Tips to Buy a Used Electric Car

If you order an electric car today, you may have to wait for at least 4 months before you can get your hands on it. Therefore, it's a great idea to opt for a used car. In fact, there is an increasing demand for used EAs. By keeping a few tips in mind, it will be much easier for you to make the right choice.

Battery Status

Without a solid battery, an EA is useless. With time, the battery ages as it goes through hundreds of charging cycles. As the capacity of the unit decreases, the rage of the car will also decrease.

For instance, after 80,000 km, the range may decrease by 11%. However, for routine journeys, this range is more than enough. You may get a battery certificate from some sellers.

The vehicle display will show you the existing battery status. Based on this status, you can get a pretty good idea of when you should take a break from charging.

Battery Capacity of an EA

The capacity is measured in kWh and has a great impact on the car range between charges. If the capacity is higher, you won't have to stop to recharge the battery that often. For instance, some batteries allow you to drive up to 450 km on one charge.

The lifespan of a battery is between 8 and 10 years. To check the battery condition, make sure you get it tested by a pro.

The Effects of Braking on the Charging Time

In today's EAs, you get some of the energy back each time you apply the brake, which is called recuperation. Usually, in cities, you only need to accelerate to reach your destination. The motor is so responsive that braking is "ignored".

As a result, there is minimal wear. However, it also causes the accumulation of rust unlike the petrol-based cars. If you don't use brakes at all, they will continue to rust. And the rust has a negative impact on the break disc surface and pads. So, the braking performance will be negatively impacted. Therefore, you may want to inspect the brakes.

The Charging Process

When opting for an EA, another factor that you need to consider is the range. So, you should find out more about the charging capacity and infrastructure. For flexible charging, you may want to charge the EA at a charging station from time to time.

So, where should you charge your EA batteries? What about your home wall sockets? Unfortunately, your domestic sockets can't tolerate the load of charging these batteries for a long period of time. Moreover, your home sockets will take more than 12 hours to fully charge the unit. So, taking your car to a charging station is a much better idea where it can be charged within a few hours.

So, if you are looking to buy a used EA, we suggest that you follow the tips given in this article. This way you can opt for the right unit by avoiding the common mistakes. Hope this helps.

Towing Services Offer More Than Towing

A lot of people think Henry Ford invented the first car. However, about 20 years before Ford automated car production with the assembly line, Karl Benz invented the first automobile. It wasn't until 1916 that the first drivers licenses were issued. A couple of years after that a model T Ford was driven into a creek in Tennessee and the seeds of the tow truck evolution were planted.

A local business man heard of the wreck and got his brother, the local service station owner to help him get the car out of the ditch. With the help of a few more volunters, a block and tackle and a little bit of sweat the men finally got the car out of the Tennesse creek. And it only took 8 hours to get that done. The business man thought, there has to be a better way!

His name was Ernest Holmes and he went back home a started puttering around in his garage rigging up a winch of sorts on the back of his 1913 Cadillac. The first time he tried to use it his car started to tip over. He realized he need some lateral support and design crude outriggers that he could attach to the side of the Caddy to keep it from tipping. He tested and modified his Caddy with the winch and the outriggers over the next 3 years until he had a product which worked reliably and without incident.

He file for a patent in 1919. The Holmes 485 was the first vehicle produced for the sole purpose of towing broken down automobiles in the early 20th century. He produced his "wrecker", as they were know in those days, and sold them to service stations at the time. He continued to produce tow trucks well into the 1970's. His 1919 Holmes 485 still exists in an auto museum in Tennessee.

Tow trucks today have come a long way. There are trucks for a simple car tow which put the cars drive train on a fork shaped lift. This prevents any damage to the drive train while the car is being towed to the body shop. One the other end of the spectrum are very large semi trailer sized trucks which have large cranes on the back decks that have tha capability of setting on its wheels an over turned 18 wheeler.

Most tow trucks now have GPS navigation and tracking systems, on board HD cameras and other modern technology which make the job of getting damage vehicles of any size safely back to the shop.

