Pancakes are well-known across the world. Even though they are called by different names like flapja http://t.co/4NvaVEPdvW
— AfroCosmopolitan (@AfroCosmopolita) September 24, 2013
How to Make American pancakes for breakfast in 6 steps
How to Make American pancakes for breakfast in 6 steps
Pancakes are well-known across the world. Even though they are called by different names like flapjacks or crepes, the basic way to make a pancake remains the same. When it comes to making an American pancake, most of us love to eat it. However, if we are asked to do it, we immediately start stressing out big time.
Well, you need not stress any longer. Today, we will simplify the entire process for you. We will start by explaining the ingredients needed and then show you the step-by-step process on how to make American pancakes.
Let us start by listing out the ingredients we need to make American pancakes
Milk – Milk is one of the important ingredients. This helps add texture and taste to the pancake. It also helps make the pancake smooth. For this recipe, we will need 3/4th of a cup of milk. We can use low-fat or skimmed milk to make it healthier.
Baking Powder – Have you ever seen a pancake that is flat? Well the fluffy nature of the pancake is dependent on baking powder. It helps add volume and makes the pancake rise when cooking. For this recipe, we will need one tablespoon of baking powder.
Flour – Every kid knows that a pancake starts with the flour. To put it in layman’s terms, the flour is the “cement”. Without the flour, you will not be able to make the dough. For our recipe, we will need a hundred and fifty grams of flour. You can use whole-wheat flour instead of the normal one to make it healthier.
ALSO SEE: Head Over To Pemba Beach Hotel And Spa In Mozambique.
Eggs – We see that most recipes have eggs as an integral ingredient. The reason is simple. Eggs act as a moistening agent and a binding agent. They help the flour to bind with all the other ingredients and become dough. For our pancakes, we will need one egg.
Salt and Sugar – The secret to any pancake is the balance of flavors. For this pancake, all you need is two and a half tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. This will help balance out the recipe.
Now let us start making the pancakes. We have six easy steps to make these delicious treats.
1. Take a food processor and add the beating mechanism. Add your flour, baking powder, salt and sugar and start mixing it.
2. Next, start by first adding your milk in small quantities followed by your egg. This will ensure you have a nice smooth paste. Keep mixing till all the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Take a large round pan and heat it up. Add vegetable oil or butter into the pan. This is important to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
4. Take a small amount (around a third) of the mixture and pour it into your hot pan. Do this carefully and spread it evenly all along the pan. Once one side of the pancake is golden in color, flip it with a spatula.
5. You will have to do this till you get a nice even color on both sides.
6. Finally, remove the pancake, add syrup or fruits to it, and enjoy.
As you can see, all you need to make American pancakes for your breakfast is six simple steps. Try it out and tell us how it turned out. We would love to hear from you. For more great and easy to follow pancakes recipes, please be sure to check out Femina’s website (in Danish pandekager Femina).
Famous Ghanaian Poet, President Kenyatta’s Nephew And His Fiance Among 59 Killed At Mall
A famous Ghanaian poet and President Kenyatta’s nephew and his son are among the 59 people that were killed at yesterday’s attack that took place at the Westgate mall.
The Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, was in Nairobi as one of the participant in the Storymoja Hay Festival, a 4-day celebration of writing, thinking and storytelling. The confirmation of his death was made early Sunday morning by the Ghanaian government.
Other people that have been identified to have been killed in the attack are President Kenyatta’s nephew, Mbugua and his fiance Wahito who were also at the mall.
Apart from those who lost their lives at the brutal murder, others were left with injuries. At the moment, about 1,000 people have so far been evacuated from the mall, however, an unknown number of hostages are still trapped inside with the terrorists. I is believed that about 15 people are still at the mercy of the terrorists. Kenyan security forces have been locked in a standoff with gunmen since yesterday. Gun shots have been heard all morning in the area.
