How to Cut a Pineapple

Pineapples (Ananas comosus) are best eaten fresh. It is healthier to cut a pineapple at home rather than resorting to the pre-cut variety available in a can with additives and preservatives. Get fresh with a pineapple!

EditSteps

1. 1
   Choose a good quality pineapple. Use your sense of smell––the pineapple must smell highly aromatic, namely sweet and fresh. If you detect an odor that suggests fermentation or there is no sweetness present, skip that pineapple. Prefer pineapples that are heavy for their size and avoid pineapples that are bruised or mushy to the touch.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Place the pineapple on its side.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Cut the crown and the stem off the pineapple.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Stand the pineapple up on one end. Slice the skin off the sides, going from top to bottom. Leave as much flesh as possible remaining on the pineapple––by following the contour of the fruit, this will help to prevent loss of flesh where the pineapple bulges in the middle.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Remove the eye spots. Eye spots are on a diagonal on the pineapple. Cut a V-shaped groove along the diagonal line and remove a set of eye spots each cut. The remaining flesh is ready for cutting now.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Cut the pineapple. The type of cut depends on how you want to use the pineapple. You can choose from any of these cuts:
   
   
   
   
   
   • Cut pineapple circles. Simply cut the pineapple circle slices in a width suited for your needs. Core each circle slice after cutting; this can be done with ease using a round pastry or dough cutter.
   • Cut the pineapple into halves, then quarters for cubes or wedges. For each quarter, cut off the core before segmenting into chunks, then cut the chunks to size.
7. 7
   Add the pineapple to your recipe or meal. It is delicious eaten as it is with nothing added or you can add yogurt, whipped cream, crushed nuts, etc. Or use it to makepineapple upside-down cake, as an addition to a meat dish or as a decoration atop a dessert.
   
   
   

EditVideo

This video shows a clear technique on how to peel and cut a pineapple.

EditTips

• The white fibrous matter in the core tastes bitter but some people like this taste. It is safe to eat, and healthy (it contains antioxidants), but it may not be to your texture because it's generally tough, although the actual taste is mild and quite appealing.
• Pineapples are low in fat and cholesterol free. They contain vitamin C and trace essential nutrients. And they are brimful of great fiber.
• Pineapples contain bromelin; this is an enzyme that breaks down protein. This makes pineapple juice great for marinating tough meat but don't marinate for too long or the meat will fall apart. Bromelin also stops gelatin from setting, so if you want to make gelatin desserts using pineapple, either cook it first or used the canned version, as both processes destroy bromelin.

EditWarnings

• 

   Don't eat the skin; it's tough and undesirable.
  Exercise the usual caution when using a knife. Make sure that the base of the pineapple is stable before slicing off the fruit skin.

EditThings You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Pastry/dough cutter if coring pineapple rings

How to Get Rid of Animal Pests With Hot Pepper Spray

Most gardeners love observing animals, but few want animals in their garden eating their treasured plants. This spray is made from hot peppers of the genus Capsicum––this spray is effective because it contains capsaicin. To us, this constituent gives food we add it to a hot sensation but for many animals (especially mammals), it's a repellent. Here is how to make it.

EditSteps

1. 1
   Understand how the spray works. Hot peppers have a compound in them called capsaicin. Mammals are sensitive to capsaicin, and the compound registers on their taste buds as "hot" and serves as an irritant.^[1] This spray is considered to be effective for such garden animal pests as deer, rabbits, voles, squirrels, possums and insects.^[2]
   
   
   
2. 2
   Take one quart (950ml) of water and put it in a pot.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Take one-half cup of dried hot peppers (available at most Asian groceries), and put them in the pot.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Bring the pot of water and peppers to just barely boiling. Then turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Strain out the peppers and throw them away.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Put the liquid into a spray bottle. Label it so that anyone coming across it knows what the contents are; it's also a good idea to add the date to it.
   
   
   
   • For added sticking power, you might like to add a few drops of pure dish soap to the liquid as well.^[2]
7. 7
   Spray it on the plants you want to protect. Always wear gloves and eye protection before using this spray––it can burn your skin and eyes if it touches them and it's painful. Be sure to spray the entire plant, for full protection.
   