Most tow truck companies offer a complete line of automotive services that include flat tire repair, car lockout rescues, out gas breakdowns, jump starts for dead batteries and other automotive services necessary to keep your automobile on the road and you on your way.

Quality tow companies have 24/7 phone answering and drivers on call so that if you have a breakdown or an accident anytime, day or night, help can be dispatched to help you.

All You Need to Know About Windshield Replacement

You were happily driving in your vehicle - and suddenly crack! Now you need to have a windshield replacement. Do you know that your windshield is a safety device?

It can save you from wind, debris and rain. More importantly, it can lower the risk of crash injuries. It can even save your life or of any other passenger. In case of an accident, it can protect you from the debris. It also supports the roof of your vehicle.

So much use of such a silly thing!

So if you get a crack in your windshield, you should immediately contact the nearest car servicing center and get it repaired or replaced.

Glass Cleaning and Inspection

To clean your car windshield you should always use cleaners devoid of ammonia. Ammonia-based cleaners are harmful to upholstery materials and dash and window films.

Use microfiber towels or soft pieces of cotton to make the cleaning process smooth. This will leave your windshield beautiful and shiny.

Considerations during auto glass inspection:

• Check the glass outside as well as inside for cracks and chips.
• Check if your windshield is badly pitted.
• Do not forget the edges of the windshield.
• Make sure the wipers are soft and pliable. They should be able to clear water from the windshield in one motion.

Glass Repair

In today's age, the technicians can even repair your damaged windshield. Some insurance companies' cover glass repairs without any deduction because this is much cheaper than glass replacement.

The location and size of the crack will be a determinant factor of whether you should go for glass repair or glass replacement.

If the chip is smaller than a quarter or the crack is only of few inches then it is possible to repair it. But you should take care that glass repair can affect visibility.

Glass Replacement

If you are replacing your windshield then using proper techniques and quality materials is very important for your safety. You should not trust anyone with glass replacement. Go to only well-established businesses in your town.

You must know that windshield replacement can be very costly. It can leave a huge dent in your savings. If you have got insurance cover, then this will be covered under the comprehensive part.

Cost and other Considerations

If you are someone without car insurance, then various factors determine the cost of windshield replacement. It varies according to the car model, car make, location and the type of glass to be used.

The average repair cost in 16 major cities of the US for a Honda Accord will range anywhere from $250 to $300, while in case of BMW XS it can be anywhere between $350 - $450.

In the case of windshield replacement, it would be better if you could spare some more money. This can be a life or death decision for you. A little dent on your saving that can save your life, is worth it.

So what are you waiting for.? Think no more. Top-quality windshield replacement is just a couple of miles away.

Parking Permits and Hang Tags Attribute to an Orderly School Parking Lot

High School parking lots. That phrase alone should be enough to invoke a feeling of dread in anyone that's been there and done that. We all have memories of the 17 year old versions of ourselves and our friends, what we were doing, and the mindset we had back in the 'good old days.' The linebacker with the buzz cut driving his '74 Silverado, lifted a good four feet into the air, and on ridiculous monster truck tires, Cheerleaders in red convertibles, and you in your half broken-down Geo Metro with dented fenders. Yes. It's truly a terrifying place to be as your adult self, with your adult car, in this wonderland of potential fender-benders. What I've been proposing to booster clubs, school administrators, and parents on the school board makes this a much friendlier place.

Every school has pride in their mascot and athletic events. Every student takes pride in their newly acquired ride. The boosted club and school administrators are also a huge fan of not getting their 'rides' dented and scratched, and like the idea of bringing revenue into the school also! What we've been doing, is as parking lots age, and need refurbishing, we have them re-done with school colors in the paint. Mascots painted into the entry way, and an all-around awesome, school spirit invoking spectacle! What we then do, is cordon off certain areas of the lot, and designate certain areas for different purposes. Student parking in the back, where they have their own designated exit, and won't be speeding by the principal's car. Faculty parking off to the site, next to a convenient entryway into the school. Event parking and general parking also have their own unique, and clearly marked areas.

