By Jerry Robertson

Shrink is a part of the business no one likes to talk about. However, shrink plays a huge part in every retailer’s business. Shrink can take many forms, but here are the four most common. They are employee theft, shoplifting, vendor theft and paperwork errors.

Many small retailers only worry about shoplifting, but the other three accounts for about 2/3 of all shrink. We will discuss steps to help reduce your shrink.

Employee theft accounts for almost half of all shrink. Many business owners refuse to consider their employees could be stealing from them. Employee theft can take many forms such as taking cash/ merchandise, passing merchandise, and giving unauthorized discounts to name a few.

The key to controlling employee theft is to reduce the opportunity to steal. You should explain clearly to your employees if they are dishonest what the consequences will be. Here are a few suggestions.

1. You must keep the back door controlled. If it is unlocked, it is easy for employees to put merchandise outside. They could have friends or family pick it up. Also, the employee could hide the merchandise in the trash to recover after work.

2. You need to do regular inventories of high theft items.

3. You need to show up unannounced. This is especially true if you have many younger employees. They are much more likely to be involved with theft.

4. You should have your store be mystery shopped. This can see how your service is plus spot potential employee theft issues. It could be done by someone you know or through a company that specializes in mystery shops.

5. Make sure all employees give receipts. You could offer the customer something free such as $5, if the employee does not give a receipt. This makes it harder for an employee just to pocket the money. If your register keeps track of no sales, this could be a clue of a problem. Excessive no sales are either an education issue or a theft issue.

6. You should do unannounced cash counts. Vary the times and check the register total against what you are supposed to have. Also, see if you noticed anything unusual near the register area or inside the till. This could include employees have a paper with a bunch of numbers, coins or some other object in an unusual place, or part of the money unorganized.

7. You need to explain your policies to all employees’ especially new hires. You should mention that you trust all of your employees, but you have safeguards in place to protect the store assets. It would be a good suggestion to mention just a couple to let the employees know you are serious about protecting the store assets.

8. Employee’s bags and purses should be checked when leaving. Management should show their bags or purse to another employee.

9. You must have policies in place for ringing up of family or friends. Also, your discount policy needs to be clear to all employees. The most common theft is passing merchandise to family or friends or giving unauthorized discounts. For example, your $20 item may be sold for a $1. If you have a way employees can change the price of an item, you must have someway to at least spot check for potential problems.

10. You could have a tips hot line for employees to report potential shrink. Yes, on many occasions it would be used to report bogus claims about other employees. However, if work correctly, the valid claims could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

11. Keep an eye on customers who are just hanging around employees. Also, if certain customers only seek certain employees could be a sign also.

12. You need to track your employee purchases. Very few purchases or excessive could be potential trouble spots with employee theft. If they never buy, it could be they are just taking merchandise. If they are buying a lot, where is the money coming from?

Shoplifting

1. You should greet every customer. It is great for customer service. Also, shoplifters do not want to be noticed.

2. Put high theft items where they are easier to watch.

3. Look for customers splitting up and one trying to keep you busy.

4. Keep your store neat and organized. Shoplifters like to leave empty packages in unorganized areas.

5. If the customer is watching the employees more than shopping.

6. Shoplifters like to go to blind spots. You may want to install some mirrors to make it easier to see the entire store.

7. Have signs made that shoplifters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If you have the reputation of being soft on shoplifting, you will always have a major problem.

8. Look for nervous shoppers.

9. If shoppers come in your store often and seldom buy anything. Most shoplifters do buy a few items and just help themselves to others.

Vendor Theft

1. Check all orders for shortages. It is best a good employee or management be responsible for this.

2. Make vendors break down boxes before leaving the store.

3. Don’t hand a signed invoice to the vendor until they are done. This will help with the previous two suggestions.

Excessive shrink can cause your business to fail. Shrink cannot be eliminated, but it can be reduced. Following our suggestions is a good way to ensure that you take more money to the bank than your employees, shoppers or vendors.

About the Author: Jerry Robertson is a Retail Consultant and author of ‘Shocking Truth to Retail Store Success’. You can get a free copy and subscribe to his free monthly newsletter at: Retail Tips & Resources

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By Adriana Noton

Using Wooden Learning Toys for Children is something that has been appreciated by many since the beginning of time. There are a wide range of different types for a number of age groups. Even adults can be found in a complete and total hypnotic state when they are fascinated by the dynamics of any number of games made from nature’s source; the trees that have fueled man since the beginning of time.