   
   
   • Shake before using.
   • Use the spray early morning or in the evening––if sprayed in the heat of the day, it may burn the plants.^[3]
   • If you're not sure how sensitive plants will cope, test a small area first. Wait four days and if the plant doesn't react, then using the spray on it should be okay.^[3]
   • Do not spray this on windy days. The back spray may hit you or go anywhere but on the plants you're trying to protect.
   • As mentioned earlier, do not spray anywhere near waterways, lakes or ponds.
8. 8
   Re-spray every week for maximum benefit. It will also need to be reapplied after rain.
   
   
   

EditTips

• Birds are not sensitive to capsaicin. Many birds will still eat bird seed that has been "squirrel-proofed" by being dusted with hot pepper powder. However, it is possible that the powdered form impacts some birds;^[2] just don't rely on it as your main anti-bird method.
• The spray will need to be re-applied approximately every week, and after it rains.
• Fresh hot peppers will also work. Mincing them and letting them soak for at least a day will produce the best results.^[3]
• Hot pepper spray will also deter some insect pests, such as flea beetles and aphids.^[1]
• This spray should also be a help in deterring dogs and cats that are relieving themselves near favorite plants.

EditWarnings

• Do not get the hot pepper spray in your eyes, or on your skin. It really hurts.
• Never spray directly at an animal––this is for plant use only.
• If you're spraying vegetables, you'll either have to stop spraying when the vegetables are close to ripening, or wash the harvested vegetables well.
• Do not use this spray near waterways, lakes or ponds. The effect on aquatic life is unknown and it may harm your backyard fish.^[2]
• Avoid relying on this as the only method for deterring animal pests from your garden. Mend broken fences and holes in fences; keep gates shut; keep pet food indoors to avoid easy feasting; keep garbage contained and clean; fence off vegetable gardens; use bird netting and other physical barriers as well.

EditThings You'll Need

• A pot (1-1/2 - 2 quart size)
• 1/2 cup of dried hot peppers
• 1 quart/950ml water
• Strainer
• Spray bottle

Make Edible Teacups

Planning a Mad Hatter's Tea Party? These dainty little edible teacups will certainly fit right in! Indeed, these treats are ideal for many party themes, such as princess, afternoon tea or fantasy parties. They're easy to make as long as you can get hold of the ingredients and if your children are old enough to help out, it will take even less time to put these edible wonders together.

Ingredients

The amounts are dependent on how many of the edible teacups you're planning on making:

• Ice cream cones, round; choose ones with wide mouths––depending on the brand, they may even be referred to as cups
• Smooth round cookies; often shortbread style cookies are round with a raised edge, making them perfect for serving as an edible saucer
• Gummy ring candies
• Decorator's icing
• Treats to fill the edible teacup, such as candies, chocolates, nuts or tiny wafers, etc.

Tips

• When cutting gummy candies, you can make it easier by dipping the knife into hot water to prevent it from getting too sticky.
• If making your own round cookies, make sure that they are both smooth and very evenly circular or you risk spoiling the effect of them being a "saucer".
• To make the edible teacup look like coffee, hot chocolate or your other favorite drink, add ice cream in the associated flavor and serve immediately to guests.

Things You'll Need

• Serrated knife (bread knife)
• Cutting board and sharp knife for cutting candy

How to Make a Genogram

A genogram is a family map or history that uses special symbols to describe relationships, major events, and the dynamics of a family over multiple generations. Mental health and medical professionals often use genograms to identify patterns of mental and physical illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, cancer and other genetic diseases. To begin a genogram you will need to interview family members first. Then, you can use standard genogram symbols to create a diagram that documents your family's specialized history.

EditSteps

1. 1
   Determine your reason for creating a genogram. The purpose will help you to focus on the type of family information you want to collect. It's also liable to help you decide with whom you will share the completed diagram––sometimes the information might be considered upsetting or too sensitive for some family members, so you'll need to judge that depending on the context.
   
   
   
   • Genograms can focus on a number of issues including substance abuse, mental illness, and physical violence, as well as many physical illnesses.
   • Genograms can provide health care workers with a visual document that tracks the history of your current mental or medical problem through your family bloodline.
2. 2
   Decide how many generations you'd like to represent in your genogram. This will give you a clear idea of who you will need to approach for information to complete your diagram and whether this will be possible given people's ages and geographical distribution.
   
