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Chips are a treat, whether you pick up a bag from a food stand or order them as a side dish in an upscale restaurant. The good news is that you can make some that are just as delicious at home, too. Luebeck, Germany (dpa) – Who invented them? That's disputed, but probably someone in Europe. The Belgians have a strong claim, and today they love their fries so much that they are available on every corner, consume more than most nations and discuss them deeply at every opportunity. How can you make fries at home that taste just as good as those from the takeaway? Two professional chefs share advice on how to enjoy tasty and healthy chips. Deep-frozen or home-made? People who make chips at home usually opt for frozen products. "Frozen is convenient and quick," notes Annegret Hager, a consumer protection advocate in Germany. They do not take much time to prepare as you just take the fries straight from the package and out them in the oven or deep fryer. Thanks to deep-freezing, they also keep for longer and are easy to store.  Just like the type of potato and fat used, you have no control over any additives, such as dextrose, however. "You have to keep testing until you find the brand you like," Hager says. However, the flavour often cannot compete with home-made chips. It is for this reason that frozen fries are out of the question for Jannik Degner, a food blogger and enthusiastic amateur chef in northern Germany. "Home-made fries taste so much better," he says. Since they are cut from fresh potatoes, they have a more intense taste and a better consistency. Also, the cook can determine which type of potato, cooking oils and seasonings to use. And naturally, you can cut your fries thick or thin, short or long, depending on your preference. To fry or bake? That is the question Whether frozen or home-made, fries have to be cooked one way or another. Often the times stated on the package are too short to achieve a crispy result, Degner and Hager say. Outside the home, fries are mainly prepared in a deep-fat fryer. They taste best when fried in fat, plus the process is quick and they come out evenly crispy.  But not every household has a deep-fat fryer. "Buying a fryer is only worthwhile if you use it regularly. Whereby I would advise against this because of the fat content," Hager says. She advises only occasionally eating fries at a party or a snack stand, while at home trying to cook foods that have lower fat content. Hot-air fryers are meanwhile becoming increasingly popular and appear to be a good compromise. Instead of swimming in oil, the fries lie in a basket and are bathed in hot air. But once again, a purchase only makes sense if you are going to use the hot-air fryer regularly. But all kitchens have a baking oven and using that to prepare fries involves even less fat since you only baste the chips with a small amount of oil. Degner has this tip for oven-baked fries. Place them on a grill instead of on a metal tray, and with the oven fan turned on, so the fries will be crispy on all sides. To make them extra-crispy, Degner at times opens the oven door to let steam escape. Home-made French fries Anyone who has previously put home-cut potato sticks in the oven or deep-fryer and thought the bland result was inevitable is mistaken. The first trick to creating snack bar-like fries is choosing the right type of potato. "The Belgians swear by floury varieties, such as Bintje, because they have a preference for fries that are fluffy on the inside," says Degner. "If you want a more creamy, firm inside, use a predominantly waxy potato variety." But for oven baking he advises using a floury variety. To start, you peel and wash the potatoes. Or if you want a rustic touch, leave the skin on and thoroughly scrub it under water. Then cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks. Thick or thin, that is a matter of personal taste. For oven-baked fries, 1 centimetre is ideal. "Once the fries are cut, you should water them a bit to wash off the starch," says Hager. "This makes the potatoes crispier later on. Then you let the fries thoroughly dry off." Degner combines the soaking and subsequent pre-cooking in a single step. "I blanch the sticks in boiling vinegar water for four minutes. This washes off the starch and pre-cooks the fries," he says. He recommends rapeseed or sunflower oil next. "Other vegetable oils, such as olive or coconut oil, are also suitable. Animal fats, such as duck fat, also taste wonderful," he says. Twice through tastes better Those who have the time and want to aim for a truly optimal result will cook the fries twice. After the first round, let the fries cool off. But whether deep-fried, hot-air fried or baked, first the fries are heated at low temperatures – 140 degrees Celsius in the deep-fryer, 160 degrees in the oven – to soften them on the inside. Then you let the fries cool off before cooking them again at a higher temperature – 175 degrees in a deep-fryer or 220 degrees in the oven – until you reach the desired browning level. What you should remember is: High temperatures in the oven make the fries crispy, but also lead to the formation of acrylamide. "Choose a moderate heat. I recommend 175 degrees to be on the safe side," says Hager. Once your fries are done, you're ready to season them with the classic salt or paprika powder and dip them in ketchup or mayonnaise (or both). For a bit of variety, you might try some spicy aioli or fruity chutneys. With a hearty dip and some salad, you can make oven fries a full meal. Whether store-bought or home-made – one thing is certain: Fries taste best hot, so serve them quickly after seasoning and enjoy. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ode bzl cwg xxde amc dms arw

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

These seven easy upgrades can help channel a five-star vibe in your bedroom at home. London (PA Media/dpa) – There’s something special about a luxurious hotel bedroom… fresh bed linen, stylish decorative accents, a calming atmosphere, and peace of mind knowing every detail has been carefully considered. So is it any wonder we dream of the same sense of indulgence and comforting aesthetic at home? With thoughts turning to a fantasy turn-down service… and desire for a good night’s sleep. To point you in the right direction, Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse, believes you can create a similar idyll to a five-star stay with a few updates… fusing comfort with style. “Luxury hotel bedrooms are designed for relaxation first and foremost,” highlights Gierasinska. “Everything from lighting to textures is chosen to soothe the senses.” Here, she shares her top tips to turn your bedroom into a high-end escape… 1. Start with a perfectly made bed Hotel rooms always feature beds that look (and feel) impeccable… Gierasinska says to layer textures for depth. “Begin with a supportive mattress, add a duvet with a crisp cover, and finish with a lighter blanket or throw across the foot of the bed. “Mix smooth cotton with tactile fabrics like velvet or linen to create instant luxury.” You can also layer large, square cushions at the back for height, suggests Gierasinska, followed by smaller rectangular or bolster cushions for depth. “Consider arranging cushions symmetrically for a polished effect that’s associated with hotels; and limit the number to avoid clutter while keeping it inviting,” she adds. 2. Choose a calming colour scheme While many hotels opt for all-white bedding, the surrounding palette tends to be warm and understated… “Soft neutrals, muted blues, and earthy greens create a peaceful backdrop,” highlights Gierasinska. “These tones are timeless, working just as well in modern spaces as they do in more traditional settings. “They evoke a sense of calm, making it easier to unwind at the end of the day.” By layering these shades with natural textures like linen, wool, or wood, she says: “You can create a bedroom that feels both serene and effortlessly sophisticated.” 3. Layer your lighting Avoid bright overheads… “Hotel rooms use a combination of light sources, such as bedside lamps, wall sconces, and dimmable ceiling lights, to create ambience,” underlines Gierasinska. “Warm-toned bulbs make the space feel softer, especially when their glow is reflected off textured walls or fabric headboards.” She says this type of lighting adds a welcoming, cocoon-like atmosphere that’s perfect for winding down in the evening. 4. Keep surfaces clear Clutter-free rooms feel calmer… “Limit what’s on display to a few intentional pieces… a candle, single flower stem, or a beautiful book,” suggests Gierasinska. “The rest should be stored neatly out of sight.” As she points out, closed storage helps preserve that serene, ordered atmosphere. “Opt for bedside tables with drawers, storage ottomans, or built-in wardrobes to keep essentials close… but concealed. “This not only makes the room feel calmer but also mirrors the tidy, curated look of a luxury hotel.” 5. Create a ‘lounge’ moment Hotels are designed for more than sleeping… If space allows, add a small sofa, bench or accent chair to encourage relaxation. “Even a simple tray with a carafe of water, or a coffee set-up makes the room feel curated and purposeful,” notes Gierasinska. “Position your lounge corner near a window for natural light during the day, or beside a soft pool of lamplight in the evening,” she advises. “This creates a cosy, inviting spot that feels intentional, much like the seating areas you find in boutique hotel suites.” 6. Add signature scents Fragrance is a key element of the hotel experience… Gierasinska suggests using diffusers or candles in calming scents like lavender, sandalwood, or cedarwood. “The right fragrance instantly changes the mood of a space, and helps signal to your body that it’s time to relax.” 7. Pay attention to small luxuries In a hotel, even the smallest details are deliberate… “Fresh flowers, a plush robe draped over a chair, or neatly folded blanket at the end of the bed can all make your space feel more special.” She goes on to say the secret to the hotel feeling isn’t just expensive decor, it’s the sense that everything has its place and purpose. “Luxury is as much about thoughtfulness as it is about cost,” highlights Gierasinska. “By making a few simple changes, you can bring that five-star feeling into your home every day.” The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