Change has affected a great number of things that we have both come to appreciate and take for granted. There have been a variety of manufactures’ who have worked diligently to uphold the integrity between a child and their toys. It is truly a relationship of dependency and discovery as a child is coming to terms with the world around them; and it is a beautiful thing when they are able to trust the main source that generally houses them.

Discovery is the art of exploring and the creative minds within the realm of toys are constantly searching themselves for ideals that will produce the greatest level of stimulation. A child who has an appropriate level of curiosity can only attain it if their environment challenges them to do so. While there are a number of things and places we do not want them to have access to; creating a world that meets their needs is imperative.

No two children are exactly the same and one will have to pay close attention as their developing their own personality to understand their growing needs. There will undoubtedly be things that they favor over others when it comes to their learning style preference. Figuring out how to create a balance that is specific to their needs can be accomplished by the utilization of wooden educational instruments.

It is truly amazing when a little person begins to embrace the way their time is divided; they start to inquire about what is to happen next in the next minute or two of their lives. This is where their care givers have a great deal of leverage and incentive for cooperative learning experiences. Music and reading time are just the beginning of what one can accomplish throughout the course of the day with their energized smaller people. Wooden kitchen utensils are one of the most desired for young people who are wanting to explore their full capacities; especially when it comes to baking up something sweet.

Natural toys that teach on some level or another will usually come with some level of guarantee or certification that promises its non harmful make up. This must also be true for the practices the manufacturer implements to create the product. Doing some research online is one of the best ways outside of word of mouth referrals to identify trust worthy brands. There are also social networking sites that are specifically geared to help care givers and parents stick together by sharing valuable information.

When you are searching for just the right learning tools to help the development of a child; the perfect gift can be found for all ages and personality types. Having the best experience comes about when those who care make their selection with the highest level of attention to detail. There is absolutely no reason for a child during these times to be compromised by the toys the love; there are just too many natural resources to align with.

Using Wooden Learning Toys for Children is one of the most safe and effective ways to stimulate the growth of a child. This is true for their emotional, intellectual and physical growth as there is just about something for everything one can imagine. Giving them an introduction to the eco-friendly choices they have earlier in their lives will help them make environmentally friendly choices in the future.

About the Author: Top North American educational baby toys company providing toddlers and baby toys. Please choose from a wide variety of wooden toys and help your children to develop their cognitive skills.

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By Adnann Ahmedd

‘Beauty is skin deep’, so goes the good old saying. But, that does not rob the charm of enhancing your looks. So, hey there, beauty conscious, there’s just no harm in having some of the best beauty tips up your sleeves. For looking and feeling beautiful is a sign of health and happiness.

‘Beauty is skin deep’, so goes the good old saying. But, that does not rob the charm of enhancing your looks. So, hey there, beauty conscious, there’s just no harm in having some of the best beauty tips up your sleeves. For looking and feeling beautiful is a sign of health and happiness. And in an age where looking good spells confidence and success, it’s vital that you have the best beauty tips handy. Pamper Your Body The first secret to true beauty is a natural body glow. Try a refreshing exfoliate with a homemade mix of olive oil, sea salt or sugar. Dry brushing your body, preferably with a natural bristle brush before a bath. It helps to stimulate the glands.

A Little Thought for your Eyes, Hands and Feet – Moisturise your hands and feet regularly. Don’t forget to file your nails and apply nail polish. – Free your eyes of the tired look simply with a spoon. Keep it in the fridge and apply to the eyelids. – Once you have ensured a healthy body, be in fashion with the best make-up tips. Magic of Natural Make-Up The secret of smart make-up is to keep it natural. But often unhygienic and wrong use of make-up causes harm.

Here are the best beauty tips to avoid a make-up mess: – Eye care: To ensure healthy eyes change your mascara every three months, eye shadows every six to twelve months and sharpen your eye pencil regularly. – Mascara basics: To avoid mascara smudging, apply a thin layer to the top lashes only and then use an eyelash brush. – Natural glow: A gel blush or cream gives a more natural look than a powder. – Brow beauty: For a natural look, eyebrows must not look pencil thin. Use a definer for extra volume. – Eyeliner tips: Use liquid liner instead of a pencil, to avoid smudging in the crease of the lid. – Foundation fashion:

While choosing a concealer or foundation, check the shade on the palm side of your wrist. It tells whether the shade would look natural on you. Haute Hair Tips A homemade hair pack is better than shampooing. Natural stuff like apple cider vinegar keeps shampoo toxins at bay. The right hairdo makes the correct fashion statement. Always discuss your face shape with your hairdresser, to decide on a style Do’s ‘N’ Don’ts Common beauty blunders arise from ignorance.