   
   
   • Don't forget that you can use email, Skype and other communications devices to get in touch with far-flung family members even if you can't afford to/don't want to travel to talk to them in person.
3. 3
   Research your family history. Write down everything you know first. When you've exceeded your own knowledge, talk to family members. Ask questions about family relationships and significant events. Take good notes.
   
   
   
   • Be mindful that these discussions may be difficult for some family members.
   • Be prepared to listen to lots of stories. Stories are the best means by which we remember and transfer information––encourage these as they arise by listening attentively and asking open-ended questions that motivate the person to share more information.
   • You may also be able to find information through web searches or family books. However, you should be sure that this information is accurate if you decide to use it, which means you may need to cross-check it directly with living persons.
4. 4
   Design your genogram. Genogram templates are available that can be completed online or filled out by hand. You can also purchase software programs designed specifically for creating genograms.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Use standard genogram symbols to represent family members and their relationships, both normal and dysfunctional. The symbols act as a visual indicator of the information you gathered in your interviews. You can draw the standard genogram symbols by hand or by using the "draw" or "shapes" options in a word processing program.
   
   
   
   • Males are indicated by a square. When indicating a marriage, position the male symbol to the left.
   • Women are indicated by a circle. When indicating a marriage, position the female symbol to the right.
   • A single horizontal line indicates marriage and two slanted lines separation.
   • The oldest child is always below and to the left of his family, whereas the youngest should be below and to the right.
   • Other available symbols help you describe family events such as pregnancy or miscarriage, illnesses and deaths. There is even a diamond symbol to represent pets.
     
     
     

      Some of the commonly used genogram symbols.
6. 6
   Organize the chart based on family interactions beginning with the oldest generation you want to represent. For example, you may decide to start your genogram with your grandparents or even your great grandparents. Genograms can be used to show the diversity in family relationships as well as patterns of illnesses.
   
   
   
   • A genogram includes symbols to indicate family interactions such as conflict, closeness, estrangement, etc. Emotional relationships have specific symbols that help keep the flow of the genogram clear.
     
     
     
   • There are also symbols that denote sexual and physical abuse as well as mental and physical disorders.
7. 7
   Look for patterns. Once you've made the genogram, look carefully to see what patterns can be identified. There may be hereditary patterns or particular psychological tendencies that are very noticeable when grouped together in this way.
   • Be careful about making assumptions. The data is one thing but avoid using it to confirm that your family has a particular disease issue. Talk to a medical professional about any potential for hereditary problems of this type.
   • Avoid using the genogram to make assumptions about the motivations of family members, or using this to confront them. While you might find a tendency for Uncle Fred to quit every job he has ever had and cousin Millie has always seemed to steal other people's boyfriends, it's not a good idea to wave the genogram in front of their faces to "prove" your point that they need psychoanalysis. Be very careful to avoid approaching your family members in a judgmental way as a result of making a genogram; talk to your family or personal counselor before proceeding to reach conclusions from a self-generated genogram.
   • If you're writing up the family history, patterns established in a genogram can be very helpful as a way of explaining why ancestral family members left one geographical area for another, what sorts of relationship issues they had and may help to unearth family members who were not officially recognized.

EditTips

• Always maintain the confidentiality of family members when sharing your genogram with non-family members.
• Keep your completed genogram in a secure place. The information represented in the diagram could be embarrassing or harmful to some family members.
• Genograms are also known as also known as a McGoldrick-Gerson study or a Lapidus Schematic.^[1]
• Genograms can also be used with plant and animal species, to find mutations and survival skills, etc.
• This can be an excellent classroom exercise; have the students select a famous person of their choice and research this person's background and family to try and assemble a genogram. This should be made easier using the internet but recognize its limitations too––this should be treated as a research exercise, not one seeking absolute completeness.

EditWarnings

• Never use a genogram to confront a family member without the guidance of a counselor or health care professional.

EditThings You'll Need

• Pens
• Note pad
• Drawing paper
• Word processing program (optional)
• Genogram template or genogram design software