A microbiologist and a flooring expert explain why removing shoes in the house is down to personal preference, hygiene and looking after your carpet. London (PA Media/dpa) – Do you ask guests to take their shoes off before they enter your home? It’s a topic that some people have very strong views about. On one side are those who believe taking shoes off is necessary to keep homes more hygienic, and on the other are those who think it’s an unnecessary step and it’s rude to even ask guests to do it. But what do the experts think? We asked a microbiologist and a flooring expert, and here’s their take on the shoes on/shoes off dilemma… “The shoes on versus shoes off debate continues to divide people, with many sitting firmly on one side of the discussion on whether you should remove yours when entering a home,” says Alex Heslop, trend expert at Flooring Superstore, who points out TikTok searches for ‘no shoe household’ were up 39% in the past month alone. She says reasons for taking your shoes off when entering a home can depend on culture, geography, household rules and personal preferences. “Some people see taking shoes off in a home as a sign of respect, as well as a way to keep homes cleaner. On the other hand, others may find it more comfortable to keep shoes on. “Taking shoes off also means you don’t need to clean your floors as regularly, which can in turn cause additional wear and tear.” And Dr Primrose Freestone, an associate professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, suggests it might be best to let guests decide whether to take their shoes off in the house or not. “I personally feel it’s up to the visitor to decide,” she says. “I’m a microbiologist and while understanding what exterior pollutants shoe bottoms can deposit in my home, I don’t ask visitors to take off their shoes. However, we do mop our floor surfaces with disinfectant every day – rugs and carpets getting lots of footfall are vacuumed every day and carpets cleaned every month.” What germs/dirt might people bring into the house if they leave their shoes on? Freestone explains that food debris, skin cells, house dust mites, external animal faecal droppings, insects such as ants, pollen, bacteria, fungi and viruses, mould spores, dirt and dust have been found buried in carpets. And a University of Arizona study found coliform bacteria – which is often considered an indicator of faecal contamination – outside 96% of shoes tested, and e. coli on 27% of the shoes. “These pollutants sink into the carpet and may become airborne during vacuuming or even just walking on the carpet,” says Freestone. Is the dirt brought in on shoes a potential health hazard? Freestone says any germs or pollutants that drop off shoes in a home aren’t usually a health hazard, unless people have existing health problems. “For most people this isn’t a problem, unless you have an inflammatory lung condition such as asthma, when what attaches to shoe bottoms can cause harm,” she says. “The airborne debris from walked-on carpets and rugs can trigger exacerbations, and the American Lung Association recommends against carpets in favour of easier-to-clean and less allergen or pollutant-trapping hard flooring.” Is it important to keep dirt and germs out of the house as much as possible? “It’s almost impossible to keep germs and dirt out of a home,” warns Freestone. “Indeed, we shouldn’t want to, as some kinds of dirt can be healthy at certain times of our lives.” She explains that the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ states that early life exposure of children to a variety of the germs in dirt (or from on their pets) helps to train their immune systems to distinguish harmless from harmful substances. “Very clean modern living has become associated with an increased incidence of asthma and allergies to foods such as peanuts, which is not seen in developing countries,” she says. “The hygiene hypothesis view is early exposure to microbes is needed to prevent the immune system from overreacting to harmless substances.” Should people remove their shoes if there are only hard floors in a house? “What’s on your shoes will end up on your house floor if you don’t remove them,” stresses Freestone, who explains that hard surface floors are easier to keep clean as they are less of a sink for pollutants and can be mopped with disinfectant to get rid of any shoe-deposited pollutants or germs. “Shoes walking on carpets is more of a problem as studies suggest the carpet material can act as a sink for a wide range of pollutants and allergens,” she