Here are the best beauty tips to be better informed: – Avoid soap and switch to natural cleansers – Wash your face often – Use an eye cream regularly – Drink lots of water – Never forget a sunscreen – Use natural beauty packs Mind Matters Last but not the least; you just can’t glow unless its heart felt. So, the best beauty tips include doing something you enjoy whenever you can. Always take a break, chat with friends, forget your worries, set your mind free and just watch the wonders.

About the Author: Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips & hints, Points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques & insights pertaining to Google Ad sense, Do please browse for more information at our website :-

freeearningtips.com

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Common Cosmetic Surgery Procedures in Phoenix, Arizona

by

BettieComerford

People should never blame themselves for being conscious about their body. It s human nature to feel concerned about your appearance as many people believe that it sets you apart from the crowd. Without your preferred physical attributes, it would be difficult for you to dress and present yourself the way you want to.

It s a good thing that cosmetic surgery is very prevalent in Arizona. Many people in the area are very eager to achieve their dream bodies with the help of modern medical technology. Now, they have better ways to enhance their physical attributes and feel better about themselves.

The increase in the number of cosmetic surgeons in Arizona has made many procedures widely available. More and more people are now opting to go under the knife to correct their physical flaws. Below are three of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures that are being offered by local cosmetic surgeons in Arizona.

Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty, more popularly known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure preferred by people who have sagging or excess skin on their abdominal area. This procedure is gaining popularity with women who have loose tissue from pregnancy or massive weight loss. It works by slicing off the excess skin and tightening the part that remains. However, like

Phoenix liposuction

procedures, it is not recommended as a person s primary weight loss method.

Breast Augmentation

Women are very conscious about their bust size. They believe that having bigger breasts make them more attractive to the opposite sex. This is why many opt for breast augmentation to improve their appearance. It involves the use of

Phoenix breast implants

to enhance the shape and size of the breasts. It is inserted either in front or behind the chest muscles, depending on the patient s preference. Breast augmentation is a very sensitive procedure but most of the recorded cases in Arizona have had successful results.

Liposuction

Phoenix liposuction

is by far the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in Arizona. The popularity of this procedure is brought about by the fact that many people see it as a quick solution to their weight problems. The procedure requires very invasive methods to extract the excess fat. However, cosmetic surgeons believe that with proper aftercare, the recovery period can be as short as a single week.

Visit www.bevhillsdoc.com for more details.

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ArticleRich.com

When the time comes for remodeling, you have the option to completely change it or you can just give it a face lift. There are a lot of bathroom remodeling ideas around and if you want a remodel of your dreams, you need to hire any of the bathroom remodeling contractors Frisco TX. They can assist you with giving shape to the bathroom remodel ideas that you have in your mind and even suggest a good bathroom design that will complement your house. A competent bathroom contractor can demo walls, reconfigure the floor plans, move the walls and relocate them as well, fixtures or utilities, increase floor area or add storage space. The professionals can help you create the bathroom of your dreams and assist you at all the steps. Whether it is only one bathroom or all the bathrooms of your house that you want to remodel, you can trust the experts to fulfill all your needs while remaining in your budget as well.

Keep Various Design Aspects in Consideration

When you start to think about remodeling your bathroom, there are many aspects that you should keep in consideration. Things like which items you need to upgrade, which should be renewed, and which of the items you need to throw out, all of this should be focused on before you start remodeling. In this matter, a professional can assist you in making the right decisions.

Make it Bright

There are many activities that take place in the bathroom that require uniform and even lighting across the entire room. The mirror needs to have a good and bright light, preferably two, having an even space between them to make sure that the face is not covered in shadows and the activities like shaving and grooming can take place smoothly. The light needs to be bright and must minimize glare. The lights that you put up in the bathroom must be safe for usage as they will be exposed to water and moisture.

Install Cabinets and or a Vanity for a Clutter-Free Look

In order to make your bathroom look free of clutter and have an organized appearance, you can install bathroom cabinets or a vanity for your personal hygiene products, medicines, towels and other items. This will not only make sure that all the toiletries will be in one place and in easy access, but also give your bathroom an organized look. You can get the cabinets in beautiful designs which will beautify your bathroom.