The next thing we do, it print off hang tags and parking permits for the different types of spaces. We have them clearly marked with different, easily to see colors, and on high quality materials. The parking passes are then affixed to bumpers, or the parking hang tags hung on the rear view mirrors. At this point, districts would decide if they want to hand these out to the student and faculty bodies respectively, or if they want to sell them. Another thing that can be done is giving them out as incentives for scholars, athletes and top performing faculty.

This has proven to be both a fun, and interesting way to promote school pride, boost revenue in some cases, and protect the structural integrity of the innocent vehicles that must travel into and through these hazardous zones!

Best Electric Cars for Eco-Friendly Driving

RECHARGE or RENEWABLE POWER is the slogan as of now in the automobile industry, especially the car manufacturing houses are aiming to develop electric cars and tap the government subsidies. For instance Mahindra has e2oPlus and eVerito whilst Tata Motors is planning to bring out an electric version of Nano, in addition to working broadly with the State-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (ESSL) on (EVs) electric vehicles. It's not only the case with Tata, every player in the automobile sector is up on the toes to change the game using 'ELECTRICITY'. Whilst many electric cars are doing rounds on foreign roads the Indian roads are yet to see them move. For time being let us see which of the best electric cars are already making tours somewhere else.

Chevy Bolt EV:

Its sickening to see that the US-based Chevrolet is slowly slipping away from the Indian market but people wish it hits back with a bang with it's Chevy Bolt EV. This classy car powered with a torque of 266-pound-feet is said to last nearly 238 miles (roughly 380 kms). Priced about $36,000, this classical Bolt is the finest example to say that decent things arrive in small yet powerful packages. It is a 5-seater solid hatchback that has 10.2 inches infotainment system which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric:

It's extremely high in looks and a top-class example for top class features. It has a steering wheel wrapped in leather, comfy front seats, automatic AC, 7 inches' touchscreen amongst many other features. It runs nearly 124 miles on one charge. Priced under $30,000, Ioniq is available in 3 variants - plug-in hybrid, electric car and a traditional hybrid as usual.

BMW i3:

Fuse luxury car specifications and an eccentric design you get all new BMW i3. 170 horsepower gives it the robustness and it comes with 114 miles range. BMW i3, rightly a distinctive style statement costs about $42,000. It's expensive but its a desirable for the sheer fact that it is stylish.

Tesla Model S:

If you really love having EV then go for this, it is beautiful, stylish and totally a vehicle with real stuff. Tesla says proudly that this is the car that has the maximum range in comparison to any of its competitors at present. With just single charge it travels all the way 335 miles. You know what? It also catches 60mph from 0 in 2.5 sec. It costs about $70,000 and rightly the finest electric car.

Kia Soul EV:

This is one more breath-taking car with boxy design - it perfectly showcases distinction and style. It has a range of 93 miles and is completely spacious and comfortable. Coming with 109HP it can easily accommodate 5 people giving fullest comfort. It is priced at about $34,000.

Nissan Leaf:

Leaf from Nissan as of now can be called the most renowned amongst EVs as it has its own valid and solid reasons for this. The 40-kWh battery in it allows breakless 400 km journey with 1 full charge. The battery takes something around 8 to sixteen hours to get charged (based on the input power capacity). At just about $30,000, this Japanese car is also elegant in design.

Tesla Roadster:

It is powerful, extremely stunning in looks, high in features and a class in design. We aren't saying this Tesla is saying and if you don't believe you can check it yourself. With the highest speed (250mph) it reaches 60mph from 0 in less than 2 seconds. Priced at $200,000 it even has a detachable glass rooftop.

So, with this, we end up our list and if you have some other good EVs please let us know.

6 Tips to Shop For a Car

Following 6-steps will help you in shopping for a new car.

1. Right Dealer for Test Drive
Choosing the right dealer is important; most dealers will have a single range of autos from specified auto maker. Sometimes there is good resemblance in a SUV and a Mini Van for people transportation. There is a need to know every make and model out there. But if you're opting to buy a used vehicle then it is different strategy. Then it's best to choose a dealer who does not specializes in one brand of vehicles but can provide more test rides from different makers inside your desired needs. And remember you will be shelling out a reasonable fee for some broker too.

