How to Store and Organize Nail Polish: Tips and Ideas

We've all faced this situation: you’ve just finished cooking a delicious meal, but there are leftovers, and you wonder, "Can I put hot food in the fridge?" The answer isn't straightforward, but let's delve into why you should or shouldn't do it. Thermal Shock and Glass Containers Firstly, if you're using glass containers, you need to be cautious. Glass has a property known as thermal expansion. This means it expands when hot and contracts when cold. If you place a hot glass container directly into the fridge or freezer, it can experience thermal shock and potentially shatter. This risk is especially high with standard glass, but using borosilicate glass can mitigate the risk as it's more resistant to thermal shock. Still, it's best to avoid sudden temperature changes. Refrigerator Efficiency Putting hot food directly into the fridge isn't ideal for the appliance's efficiency. Hot food raises the fridge's internal temperature, making it work harder to cool down, which can affect its overall performance and longevity. This can also impact other foods stored in the fridge, potentially leading to spoilage. Food Safety Contrary to popular belief, placing hot food directly into the fridge is generally safe from a food safety perspective. The danger zone for bacterial growth in food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Leaving hot food out to cool for extended periods can actually pose a greater risk than refrigerating it immediately. The key is to cool the food down quickly. You can do this by dividing it into smaller portions or placing it in shallow containers before refrigerating. Practical Tips Cool Down First: Allow food to cool slightly on the counter before placing it in the fridge. You can use an ice bath to speed up the cooling process. Use the Right Containers: Use shallow, wide containers to store food, which helps it cool faster. Opt for borosilicate glass or food-grade silicone like Durbl bags, which can handle temperature changes better. Avoid Overloading: Ensure there is enough space around containers in the fridge to allow air circulation for faster cooling. Conclusion So, is it bad to put hot food in the fridge? It depends on the circumstances. For food safety, it's generally okay, but consider the type of container you're using and your fridge's efficiency. Cooling food quickly in shallow containers or using an ice bath can mitigate many of the potential issues. Remember, keeping your food safe and your fridge running efficiently are both achievable with a few mindful practices.By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftovers safely and keep your fridge in good working order. Happy cooking and storing!

Sous vide cooking is an emerging home kitchen technique that involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in a temperature-controlled water bath. This method ensures perfect results every time, especially for thicker cuts of steak like filet mignon, ribeye, strip steak, and T-bone. Tools Needed: ● Sous vide machine or a large pot with a digital thermometer● Durbl silicone bags (Half Gallon or Quart size)● Tongs for handling hot bags Steps: 1. Prep: Preheat your sous vide machine to the desired temperature. Season your steak with salt, black pepper, herbs like rosemary or thyme, minced garlic, and a tablespoon of butter. Place each steak in a Durbl bag and use the water displacement method to vacuum seal the bag. 2. Cook: Submerge the sealed bags in the water bath, ensuring the steaks are fully submerged. Use silicone weights or clips if needed. Refer to the following sous vide steak time and temperature chart: ■ Rare: 120°F (49°C) - 128°F (53°C), 1 to 2.5 hours ■ Medium-Rare: 129°F (54°C) - 134°F (57°C), 1 to 4 hours ■ Medium: 135°F (57°C) - 144°F (62°C), 1 to 4 hours ■ Medium-Well: 145°F (63°C) - 155°F (68°C), 1 to 3.5 hours ■ Well-Done: 156°F (69°C) and up, 1 to 3 hour 3. Sear: Remove the bags from the water bath and take out the steaks. Heat olive oil or butter in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until it starts to smoke. Sear the steaks for about one minute on each side and quickly sear the edges. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Tips: Use Durbl silicone bags for a safer, eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. For best results, use thicker cuts of steak to prevent overcooking during the searing process. Sous vide cooking guarantees a juicy and perfectly cooked steak every time, making it an ideal method for home chefs aiming for restaurant-quality results.

scaping into nature is a thrilling experience, and a well-packed backpack can make multi-day hikes enjoyable. Here's how to pack a hiking backpack effectively, while reducing single-use plastics: Bottom of the Pack: Sleeping Bag & Mid-Weight Gear Place your sleeping pad, thick clothes, and compressed sleeping bag at the bottom. This area is also ideal for bulk food stored in Durbl Gallon bags, like oatmeal and dried fruit. Middle Back: Tent, Cookware & Heavy Items For optimal balance, place heavy items like a water reservoir, cookware, camping stove, fuel canister, and tent near your mid-back. Use cooking pots to store bagged food and pad them with clothes to avoid wear on your pack. Middle Front: Clothes, Toiletries & Light Items Store lightweight items you don’t need frequently, such as extra clothing, a towel, and less-used toiletries, in the middle front of your pack. This area can also hold lightweight slippers or flip-flops. Top of the Pack: Easy-Access, Light Items The top is ideal for lightweight, frequently accessed items like a water filter, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, bug wipes, and an emergency kit. Use pouches or Durbl bags for organization. Side Pockets & Hip Pockets Keep a rain jacket in an outer pocket and store a water bottle and day food in side pockets, using Durbl Quart bags for food portions. Use waistbelt pockets for snacks and dog treats in Durbl Snack bags. Waterproofing Your Backpack Consider using a rain cover for your backpack and store essentials in dry bags and Durbl bags to keep them dry. Essential Packing Checklist 1. Important Gear: Backpack Rain cover Tent Sleeping bag Pillow or stuff sack Sleeping pad or air mattress Durbl bags (various sizes) 2. Clothing: Hiking boots Wool socks Underwear or long underwear Hiking pants or shorts Short-sleeve and long-sleeve T-shirts Insulated or fleece jacket Rain jacket and waterproof pants Sunglasses and hat Gloves and beanie (seasonal) 3. Toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrush Sunscreen Bug spray Toilet paper Face wash Hand sanitizer Biodegradable soap Feminine hygiene products Trowel 4. Food & Water: Water bottles or reservoirs Water purification method Cooking utensils and cookware Lighter or waterproof matches Meals and snacks Stove and fuel 5. Emergency Supplies: Map, compass, GPS Cell phone and extra battery Whistle or emergency beacon Headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Knife or multitool Duct tape Bear canister (if in bear country) Permits (if required) 6. Personal Items: Keys ID Credit card Cash Detailed itinerary left with an emergency contact Preparation Tip After packing, take a short walk to ensure the pack feels balanced and comfortable. Adjust if necessary and ensure nothing is missing. Now, you're ready to disconnect, immerse in nature, and enjoy your hike! Happy hiking!