Heavily armed Islamic extremists pulled up in several cars yesterday and shot their way into the most upmarket shopping centre in Nairobi. They ordered Muslims to leave the premises. To be prove they were muslims, they were asked recite a prayer or answer a question on Islam. Once the Muslims were identified and sent out of the complex, they went on shooting rampage killing those that failed their Islamic test.
According to a BBC report, at least one of the attackers was a woman with some kind of a leadership role.
Mikel Obi Scores First Premier League Goal After Amost Seven Years
- Mikel Obi Scores First Premier League Goal
Nigerian midfielder, John Mikel Obi made history today when he scored his first Premier League goal as Chelsea, his club beat Fulham 2-0 in the west London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel has played about 185 Premiere League but has never scored a goal. Since joining Chelsea, he has only scored 2 goals for the club. And the last time he did that was in January 2007. This was in the FA Cup and it was during Jose Mourinho’s first reign as manager.
“They have been killing me about it — going to the national team and scoring but not here,” Mikel said. “I’m sure the guys will give me a lot of stick.”
Speaking further about their victory, Mikel Obi said, “We know our fans have been disappointed about a few performances going into these games so we wanted to give them something to cheer.”
Digitizing Microfilm Is Preserving History
Microfilm has been an effective way to write and save large amounts of information in microfilm libraries since the early 1800’s. By reducing photographs that contain sheets of information down to miniature film strips, people created a great way to access important information without having the clutter of paper. It also provides us with the possibility of making multiple copies of the information. From genealogy work to historical research, microfilm has helped people access the forgotten secrets and keys of the past for centuries now! But as technology has continued to progress and advance in ways that nobody could have foreseen, there have obviously been new and more effective ways to store information. The digital world has become the new frontier for storing and accessing information. Not only has the entire world begun storing new information online and on hard drives, but they have also been looking into ways to convert old information into digital formats. In this article, you will learn about the advantages of digitizing microfilm, as well as some ways that you can begin digitizing your own collection of historical documents and information.
Digitizing Microfilm Is Preserving History
You may ask yourself, “Why digitize records of historical data if it’s already stored on microfilm?” Well this brings up the advantages of digital information compared to analog or physical information. Imagine having your favorite music album in two forms: a record and a digital audio file. While some may argue that the record offers a better quality of sound than the music file, there are multiple advantages to having the album in digital format. First of all, the equipment for playing the digital audio file is more flexible and can be inexpensive. You can play the album with a simple set of speakers, your phone, or a large expensive stereo. Because it’s digital, it can be copied and saved practically anywhere! Your record, on the other hand, can only be played on a record player. That equipment is less abundant today, more expensive, and more liable to break or malfunction. Your record is also very fragile and can be easily damaged, rendering it useless. Likewise, microfilm is fragile and can be damaged in many ways. It also requires big, heavy, and expensive equipment to be read. By converting microfilm into digital files, they can be stored in multiple places and can be read on practically any digital device or computer!
How to Start Digitizing Information
Because there is still not much information on microfilm that is yet to be digitized, there are many groups and companies that specialize in helping you learn how to digitize information and documents. This information can be provided from certain libraries or museums, or you can provide the information to digitize. Machines that scan this information are advanced and optimized to copy and save every detail of the documents and historical information. Digitizing microfilm is the safest way today to ensure the preservation of our historical data and information. The digital files created from scanning the microfilm will then be stored and saved as a way to keep that information accessible and safe.
South2North’s Redi Tlhabi Debates The New Scramble For Africa
•Nigerian politician Nkoyo Toyo calls for World Bank ‘moratorium’ on African land deal funding
•Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano says scramble for Africa “has never been good.”
This Friday on Al Jazeera’s talk show South2North, Redi Tlhabi debates the new scramble for Africa,
“It’s not long ago that Africa was perceived as a continent of famine and war. Now it’s being hailed as the answer to the world’s food shortages,” says Redi Tlhabi at the start of the show, which is broadcast from Johannesburg. “Escalating energy and food prices have triggered a global scramble for Africa’s land and water resources. Eager to feed their growing populations, countries are buying up prime farmland in Africa at rock-bottom prices. Land eight times the size of the United Kingdom has already been bought up. Many see the investments as a great opportunity for Africa. Others call it a tragedy, saying local populations lose their livelihoods to make space for new land-owners.”