2. Second Opinion that Makes Sense
After test-driving at least 3 different auto brands things will be visible that which of the three vehicles really suits your needs. Before submitting yourself to the dealer, make sure you ask for a second opinion about the vehicle you are about to sign purchase contract. The sense prevails after a new model hits the market and the resale value of second-hand does not go down for first three years.

3. Minor Changes vs Full Model Change
This is very important to understand about minor changes Vs Full model change. Minor changes in any model cannot reflect on an overall body design change. It can be Front grill, head-lights, tail lights, interior or mechanical change in oversizing or downsizing the engine. People often clean closets, change wallpaper, or rearrange and buy new furniture; for your new car also you have to set up the stage. It's not like buying a can of soda, so that you can throw it away if it doesn't taste good to you but most car owners get attached to their cars.

Major changes imply that the whole design + interior + Specs are changed by the automaker. Major changes in family cars happen in about 5 years, and normally between 7- 10 years in 4-runners, trucks and buses. Japanese automakers are very dynamic and the others follow them in making the changes to their line-ups.

4. Financing your new Car
Mostly the new cars are purchased via 3rd. party financing and the dealers have a financing schemes too. There is less possibility of buying on cash basis but if one can afford then nothing like it. If you are a regular changer then a lease plan is also available at most of the dealers, say 3-5 or 7 years lease plan. Please have a chat with your tax advisor as how to approach about the financing. Like the 3 above points this is also a very important one. Sometimes to promote any model the dealers introduce very low interest rates as low as 1%-2% annually. If it is 3rd. party financing, then you have to study about the pros and cons of the schemes, because sometimes you will be paying as much as 10% annual interest which might affect your budget.

5. Insurance in Detail
Recently a senate bill 1567 has taken effect about prohibition of other drivers to drive a car owned by a family. This means that the households cannot drive family car if their name is not covered by the insurance company or if they are not the policy owner.

Same rules actually apply all over the world, but look at the individual policy about car theft and damage occurred due to nature eg; floods, hurricanes etc. Look at the payment options provided by your insurance company. Also, checkout if your car claims are handled by in-house adjusters or some 3rd. party adjusters. This will save you from a great hassle and loss of time.

6. Selling your car
This is the last tip and very useful if you follow easy rules about knowing value of your pre-owned car and find the right buyer. New buyers are always prowling for clean, well-maintained and mechanical sound vehicles. If you can individually hire a good broker and explain the history of your car, they might be able to provide good advice. The high trend is selling your car at the auto auctions, mostly these auctions are not open for general public but your broker is certainly member of most of these auction sites. Be willing to be flexible after all you have to sell the vehicle. Settle on a price that you both can agree upon is best when the vehicle is auctioned.

3 Features to Look for When Buying a Car Air Purifier

Since the outdoor air quality is getting worse day by day, it's important to take the right measures before you go out in your car. This is even more important if you travel by your car on a daily basis. The reason is that you will be exposed to polluted air on a regular basis. Here is another thing to consider: the air in your car is up to 7 times dirtier than the outdoor air. Let's take a look at some features to consider when buying one.

The first question is what makes the air polluted? There are many air pollutants, such as smoke, gases, pollen, dirt, bacteria, mold and pet dander. The thing is that these pollutants can have a negative impact on your health.

So, what is the way out? An easy way out is to go for a car air purifier. You can buy one from your nearby market. It's better to go for a unit that can meet your individual needs. Given below are a few important tips that can help you buy one.

Go for The HEPA Filter

HEPA is short for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor. This dust collection technology was introduced in Japan. The good thing about this technology is that it can trap and kill up to 99.97% pollutants found in the air. The size of these pollutants can be 0.03 micrometers. The problem with these pollutants is that they can cause serious health problems if you don't take the right steps to remove them from your car.

Layered Purification

The air purifier you want to buy should have a highly efficient system of purification. For this purpose, you may want to buy one that comes with a HEPA filter, activated carbon and pre-filter. The role of the pre-filter is to remove the dust particles flying around in the air. On the other hand, the activated carbon helps reduce gaseous contaminants in your vehicle.

