. This last fertilization will help boost the photosynthesis rate of the turf and build carbohydrate reserves in the plant to help lawns green up in the spring. Late fertilization can also help increase the lawn’s winter hardiness, root growth and the desirable, moderate shoot growth in the spring. Apply 1 to 1 ½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of area to the lawn after the last mowing. Remember to check the fertilizer label to ensure that at least a full pound of nitrogen is applied, not just a pound of total fertilizer. Soluble fertilizers that contain urea or ammonium sulfate are desired in this application to help ensure that turf is receiving the nitrogen it needs as soon as possible. Avoid using slow-release, or water insoluble fertilizer. If you have any further questions about winterizing lawns, please contact your local University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office. A downloadable study plan of this house, including general information on building costs and financing, is available at www.houseoftheweek .com. To receive the study plan for this home, order by phone, online, or by mail. By phone: Call (866) 772-1013. Reference plan #HMAFAPW01271. Online: Go to www.house oftheweek.com.