Remodel the Kitchen for a Renewed Look

When it comes to the rooms of the house, the kitchen is the one that is most used. Some people consider it to be a centerpiece of the home as it is where most of the family gathers for meals. Therefore, it is important that when you decide upon kitchen remodeling, you should take every idea into consideration. You can hire a kitchen remodeling company in Grapevine TX which will bring you up to date with the latest trends and design. You can make your kitchen look spacious, install new cabinets or renew old ones, have a kitchen island and repaint the walls and have a kitchen of your dreams. The company will turn your ideas into reality so you can enjoy the space when you cook, prepare food and enjoy your meals with your family and friends.

The best companies will work with your ideas, give them form, make them into something better and exceed your expectations. Whether it is bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling, the professionals endeavor to work to their customers’ complete satisfaction.

byAlma Abell

One of the last things you want to find out is that your dog has ended up in a fight while at his Ft. Lauderdale doggy daycare. Not knowing the extent of the potential injuries can set a furious pace for your heart. Not being able to see who started it, or how your dog reacted only makes it significantly worse.

It is, therefore, important to ensure your dog is well protected and that the doggy daycare in Ft. Lauderdale of your choice is the right match for both you and your dog.

Making sure that the daycare is aware of the potential for fights among dogs and has policies in place to prevent them from happening is the first step.

• New dogs should be accompanied by their owner, not only as a way for the owner to ensure the daycare is a good fit for their dog, but that their dog is a good fit for the daycare.
• Ensuring that there is plenty of room for dogs to get away from other daycare goers is a good idea because, as with children, even the best friends need some time apart.
• There should also be down times and a maximum number of dogs per supervisor. This prevents energy levels from rising to an uncontrollable level.

Even with these precautions are taken, fights can happen. Your Ft. Lauderdale doggy daycare should have a written policy that explains what they will do in these circumstances. These policies should include:

• How are dogs separated? If the fight is more than a quick growling with no real intent behind their bites, often the dogs will need to be physically separated for them to discontinue their behavior. Does the kennel use objects to separate them, if so, what objects? If not, how are they separated? Trying to stop fights by stepping in is not only dangerous for the humans but also for the dogs as, should a hand end up bitten in the chaos, your dog now has a human bite on their record.
• When are owners contacted? Some daycares call their owners immediately after a fight regardless of the severity whereas others will only call in the case of a fight that requires medical attention. Which would you feel more comfortable with? Would you rather know that your dog is fine but had a tussle or would that cause you further stress?
• If medical attention is necessary, what level are they capable of handling themselves and do they take your dog to the vet if needed? What costs are involved for each? Many times there will be a transport fee along with the vet bill itself. It is also important to find out if they will transport to your vet or if they have their vet of choice that they send dogs to in the case of an emergency.
• What happens to the dogs involved? It is important to know if there is a no-strike policy in place that would have you looking into new arrangements for your dog or if these are taken on a case-by-case basis. It is also important to know that your dog will not be placed back into the situation that caused the fight to begin with.

By ensuring you understand the policies in place to both protect your dog from a fight as well as what happens should there be a fight, you will be able to relax a little more knowing what is going to happen in a worst-case scenario. Don’t be afraid to ask the doggy daycare in Ft. Lauderdale of your choice what their policies are and how they handle fights.

Your Words Are Containers of Power

by

Ann Stewart

With the tongue we bless God and curse men. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to so be.” (Jas. 3: 9 – 10) What does that mean, really? It’s understandable that we should not curse our fellow men. Yet, whenever you utter a negative word in jest, such as: “You’re crazy,” it can unwittingly offend the recipient and become a curse.

Jesus Christ is the Word and He dwelt among us (John 1: 1 – 5) He created everything by His Word and then He took on the flesh and nature of man, in essence making His Words audible to mankind. There was no idle word spoken by Him. Every Word that proceeded out of His mouth was specifically sent to do something. He spoke healing, deliverance, teaching about the Kingdom of God and compassion.

To those who honor the Word of God, the words become life! To those who sought to kill Him, Jesus said:

“My word has no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father; and ye do that which ye have seen with you father.” (Elsewhere he amplifies: your father the devil) (John 8: 37 – 38)

Those are sobering words! It makes you realize that, unless you are completely and constantly enwrapped in the Word of God, the words you speak are not those that you hear Him speaking to you.