Since the carbon filter has powerful absorbing properties, it can help get rid of bad odor from your car. As said earlier, HEPA filter can help remove a lot of bad elements from your vehicle. And the good news is that the process can make sure at least 99.9% harmful pollutants are eliminated.

User-friendly Design

Typically, car air purifiers are designed for use in a car cabin. Therefore, make sure that you go for one that is easy to install and operate. These purifiers are quite easy to use. All you need to do is connect them to a 12V socket in your car.

Apart from the convenience factor, make sure that the product comes with enough capacity as well. It's much better to invest in one that has Clean Air Delivery Rate of at least 25 m3/hour. This will help purify the air in your vehicle without killing a lot of time.

Long story short, these are a few important features that you should consider when looking for a good car air purifier to meet your needs.

10 Reasons Why You Should Install An Air Purifier

An air purifier has internal fans to pull the air in through several filters. The role of these filters is to remove different types of harmful airborne particles, such as bacteria, pollen and dust. After filtration, the air is thrown back into the room. And this process keeps going to ensure your environment is healthy.

Why Should You Go For a Purifier?

If you are new to these products and don't know if you should use them, given below are 10 reasons to buy one.

Clean Air

With an air purifier, you can make sure that your family has fresh air to breath in. According to the EPA estimates, indoor air is much dirtier than open air. According to some research studies, it's a hundred times dirtier. Therefore, by installing this product, you can clean the air in your rooms.

Unpleasant Odors

Another problem we face is the unpleasant odors. The smell coming from your kitchen can turn into a bad odor over time. They help clean the air and remove bad odors at the same time.

Airborne Allergens

Another reason why you should go for an air purifier is that they help remove airborne allergens. If you have pets in your home, chances are that you have airborne allergens in your home. The role of these devices is to trap the allergens and prevent them from setting in your rooms.

Neutralizing Smoke

Air purifiers can also help with the neutralization of smoke. The smoke may come from a fireplace, for instance. Therefore, you can install one of these devices to purify the air in your home by getting rid of smoke.

Trapping Dust

We know that dust is everywhere. Regardless of how you keep your house clean, know that dust will always accumulate. With an air purifier, you can filter the air to get rid of dust. This will prevent the accumulation of debris and keep the air clean.

Airborne Bacteria

Another role of these devices is to remove 99% airborne bacteria. We know that tin airborne particles, such as mild spores and pollen float around in your rooms. They can make you sick. Therefore, with the help of filters in these devices, we can remove 99% airborne bacteria.

Seasonal Allergens

We know that seasonal allergens can be problematic for many people. With air purifiers, you can get rid of these allergens without any problem.

Germs

We know germs spread sickness everywhere. They can cause flue and cold, especially in kids. An easy solution to solve this problem is to install UV bulbs and air purifiers. They can kill 99.97% germs in the air.

Healthy Lungs

Prolonged exposure to dander, pollen and dust can have a negative impact on your lungs. This can cause a lot of health issues including breathing problems. By installing a good air purifier, you can rest assured that your lungs will remain healthy for years to come.

Easy Installation

It's easy to fit purifiers. You can find in a lot of sizes. All of them have tons of features that can make your house free of germs, bacteria, dust and pollen.

So, these are some solid reasons you should go for an air purifier.

Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Winch

I you are looking to buy a winch know that you will have to choose from a variety of winches. Therefore, it's a good idea to know which one you should opt for. Therefore, we have outlined a few important things that you may want to keep in mind when buying one. In other words, this buying guide can make things easier for you. First of all, it's important to note that winches are made for lifting things. They are not designed to lift people. Let's check out the important things you should keep in mind.

Manual vs electric

First of all, you need to choose either a hand winch or electric winch. Although both work great, you need to consider a few factors before opting for one. Some of those factors are listed below:

Efficiency vs economy: Typically, hand winches come with a lower price tag than electric ones. However, for better efficiency, the electric units are better.

Battery life vs endurance: Although both types are good, the electric one can offer better endurance. Plus, these units can lift heavier weights. However, keep in mind that electric units can drain the battery quickly if used to lift heavy stuff.

How powerful should it be?

