Q: Use the same microwave technique as you did for the milk or dark chocolate to melt the white chocolate. Remember to be patient when you microwave and stir every 30 seconds so as to not scald the chocolate. Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon of peppermint oil into the white chocolate. Make sure that you stir the chocolate thoroughly so that the flavor is distributed throughout. Take the melted white chocolate and pour it into the pan. Because you allowed the milk chocolate to set, the layers won’t mix. Make sure that the white chocolate layer is around the same thickness as the milk chocolate, using a spatula distribute the white chocolate evenly.
A: Melt the white chocolate. Stir peppermint oil into the chocolate. Pour the white chocolate into the pan.

Q: After the quick 2-second blanching, use tongs to pull out the leaves as quickly as you can. Transfer them straight to the ice bath.  Blanching helps “lock in” the vibrant color of the basil leaves, while the ice bath stops the cooking process before it wilts the leaves. If you wish, you can skip both blanching the leaves and using an ice bath, but the basil won’t keep as well in the freezer. In this case, go straight from rinsing the fresh leaves to drying them with paper towels. After about 1-2 minutes in the ice bath, use your fingers to transfer the leaves to a strip of paper towels. Lay out the leaves in a single layer and softly blot away all surface moisture with more paper towels. Or, invest in a salad spinner that you can use to dry basil leaves—among many other things! Carefully work the stack of wax paper and basil leaves into the zip-close bag, then gently press out most of the air. Zip the bag fully closed and write “basil” and today’s date on the bag with a permanent marker. Lay the bag flat in the freezer in a spot where it won’t get crushed.  When you’re ready to use the basil, simply open the bag, pull out the number of leaves you need, squeeze out the air, and close the bag again. Especially if blanched, frozen basil leaves should be vibrant and flavorful enough to use in cooked recipes or even fresh pesto. The thawed leaves will likely be too wilted to use as a fresh ingredient or garnish, however. After about 3-6 months, the leaves will start to develop brown or black spots. Once there are as many dark spots as green areas, discard the leaves.
A: Move the blanched leaves immediately to an ice bath. Move the cooled leaves from the ice bath to paper towels for drying. Slide the layered leaves into a freezer bag to store for up to 6 months.

Q: Most people only glance at a piece of art. For example, a survey done at the Louvre found that the average person spends 15 seconds looking at the Mona Lisa. This is not enough time to truly engage with a work of art. Try to spend at least a minute, preferably longer, looking at a piece of art. This will allow you to take in the image, look at the detail of the composition, and determine how you feel about the piece. By spending time looking at art, you will more likely be able to talk about the piece and some of the finer details. If you are able to stare at a work of art for long periods of time, you may begin to create a dialogue with the piece. This can be extremely interesting, as you begin to see how the picture speaks to you. Art galleries and museums will often place a small plaque near each piece to give the title and a small description. This can sometimes provide you with details to help you interpret and discuss the art. For example, you may see a knot of light pink lines and feel confused. Upon reading the plaque you learn that the title of the work is “My Struggle with Breast Cancer.” The title of this piece may help you better understand what is being communicated through the art.  Plaques can also include detailed information about the materials used, date that it was created, etc. Some galleries will also provide detailed information about the artists. This material may be found in a pamphlet or in a small biography near the artwork. Learning about the artist may help you understand a bit about their interests and what inspired them to create this art. This will give you more to discuss about the art.
A: Take a long look at the piece of art. Read the title and description of the piece. Read up on the artist.

Q: You’re probably super worried about keeping your kitchen and home stocked with necessities, but there’s no need to fear. You’re still allowed to leave your home to get the items you need to take care of yourself and your family. When you need something, go directly to the store and back home.  Limit yourself to as few trips as possible. Ideally, you might go once a week. Try to send 1 person from your household at a time. This way, fewer people will be out so it’s easier for everyone to social distance. Whether you have an existing condition or get sick, you’re allowed to go get medical attention, buy over-the-counter medication, or pick up prescriptions. If you’re going to the doctor, call first to make sure you need to go into the office, as some appointments may be conducted over the phone. When getting medication, go directly to the pharmacy or drug store and back home. You can also get over-the-counter medications delivered to your home if you prefer. Some pharmacies may deliver, as well. The thought of being inside all day might sound awful to you, so you’ll be happy to know it’s okay to go outside. As long as you aren’t having a social gathering, it’s okay to sit out on your porch, play in your yard, or do yard work. Incorporate these activities into your day to get a break from inside. Use the space you have! If you don’t have a yard, open the door to your home and sit in the doorway. You might also sit by an open window. Fortunately, you’re still allowed to enjoy nature while you’re under the coronavirus shelter-in-place. You can exercise outside or just enjoy the scenery. While you’re out, make sure you maintain a distance of at least 6 ft (1.8 m) between yourself and anyone you encounter. It’s important to distance yourself from others because COVID-19 spreads through droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, and breathing. You’re less likely to breathe in these droplets if you don’t get too close to people. If you help out family members or friends, you might be worried that the shelter-in-place will keep you from visiting them. Luckily, you’re still allowed to go to someone else’s home if you’re providing care to someone who’s considered vulnerable, like the elderly. Just make sure you’re going directly there and then back home.  During the coronavirus shelter-in-place, you can provide daily care and assistance to anyone who is elderly, has a disability, or has a health issue. Additionally, you can go to someone else’s home to care for minor children. For instance, it would be okay for you to go to your elderly grandmother’s home to give her medication or to babysit for your sister’s children in her home. You may not be able to work from home if you’re in certain industries, like healthcare. If you have one of these jobs, you’re allowed to leave your home to go to and from work. Check with your boss to make sure you’re supposed to go to work, then continue with your commute. You can likely leave your home to work if you’re in the following fields:  Healthcare, such as doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, and staff First responders Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, and convenience stores Government services and public transportation Construction, refineries, and plants Utilities and trash pick-up Gas stations Hardware stores, repair shops, plumbing, electrical work (for essential needs) Education (for distance learning only) Childcare facilities (for children of essential employees only) Delivery services Laundry services Security Media organizations
A:
Shop for groceries, pet supplies, and household items weekly. Get medical care and pickup medications when necessary. Spend as much time as you like in your yard or on your porch. Go for a walk, run, or hike outdoors, but stay away from others. Provide care to a family member or vulnerable person in another home. Go to work if you’re in an essential job and can’t work from home.