Article: Sprinkle 1cm or half an inch of salt into the base of a clean and dry crock, jar or ceramic storage container with lid. Make sure they're clean and dry. Sprinkle a light layer of salt over each layer of basil leaves. Continue this way until all the leaves have been added. About every 10 or so layers, press down gently to slightly firm but not crush the layers of leaves. Press firmly but gently. Finish by pouring in a lot more salt to compact everything down. Shake and jolt the crock a bit to help ease the salt into all the cracks and crevices between the layers. Place the crock in a cool and dry spot. The pantry is often ideal, or a cellar. Leave as long as you like. Shake the salt off the leaves then cook with them as usual.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Prepare the salt. Have the basil leaves ready to add. Layer the basil leaves into the crock. Fill to within 5cm or 2 inches from the top. Store. To use, simply remove the leaves needed and restore any removed salt layer.
Article: Treat yourself to something special and maybe even a little decadent on your birthday morning. Even if you have to get to work, spend a little extra time making yourself something special, such as French Toast. If you made your preparations the night before, it should be a snap to whip the dish up quickly. Even if you're just a toast-and-coffee-in-the-morning type, treat yourself to a better brew than you normally drink in the morning. ake some time to enjoy the outdoors on your birthday.  As much of your day as possible should be an escape from the regular routine of your life. In your quest to make the most of your birthday, consider finding ways to get outside to enjoy the escape that nature can offer. Exercise and fresh air can help rejuvenate you, and can provide you with a chance to reflect upon your year.  Consider going for a jog around town or on a nearby nature trail, or even a longer hike. You're sure to have a good time on your favorite path or trail, but think about exploring new territory if at all possible. You may also want to go for a bike ride or just a stroll around town. If you don't own a bike and you live in a city, look to see if there are any bike-share programs near you, which are becoming increasingly common and which offer a cheap way to see the sites. What is your dream date? A cozy evening spent on the couch watching old movies and eating your favorite take-out? A leisurely afternoon spent at the museum? Shopping all day? Dinner at the best place in town? Your solo birthday should be about you doing exactly what you want to do, so whether you decide to stay in or go out, be sure to choose a fun or relaxing activity of some sort. Because the day is completely yours, you don't have to worry about accommodating anyone else's tastes or preferences! One of the best things about your birthday is that you get to decide what will be on the menu for your meals. Of course, this is how it should be, but if we're celebrating with other people, we may feel pressured to tailor the selections to the other people at the dinner table. If you're celebrating alone, though, you are in ultimate control! If you want to eat birthday cake and nothing else for dinner, then no one will stop you!  If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, try your hand at such comforting classics as sweet potatoes and pot roast. You could also record one of your favorite cooking shows in advance and try out a new recipe; cook along with the host and it will feel like a party (especially if you cook with a glass of wine!). If you don't feel like cooking or don't have the time, you can order in or go to your favorite restaurant. Be sure that you're ordering something you want and enjoy—today is all about you! No birthday celebration is complete without some sort of treat. If you don't want to be tempted by having an entire birthday cake sitting on the counter all week, stop by a local bakery and pick up decadent cupcake or two. You can even have them pipe “Happy Birthday” in icing on top.  If baking is your thing, treat yourself to a made-from-scratch dessert such as cheesecake or French apricot tart. If you'd rather go out and get a dessert, you can! If you're eating out for dinner as well, considering choosing a place that has a great dessert menu (don't be shy to let your server know that it's your birthday—you may get dessert on the house), but it could be fun to go someplace else for dessert and coffee or wine. If sweets aren't your thing, then choose a nice cheese platter with a great wine pairing, or anything that you consider to be a treat that you wouldn't eat every day. If you're celebrating your birthday alone because you're physically separated from your friends and family, this would be an excellent time to FaceTime or Skype with them. Put a candle on your dessert and let someone else sing “Happy Birthday” to you. As your solo birthday winds down, find a way to relax and pamper yourself just a bit more. Take a steamy shower or a long soak in the tub. Think about purchasing a super-soft, relaxing, new pair of pajamas as one of your presents to yourself. Hopefully today was one of your best birthdays yet!
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Have a special breakfast. . Be your own date. Eat whatever you want for dinner. Select a special treat for dessert. Unwind and relax before bed.
Article: You'll also need to make sure that you have the appropriate types of storage containers. If you're preparing any type of meal in advance, you'll need to figure out how you're planning to store it safely.  Tupperware containers are a great tool when you're making meals in advance. Most keep foods fresh in the refrigerator and many are also freezer and microwave safe. Mason jars are a more artistic and unique way to store food. The screw-on lids provide an airtight seal. This is great for items like yogurt, oatmeal or cottage cheese. Aluminum foil or plastic wrap can help keep foods fresh in the refrigerator. They're not airtight and can leak so make sure to only use these on solid foods-like an egg sandwich. It's nice to be able to pull out a nutritious breakfast right from the fridge; however, you can't store pre-cooked food for days on end.  Choose the best option for your meal storage-refrigerator or freezer.  Many breakfasts that you'll make might be for the next morning; however, some recipes allow you to make multiple servings that can last you all week. Only make enough servings to last you for about five breakfasts. If you make more you'll need to freeze it. Only freeze items like egg sandwiches, chia seed puddings, smoothies (blend the frozen smoothie to make smooth again), or oatmeal. Items like yogurt won't freeze well. If you're choosing to store foods in the refrigerator, store them above any raw meat or seafood. All cooked foods should be stored near the top of the refrigerator where liquids or juices from raw foods cannot contaminate them. If you're short on time in the morning, even for a quick reheat in the microwave, consider bringing your breakfast to your office instead.  Keep your meal cool during transportation to work. This is especially important if you have a fairly long commute. You do not want your food getting too warm this increases the risk that harmful bacteria will grow. Use an insulated lunch bag to pack your breakfast. Place a freezer pack or frozen water bottle in your lunch bag to keep your breakfast cold prior to getting to your office. If you're bringing a liquid to work like milk for your cereal consider putting the liquid in a thermos to keep it at the appropriate temperature. Only juices, milk, non-dairy milk or smoothies need to be kept cold.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Get the right type of storage containers. Choose between the refrigerator and freezer. Pack your breakfast safely.