O.K., although you’re not of the world, you’re in it and influenced by it. The most important fact is that when Jesus spoke the universe into existence, it was so. When He spoke healing, it was done. Everything He said came to pass!

“So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa. 56: 11)

Likewise, everything you and I say will come to pass! In other words, your words are spiritual containers of power. No matter what you say, there is a degree of power in it. The degree depends on the faith you put behind the words. If you speak healing, soothing, comforting, loving words they will accomplish what you are believing for.

Conversely, when you speak negative words of unbelief, doom, despondency and fear, and you believe it, they will come to pass!

Therefore, be careful when you feel like giving someone a piece of your mind! Likewise, speak good things and health over yourself. Don’t think you are going to get the flu just because it’s the season for it or everyone around you has it! Speak healing Scripture verses over yourself and your loved ones, apply a good dose of faith to it, thank the Lord for his Word that says:

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 2)

Be mindful of the fact that good thoughts produce good words that, in turn, produce good fruit:

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6: 45) and:

“Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Mat. 12: 36 – 37)

Be encouraged! You can really make miracles happen by speaking the Word of God in faith over every situation in your life! Whenever you notice yourself going off on a tangent and speaking negative words, it’s O.K. Tell the Lord you’re sorry and keep on practicing to speak Life over yourself and others. God is good and ready to forgive!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom 8: 1)

It’s food to start the day praying:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Ps. 19: 14)

Ann Stewart, author of With Wings as Eagles, aims to encourage and inspire you to become the person God has purposed you to be: http://lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles. You’re welcome to subscribe to her free weekly, inspirational newsletter here: http://lifealteringwords.com.

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Submitted by: Petersf Moore

Making a lasting impression on the internet is becoming more and more challenging because of the increasing number of websites out there. Website designers and marketers need all the time and money they can spare to concentrate on generating sales and income quickly and so more and more of them are switching over to website builders and creators.

Website builders are the perfect solution for creating big-impression websites and landing pages because they allow you to have an online presence literally within moments, depending on the package.

Rather than being restrictive, web creators are evolving to become more and more feature-rich and are the perfect way to build fantastic, professional looking sites with less hassle.

Some of the benefits

You are using pre-loaded templates which you can then enhance in your own time, saving you a great deal of the thought process but, very importantly, still allowing you the freedom to personalise them to your customer’s liking. With a website builder package, you will have access to technical support around the clock. The number of included add-ons available from these packages is growing every day and they can make your websites look more attractive whilst easier for your customers to use – let’s face it, the customer just wants something that looks great and is hassle-free.

Because they are web-based packages, you can access your websites from anywhere around the world as long as you are online. Web builders also give your customers access to statistical information which means that they can keep in touch with how well their business is performing and use the information to target niche markets. You can now also get full HTML access but with automated search engine optimisation (SEO) built in; again saving you time and effort. You can easily upload and store your own written documents, images and content to web builders with large amounts of storage space.

The alternatives

The alternatives to web builders, such as Dreamweaver, can be ridiculously expensive, time consuming and mean that you are tied in to one particular package when designing a web for your customer. What happens when that package is superseded by a better product and you have to re-train to familiarise yourself all over again? They take up enormous amounts of your time and can be rather frustrating to say the least.

Leave yourself with more time to make more money!

Website creators are, therefore, the most affordable, trouble-free method of getting online, promoting businesses and still allow you the freedom to be who you want to be and put your own personal stamp on them. You will be able to generate far more websites for your customers in a shorter space of time with increased levels of success, meaning that you can deliver a consistently high-standard of work and generate more income for yourself.

It’s all about becoming more and more efficient in a shorter space of time to stay ahead of the game. Once you have found and used a website creator, you will wonder what you did without one and find new ways to spend your time making even more money!

About the Author: Pete Moore is Co-Founder of award winning website builder,

ezweb123.com

(

ezweb123.com

).

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Submitted by: Trevor Richards

An outdoor coat is an expensive investment and doing research beforehand could save you money and ensure that you buy what you really need.

Your first task is to sit down and think about your lifestyle. Are you a person that spends a lot of time outdoors walking in all weathers or do you mostly use a car? The answer to this question will help you decide what length and weight the coat should be and also if you are likely to need other features such as waterproof materials.