Tlhabi is joined by former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano; Nigerian politician and Oxfam trustee Nkoyo Toyo; and Philippe Heilberg, a land investor from the United States.
Chissano says, “The scramble for Africa has never been good… But investment is welcomed if it is done in a win-win situation where the people benefit from this investment.”
Toyo adds, “We hear that at least 33 million square hectares of land… have been acquired in just less than 10 years.” She says that, with 60% of this land now being cultivated for export, these investments “are increasingly not addressing the needs of the continent.”
Heilberg argues that the statistics from the UN are highly distorted; he says that his own figures have been doubled in some accounts. While he admits that there have been some clear land grabs, he believes that in those African countries with small populations and large territories there can be win-win situations.
“Land is cheap in Africa, but there are many reasons why it’s cheap,” he says. “In many parts of the continent there is little to no infrastructure whatsoever… The frontier markets offer incredible risk-reward opportunities if you’re willing to take that risk, because when the growth happens it’s exponential. I like situations like that.“
He particularly targets post-conflict countries. “When they come out of conflict, they need investment; they need to build. And to me, those opportunities are phenomenal.”
Toyo warns that much of the new scramble for Africa has not benefited the local population. “We are seeing incidences of violence; we are seeing incidences of forced evictions; we are seeing incidences of homelessness, farm lands being taken away…”
She says one of the challenges is that many of the victims are not involved in the sale process in any way. “Most of the grabs that are going on, the owners don’t even know about them, so there isn’t even a basis for that conversation to happen. The negotiations are happening sometimes with powerful people in secret negotiations. These non-transparent processes are depriving people down the line.”
She calls for the The World Bank to pause its funding of land deals in Africa until governments have put the framework, rules, regulations and principles in place to guide these kinds of investments. “We are saying to them, ‘You need to put a moratorium on this whole process,’” she says.
Chissano says the governments have a key role to play. “The government is very much responsible,” he says. “They have to do their best to protect the people. In Mozambique, we don’t sell land. In Mozambique, we cannot buy land. We put it like this: ‘The land belongs to the people and it is managed by the state on their behalf.’ The challenge here is how do we make sustainable use of land?”
He points out that, while Mozambique currently only utilises about 20% of its arable land, “We have to think of the generations to come… We will need this land in 100 years time.”
He believes that government should put food security for their people first and also negotiate for the processing of food to remain in Africa.
But Heilberg warns there are limits to how far governments can push investors. “If you make the process onerous – and Africa is already a complicated place to do business – the investors won’t come.”
As they explore Africa’s transition from hopeless continent to investment darling of the world, the group discusses Africa’s history of food dependency, the role of NGOs on the continent, and the ability of small farm owners to expand their businesses and provide food for the continent.
This week’s episode of South2North premieres at 19:30 GMT on Friday, 20 September 2013 and also screens on Saturday at 14h30, Sunday 04h30 and Monday 08h30.
For more information, visit this link where all episodes are available to watch online.
You can also tweet your questions, comments and opinions to @AJSouth2North
The Best Way To Wear Knitwear
As the seasons’ change and we move towards autumn and winter, knits inevitably make it back into our day to day dress code. Though they’re cosy and snug, knits can add unwanted extra inches which many of us are keen to avoid. There are ways to keep out the chill though without looking like the Michelin Man so don’t fear. Here are some of the best way to wear knitwear and still look gorgeous during the cold weather.
Stick to thinner layers
It’s no surprise that a great big chunky jumper or cardigan layer will make you look and feel several sizes bigger. It is far more flattering to stick to more but thinner layers instead. Consider doubling up on jersey t-shirts and then adding a fine knit cardigan instead. It offers greater flexibility too as temperatures change during the day meaning you can add and remove layers easily.