says. Does taking shoes off help preserve carpets and flooring? Freestone says carpets make homes warmer and can be visually attractive, but the fabric nature of carpets and rugs is harder to keep thoroughly cleaned than hard surface floors, particularly if people don’t take their shoes off when entering the house. “The choice of a floor carpet or non-covered hard floor depends on personal preference and whether anyone in the family has allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma that might be worsened from air particles embedded within carpets and rugs,” she explains. Heslop says that as well as bringing in dirt and moisture, outdoor shoes can transfer abrasive particles like sand or grit that act like sandpaper on to flooring, wearing it over time. “This can dull the finish on hardwood, stain carpets, and even scratch tile or laminate surfaces,” she explains. “High heels and heavy shoes can also create dents or cracks, especially in softer flooring materials. “Constantly walking on carpets and rugs with shoes from outside can reduce their lifespan as dirt and debris gets embedded in the fibres, making them dirtier and more worn.” She says mud and moisture causes discolouration and even mould if a carpet doesn’t dry out quickly, and muddy patches and stains which need cleaning products and a bit more elbow grease to remove can lead to fibres becoming worn and loose, he warns. “So, while it may seem like a small ask, taking shoes off at the door is one of the easiest and most effective ways to extend the life of your flooring and maintain a cleaner home.” The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Dogs, just like humans, can find themselves in emergency situations where they need your help quickly. Here's what owners need to look for and how they can act in a pet emergency. Berlin (dpa) – Did your dog eat something poisonous? Was it hit by a car? Or did it suddenly fall ill for unclear reasons?  Dog owners need to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies. In these situations, it's crucial to know the answers to important questions, such as: What colour should your dog's mucous membranes be? What is a normal pulse rate? How many breaths does your dog typically take per minute? As with all emergencies, the first rule is to stay calm and seek help as quickly as possible. For dogs, this means contacting a vet or the nearest animal hospital. If you are too distressed to make the call, ask someone else to assist. This person can also provide the vet with all the necessary information if needed. The veterinarian will likely ask questions such as the dog's age, sex and if there are any known pre-existing conditions. Since most veterinarians do not come to the scene of an accident, the location is often less important. Instead, it is crucial to describe the dog's condition as accurately as possible. Expect to answer the following questions: Is the dog unconscious? If not, does it respond to being spoken to, or does it appear listless? Is the dog visibly injured? Where is the wound? Are bones visible? Is the dog adopting a protective posture? How can I check my dog's condition? Looking at a few factors will help you get a sense of your dog's health. According to the Foundation of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Hanover in Germany, there are four things to examine when checking a dog's vital signs: Breathing:Count the breaths by observing the chest movements for one minute. When not panting, small dogs typically take 20 to 50 breaths per minute, while large dogs take 10 to 30. Pulse:Find the pulse on the inner thigh and count the beats for one minute. Normal ranges are 80 to 120 beats per minute for small dogs and 60 to 80 for large dogs. Mucous membranes:These should be pink, moist and shiny. Pressing a finger on the gums can test circulation — after two seconds, the pressed area should return to pink. Temperature:You can use a thermometer to rectally measure the dog's temperature. Normal values range from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. What belongs in a first-aid kit for dogs? To be well-prepared for emergencies, dog owners should keep certain items readily available. Essential items include disposable gloves to protect yourself from blood and other substances. A first-aid kit for dogs should also contain: Bandage and scissors for cutting Tweezers A thermometer Adhesive tape Alcohol-free disinfectant spray A flashlight Cotton wool Antiseptic ointment Wound dressings Charcoal tablets Plastic syringes can also be useful for rinsing wounds or giving water to a dehydrated dog. While it's not necessary to carry the first-aid kit everywhere, it is a good idea to have one nearby. You might consider keeping it in the car boot if driving to walks. At home, aim to keep it in the same spot so that you always know where to find the right items in an emergency. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ija/jub yyzz n1 amc

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)