Typically, most of these devices have a winch rating. These ratings can tell you how much weight the units can easily lift. However, keep in mind that the ratings are not the prefect indicator of how much weight the unit can handle. Basically, they give you a rough idea of how much load you can put on the winch in ideal conditions. The reason is that there are tons of variables that have an impact on the winch performance, such as cable angle and engine size.

The layers also play an important role in determining the winch power. Although it may sound weird, the higher number of cable layers can reduce the power the winch can have. For instance, many cable layers on a spool may result in at least 40% reduction in the power. Therefore, if you want to haul heavy loads, we suggest that you keep this pointer in mind.

How can you mount your winch?

Once you have decided on the type of winch you need, your next important consideration is to consider how you need to mount the winch. Although vehicle winches are easy to install, you need to be careful if you are going to use the winch in a warehouse or factory. After all, you can't change the position of the winch over and over again in a factory.

As far as mounting options are considered, both wall-based and floor-based options are quite popular. They both provide a strong base. It all boils down to your personal preferences. However, if you want to save space, you can go for the wall-based mounts. This is an important consideration for those who don't have a lot of space to work with.

Long story short, these are a few things that you may want to consider when buying winches to meet your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10284790

Carrot cake cheesecake

INGREDIENTS

CHEESECAKE:

•  2 (8-ounces each) packages cream cheese, room temperature
•  1/2 cup granulated sugar
•  2 large eggs
•  1 teaspoon flour
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1/2 cup sour cream

CARROT CAKE:

•  3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
•  1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
•  3/4 cup granulated sugar
•  2 large eggs
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
•  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•  3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
•  1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
•  Pinch cloves
•  1/4 teaspoon salt
•  1/2 pound finely grated carrots (1 cup or so)

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

•  3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
•  2 tablespoons butter, softened
•  1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
•  1 teaspoon vanilla
•  1 tablespoon sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For the cheesecake, in a medium bowl using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs and flour until smooth. Add the vanilla and sour cream and mix just until blended. Set aside.
2. For the carrot cake, in a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat together the oil, brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until the mixture is light creamy and light. Stir in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt until just combined. Mix in the carrots.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9- or 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Spread half of the carrot cake batter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Dollop half of the cheesecake batter on top of the carrot cake layer in large spoonfuls. Don't spread or swirl together. Just dollop. Dollop the rest of the carrot cake batter on and around the spoonfuls of cheesecake batter. Again, don't spread it out. If the lumpiness is stressing you out, I promise that it will all work out. Spread the last half of the cheesecake batter on top of all the layers and spread with an offset spatula into an even layer. Tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to get rid of any air bubbles.
4. Bake the cheesecake for 60-70 minutes (check earlier if using a 10-inch springform pan; it won't bake as long as a 9-inch pan), tenting the top of the cheesecake with foil the last 20 -30 minutes of baking if it is browning too quickly. The cheesecake will puff a great deal in the oven thanks to the leavening in the carrot cake and it might even crack. That's ok. It will settle after it cools and will be covered with frosting so the cracks won't matter. Take care not to overbake the cheesecake or the carrot cake bottom and sides will be dry. It's a fine balance between taking it out before it's overbaked but not so early that the cake batter is still raw. Keep in mind that each oven can vary in temperature so watch closely as it gets to the 60 minute mark. The top center part of the cheesecake (just about a 2- or 3-inch diameter circle) should still be slightly soft and jiggly when you take it out.
5. Let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack in the pan. While it cools, make the frosting by whipping together the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar a little at a time until the frosting is well-combined with no lumps. Add the vanilla and sour cream and mix well.
6. When the cheesecake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Cover with tin foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled before serving. The cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance.