Belt Up
Designers swear by belts to add shape to any figure and they’re highly effective so there is a good reason. Anyone can use this tip by adding a belt over knits to cinch in at the waist and create an hourglass shape in an instant. This will work for fitted jumpers as well as longer length cardigans. Choose a belt that complements your total look.
ALSO SEE: 5 Ways To Wear A Crop Top.
Wear it open
Choosing one of the open style cardigans such as a waterfall cardigan can help ensure that you maintain the best figure friendly look. Wearing a fitted jersey t-shirt underneath will ensure that your fabulous curves are still visible.
Consider length
Being picky about which length you go for when it comes to knitwear can influence the final look. Cropped shrugs are a popular look but for pear shaped women they can just exaggerate wider hips. A longer length cardigan that gently skims hips will be more flattering here. Likewise very long line cardigans can be a super snug option but might not offer the best look for shorter women as it has the effect of shortening the body. It is also advisable to avoid having your knit end at the biggest part of your body so if you’re concerned about large thighs then avoid a knit that stops there and instead try one ending at your waist if it is slimmer or low thigh if you’re lower legs are fabulous.
Three-quarter sleeves
There are one or two other tricks that can really help to create the illusion of a more slim-line you and counter any additional inches your knits might add. Sleeves are one area to consider. Choosing a three-quarter length sleeve will draw the eye to the slimmest part of your arm and therefore paint the picture of an all over slimmer you.
V-Necks
V-necks are an essential figure-friendly option. By creating a diversion to the centre of your body you create the illusion of a more slender you in an instant. They are also useful for breaking up an expanse of fabric for women with a larger bust. Choose a fitted knit V-neck for a curve-friendly look or make the most of a V-neck on a looser knit to help counteract the ‘sack’ effect.
Polo Necks
Polo necks are a key trend for the coming autumn-winter season although many of us swear by them year in year out anyway! They are an extremely flattering look, particularly if you choose a figure hugging style. With the roll neck style, they create the illusion of a longer body which ultimately has the effect of elongating your look and knocking inches off you. Polo necks are a great essential for cooler seasons that can be worn under other layers or alone.
ALSO SEE: My 5 Essential Winter Beauty Products.
“Together We Can” At The 2Inspire Network Ladies Day
2Inspire Network is proud to announce the come back of its trendy 2Inspire Network Ladies Day event that will take place on the 19th of October 2013, at the old Stratford town hall in East London. It is only a stone’s throw from The Olympic Village. The event is a free entry one that promises to include a fashion show, an entertainment section as well as a variety of workshops to fulfil the requirements of attendees. Workshop topics includes health, personal and business development and media. The event will house about forty exhibitors, whose wares varies from fashion to beauty, artwork, and more. This makes it a one-stop place for ladies looking inspiration, shopping, pampering and entertainment all under one roof. Not only will the event provide a platform that promotes and celebrates the artistic talent of women in business, it will also provide an arena that empowers and supports attendees in making a crystal clear vision for their personal and professional lives.
The theme for this upcoming event day is “Together we Can….” “This title is an open ended statement in regards to the endless potentials that may result from women supporting one another. “Empowering individuals and helping them to realise their potential is something that i am passionate about. i believe that women should work together and support each other on their journeys, this belief is the foundation of the network, an organisation that provides social media platforms, events and training that help to empower, promote and inspire women” says Founder, Hazel Chawapiwa.
The 2inspire network took off in May of 2012 to assist ladies, most especially those in enterprise and was proud to celebrate its one year anniversary this year. It was celebrated with an event to mark the milestone that was in honour of the ladies that have supported Hazel as well as those that have been a part of the organisations journey and growth.
To register for the event, visit this link.
Save Money By Upgrading Your Appliances
Keeping your home in good condition can cost a lot of money. From regular repairs to the occasional update, everything costs money. It’s no wonder most people try to find ways to cut back on their bills and expenses around the home. While adopting better habits can help you save money (from turning the water pressure down in your shower to leaving the blinds closed on hot, sunny days), one of the best ways to save money is to spend money. By upgrading your old appliances and devices you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars a year. Here are some of the most important things to upgrade if you want to save money.
