Problem: Article: While most recipes can be halved, recipes that use yeast should often be left. If you can't easily halve a recipe, consider baking a full portion and freezing half or giving some away. Keep in mind that it's easy to halve most cooking recipes. For example, a delicate souffle might not rise properly if you halve the ingredients, but it's easy to halve the ingredients for a batch of cookies. To halve a recipe, it's important to reduce each ingredient by half. This ensures that the ratios of the recipe are the same as for the original recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 4 cups (950 ml) of stock, 2 cups (250 g) of chicken, 1 carrot, and 1/2 cup (15 g) of fresh parsley, you'd use 2 cups (470 ml) of stock, 1 cup (125 g) of chicken, 1/2 of a carrot, and 1/4 cup (7.5 g) of fresh parsley. If you're making adjustments to a recipe that only has 2 or 3 ingredients, you might not need to do this. However, if you're halving a recipe with a long list of ingredients, take the time to write out the recipe with the reduced amounts. This will prevent you from forgetting and accidentally adding too much of an ingredient. Once you've scaled down all of the ingredients by half, you're ready to follow the recipe. You don't need to make any adjustments to the method of assembling the ingredients, although you may need to change pan sizes for baking. For example, if you're marinating beef for a stew and you've already marinated half of the beef in the reduced marinade, follow the recipe's instructions to sear the meat. Then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer the stew. Even though you're cutting the ingredients in half, you don't need to change the cooking temperature. Reducing the oven temperature could mean that the food wouldn't cook fast enough and could cause foodborne illness. Raising the oven temperature could cause the food to brown quickly or even burn.  For example, if you're supposed to sauté chopped onions over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, you'll still need to keep the heat at medium. The only time you might need to adjust the temperature is if you're using a glass baking dish instead of a metal one. In this case, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees. If you are baking half a recipe in a dish that is of half its original size, you might need to reduce the cooking time, as well. Begin checking the food halfway through the cooking time. It probably won't be done just yet, but check it every few minutes after this point.  Keep in mind that if you're cutting the number of something, such as cookies or cupcakes, they'll still need to bake for the recommended time. For example, if you're baking brownies, begin checking them at 20 minutes instead of 40 minutes, especially if you don't adjust the pan size.
Summary: Decide which recipes should be halved. Cut all of the ingredients in half. Rewrite the reduced recipe so it's easier to follow. Follow the recipe's directions. Cook the recipe at the directed temperature. Check the food halfway through the cooking time.

Problem: Article: Depending on where you're getting tattooed, you may feel mild to moderate pain or pressure. Try dulling the pain through breathing exercises, talking to the tattoo artist, or listening to music during the appointment. Avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers before your appointment, as these can act as blood thinners and make you bleed more. Because tattoos take time and can irritate your skin, staying still for the entire appointment is tough. To prevent mistakes, however, hold as still as possible and let your tattoo artist know before you move.  Your tattoo artist may suggest multiple appointments if you're getting a large or complex tattoo. If you feel antsy, you can always ask the tattoo artist for a break. If the tattoo is large, it's normal to take a few breaks during the session. If you're satisfied with your new tattoo, give the artist a tip afterward! Tipping is customary at tattoo shops and shows appreciation for the artist's hard work.  Let your artist know if you're not satisfied with the design. They may be able to retouch or add certain areas, depending on the issue. Plan on tipping around 20% in cash for your tattoo artist. After the artist finishes your tattoo, they will probably give care instructions while your tattoo heals. Depending on the tattoo, this may involve covering the tattoo with a bandage, washing it regularly, or applying antibacterial creams. Ignoring the aftercare instructions can cause infections. To help your tattoo heal quickly and without issues, follow the instructions as closely as possible.
Summary: Take steps to manage the pain during the appointment. Tell the tattoo artist if you're about to move. Give the tattoo artist a tip after the appointment. Follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions.

Problem: Article: When you're asking for a recommendation, you're asking the professor to put their name on the line for your future. If you don't really know why you want to go to grad school, for instance, the professor is not likely to give you a recommendation at all. Be ready to answer questions about the path you've chosen, especially since the professor can use that information in your letter. For instance, your professor may want to know your end goal for going to graduate school. They may also want to know if you have the experience to choose the right program and the skills to complete it. When you go to ask, make sure to have everything ready. Your professor will need to know what organization the letter is for, as well as what program or position you would like. It's also helpful to provide them with a CV or resume so they have more information about you. Having your personal statement can also help.  Plus, they need to know where to send it. Make a list of all the letters you'd like the person to write and include details for each one. Give them addressed and stamped envelopes to use to make it easier. If you ask for a letter a week before it's due, you're putting undue pressure on your professor that they won't appreciate. Many will still do it, but they will not be happy about it. Do you really want an unhappy professor writing your recommendation letter? Make sure to ask at least a month in advance of when you need it, though longer is even better. Also, don't wait until the end of the semester, as your professor will be getting far more requests then. Get your request in early. If you know the professor very well, an email may suffice, but it's usually better to approach the professor in person. It makes a better impression, and having you there may help remind the professor of why they liked you.  You could say, "Hi professor, I am here to ask if you'd be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for a graduate school program." After discussing any concerns the professor has, you could say, "So, would you be willing to write me a strong letter of support?" If they hesitate or seem lukewarm, you can politely withdraw your request and ask another professor. Most professors appreciate a reminder a few weeks before the letter is due. You can simply ask if your professor would like one. If they do, set it on your calendar, and be sure to send an email when it pops up. For example, you could say, "Some professors like reminders close to the due date. Would you like me to send you a reminder two weeks before it's due?" Once the letter is written, be sure to thank the professor. An email is nice, but a handwritten card is even better. Most professors will appreciate the gesture. Later, it's a good idea to give the professor an update if you do get into the program or achieve the position you want.
Summary:
Be prepared to answer the professor’s questions. Provide all the pertinent details. Ask for the letter at least 1 month in advance. Approach the professor in person. Ask if they want a reminder. Thank the professor.