Another consideration is whether to go for a formal coat or something more casual. If you are likely to be wearing your coat over a suit for formal meetings, then you need to buy a garment that complements the lines of formal clothing. If, on the other hand, you need a coat to walk the dog and pick the kids up from school then a more relaxed fit will go better with casual wear.

When you have decided on the basics such as length and casual or formal it is time to think about your body shape. It is best buy a coat that will complement your shape and make you look sexy, smart, stylish or whatever image you like to show to the world.

A good outdoor coat should feel comfortable with winter clothing underneath. Particularly if you are on the curvy side it’s important to get a size and shape that allow you to move when you are wearing it. A coat a size larger than your normal size, far from making you look bigger, could actually hang better and slim your shape.

If you are of a slight build then you don’t want to be overpowered by a bulky coat. Look at styles which are neat and avoid large patterns or checks.

Having decided upon the basics such as length and fit it’s time to go and look at the huge amount of coats on offer. Ensure that you try several different outlets and get a feel for the types of fabric. You may know that you want a full length trench coat in cream twill fabric but there will still be several out there and some will look much better than others. The only way to know is to invest time in trying them on.

On your shopping trip do your best to wear clothing that is winter weight. This might be difficult if it’s mid summer but you can always take a sweater with you.

A good winter coat is the one garment in your wardrobe that needs to last for years. Thinking about the colour and fabric patterns is important. What is in fashion this year is not going to be chic in four years time. Although it may sound boring it is probably best to go low key rather than high fashion with an expensive purchase like this. Take a tip from French women when choosing. They are known for spending money on good tailoring and luxurious fabric which they then accessorise to ring the changes.

About the Author: Trevor Richards writes for Accessoryo (www.accessoryo.com), a UK retailer of

outdoor clothing accessories

.

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Submitted by: Elizabeth Gilley

Lobsters are fantastic crustaceans, not to mention the most expensive. The costs of lobsters come with a good reason. Lobsters are harvested or sold only after they surpassed a certain weight mark. Sounds easy, but did you know that lobsters take a year to grow a pound? That seven-pound buttered lobster in your plate took seven long years to grow. Something that takes that long to grow is bound to be succulent and delicious. In this regard, lobsters don’t disappoint. However, improper cooking destroys lobsters’ flavor. It is therefore necessary to follow lobster recipes faithfully to preserve the good flavor.

These succulent crustaceans are generally cooked in three ways: boiling, steaming, and grilling. There are talks about how adrenaline in lobsters alters the meat’s flavor, but that is yet to be proven. However, to be sure, some suggest hypnotizing lobsters before boiling to avoid the adrenaline rush. To hypnotize these delicious crustaceans, simply rub or massage their heads or abdomens. You’ll notice that their tails will droop and their claws become more relaxed. Take advantage of this moment and add them in a big pot of boiling salted water. To do this, put them in the hot water claws first. Take them out as soon as their color changes to a bright, reddish orange. Serve them immediately with fresh butter or cool them slightly and pick their meat out for your favorite lobster recipes.

Another method to cook lobsters is by steaming. Since this method only uses the heat of the steam, the lobsters remain succulent even when fully cooked because tasty juices are not lost in the water. However, since the lobsters are not immersed in liquid, flavoring them requires correct technique. Kill the lobsters first before steaming to prevent these crustaceans from climbing out of the pot. You can shock them in hot water or freeze them. Take a big pot and a wide rack to place the lobsters on. It’s better to steam the crustaceans singly to avoid crowding. Flavor the steaming liquid with salt, pepper, and herbs and bring it to a rolling boil. Put a lobster in and steam. Make sure that the liquid does not reach the rack inside or your crustacean will boil instead of steam. As always, take each crustacean out when red to prevent overcooking.

If you’re brave enough to kill up lobsters, you can also grill them. This is a method not for the faint of heart. Take your knife and put it on the center of the crustacean’s head. Slice through the head to kill the crustacean quickly. Slide the knife from head to tail to expose the sweet meat. Some lobster recipes suggest scooping out the meat and mixing it with other ingredients and stuffing the mixture back in the emptied lobster shells. Wrap them in foil and grill for a couple of minutes. Other recipes suggest giving the meat a crust of good Italian cheese and broiling them in the oven until the cheese melts. Enjoy!

About the Author: For More Specific Information about

Lobsters

and

Lobster Recipes

, please visit http://www.lobster-tails.net

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