Some Of The Appliances To Upgrade
TV: If you are like most people, you watch quite a bit of television. You probably even keep it on when you aren’t in the room. Running your TV for hours and hours each day can drain your wallet. Older televisions use a tremendous amount of energy. If you have a CRT television, or even an old plasma or projection TV, you are using more electricity to power it than you need to.
By upgrading to a modern plasma, LED, or LCD television you can reduce the amount of energy you use while watching television by 95%. While your exact savings will vary according to how often you watch TV, it’s safe to say you can save enough money over a year or two that you can effectively pay for the new TV, and anything after that is pure savings.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): If anything in your home gets a workout, it’s your heater or AC (likely both). Keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer is important if you want to stay comfortable all year long. While you can certainly do your best to cut down on how much you run both units, and call for professional HVAC services if you need yours repaired, replacement might be your best bet.
If your heater or AC is more than 10 years old, it’s time to upgrade. Just like televisions, new units have been designed with energy efficiency in mind. Between rebates and energy savings, you can save anywhere from $100 to $800 a year. If you upgrade both units you can effectively double that figure as well.
Fridge: Your fridge is always on. Day and night it keeps your valuable food cool so that you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. But it requires a lot of energy to do so. Your fridge is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home. In fact, old fridges waste so much money that many local power companies will offer you a rebate to get rid of it and will haul it away for you, free of charge.
What You Need
It’s true that it will cost a bit of money to upgrade anything in your home. New televisions and heaters aren’t cheap. But, over the lifetime of any appliance you upgrade, you will save thousands of dollars compared to what you would spend if you kept your current appliance. If you are interested in seeing exactly how much you can save, contact your local HVAC services company, or any other company that provides the appliance you are looking for.
Holidaying Style: Tips To Save You From Holiday Shopping Headache
Holiday shopping is always a headache, trying to think up every possible garment you might need and trying to find the right balance between bikinis and jeans for ‘just in case it rains’ is enough to make you need another holiday! And don’t get me started on trying to make it all fit in the case.
The best solution is to build a capsule wardrobe around 5 versatile key items. Here’s how…
Plan Your Packing
1. Skinny Jeans – I always travel in my jeans to save room in my suitcase. They are comfortable and easy to wear wherever you go so an ideal travel outfit. There’s always one day of your holiday that’s a bit chilly so you will certainly be glad of them.
2. Basic cardigan/hoodie – Again, always travel in bulky items like this. Select a neutral style and colour so it goes with everything. Grey is a good compromise as it never clashes with other colours and it won’t get as dirty as say, a nice summery colour like cream but it’s also not too heavy to go with your summer clothes.
3. T-shirt – Opt for a tailored ‘boyfriend’ style so it can do double duty as a quick cover up on the beach and an easy option to throw on with your shorts when you’re in a hurry to get to breakfast.
4. Floral dress – You can’t go wrong with a floral dress no matter what your style is. Whether it’s abstract and graphic or cute and ditzy, a nice printed fabric makes it much easier to dress up or down so you can wear it from beach to bar, day or night.
5. Tan Sandals – Once again, going neutral such as with Tan coloured footwear means you can really make the most of them and pair them with anything. Buy a simple style with either a low heel or totally flat and you can rely on them to always look cool every day of your holiday.
Once you’ve got your packing sorted you can be more flexible with where you go and what you do. When you can’t decide between a beach holiday and a cultural city break, why not head to somewhere like Spain where you will find the best of both worlds!
For a happy medium try Murcia. This region of Spain offers amazing architecture, great shopping and is just a hop and a skip from a range of glorious beaches. You will find many of the low cost airlines like Jet2.com fly to places like this too so there are great deals on cheap flights to be found online, meaning you can save your money to spend on that fancy new bikini!