Lemon sugar cookies

INGREDIENTS

COOKIES:

•  1 1/4 cups (9.25 ounces) granulated sugar
•  2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 3 medium lemons)
•  1 cup butter (8 ounces, 16 tablespoons), softened
•  3/4 cup neutral-flavored oil (canola, vegetable, grapeseed, etc)
•  3/4 cup (3 ounces) powdered sugar
•  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•  1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
•  1/2 teaspoon salt
•  3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
•  2 large eggs
•  5 1/2 cups (27.5 ounces) all-purpose flour (I use unbleached)
•  Granulated sugar for pressing the cookies

FROSTING:

•  1 cup (8 ounces, 16 tablespoons) butter, softened
•  1 tablespoon sour cream
•  1/2 to 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)
•  5 cups (20 ounces) powdered sugar
•  1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (or 325 degrees F for convection bake) and line several half sheet pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, add the granulated sugar and lemon zest and rub the mixture together with your fingers until well-combined and it smells very lemony. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a bowl using a handheld electric mixer), add the butter, oil, granulated sugar/lemon zest mixture, and powdered sugar. Sprinkle the baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt across the top of the sugars (don't add the baking soda and cream of tartar in one lump or it might clump while mixing). Mix until well-combined and super creamy, 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add the lemon juice and eggs and mix until well-combined, 1-2 minutes, again scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Add the flour and mix until no dry streaks remain and the mixture is evenly combined; don't overmix.
6. Scoop the dough into about 3-tablespoon sized portions (I use a #20 cookie scoop) and roll into balls. Place several inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Add about 1/2 cup granulated sugar to a shallow dish or bowl. Lightly spray the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass with cooking spray and dip the bottom of the glass into the sugar. Press each cookie into an even thickness dipping the bottom of the glass into the sugar between each press (no need to spray it again with cooking spray after the first time). The edges of the cookie will ruffle out a bit. It's really up to you how thick or thin to press the cookies. I like them between 1/4- and 1/2-inch thick.
7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until just set. Try not to let them get golden on the edges or very much on the bottom - that means they've baked too long and they may be dry and crumbly instead of creamy and soft.
8. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, in a medium bowl (can use a handheld or stand mixer) combine the butter, sour cream and lemon zest. Mix until thick and smooth and creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, and mix until well-combined and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add additional lemon juice, sour cream or milk/cream, if needed, to adjust the consistency of the frosting so it is thick and creamy but still soft and spreadable.
10. Frost the cooled cookies and decorate with a bit of fresh lemon zest or sprinkles (optional).

Super Soft and Fluffy Raisins Milk Bread - Josephine's Recipes 史上最柔软有弹性的牛奶面包做起来就是这么简单！

Behind the recipe is a lot of hard work, nobody exacly know, only same experiement creator will truly understand for that. I should proud of myself to created these super, super soft bread recipe. In this stage, liquid 95% hydration level based on flour weight. I started making my own experiement these dough a several years ago. It's easily the best soft bread I've ever tasted! Really

Potato donuts

INGREDIENTS

For the donuts:

• 2 medium-size Russet  potatoes peeled
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons potato cooking water divided . So after you boil the potatoes keep the water.
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Veg oil for deep-frying

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the donuts, boil the potatoes until fork tender. Set aside the water.
2. mash by hand, leaving no lumps. Measure out 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the mashed potatoes with 1/2 cup of flour and the egg.
4. In a small pot, heat the 3/4 cup of potato water, sugar, butter, and salt over low heat until the butter has melted.
5. Stir this mixture into the potato mixture and blend until smooth.
6. Dissolve the yeast in the remaining 2 tablespoons of warm potato water.
7. Add to the potato mixture. Mix in the mace and nutmeg and mix thoroughly.
8. Add remaining flour a little at a time, with your mixer on low and fitted with the dough hook, until a stiff dough forms. Continue kneading until smooth and elastic.
9. Remove dough to a greased bowl and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in bulk, about one hour.
10. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll to 1/2 inch thickness.
11. Cut the dough with a floured biscuit or donut cutter. (I find this dough to be pretty soft, so I use a biscuit cutter since it's easier to move the full circle around than it is to move around the donut shape.)
12. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.
13. Heat a deep skillet or pot with 2 inches of oil to 375 degrees.
14. Fry the donuts in batches (don't overcrowd the pan), flipping as needed until golden brown on both sides.
15. Drain a paper towel lined plate.
16. To make the glaze, heat the milk in a small saucepan until warm. Remove from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk together to form a glaze.
17. Dunk the warm donuts in the glaze. Let sit for 5 minutes to set.
18. Serve immediately.