How To: Make Betty Rolls

My family has been ordering our Thanksgiving dinner from a restaurant ever since I can remember. However, we do make one thing from scratch; Betty Rolls. The recipe for these yeasty rolls was developed by my grandmother, Betty, and produces rolls that are transcendent and a true tradition in my family. Here's the recipe:

1. Combine the following at a low speed: 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp. salt, 2 packages yeast, 1/2 cup softened butter

2. Add: 2 cups hot water (120-130 degrees) and 1 egg, mix at medium speed for 2 minutes

3. Add: 3/4 c. flour until it forms a thick batter

4. Stir in: Flour until it the mixture is a soft dough (approx. 2 1/2 cups)

5. Knead for 10 mins.

6. Let the dough rise for about 90 mins. and punch it down and shape into rolls

7. Let dough rise again for another 90 mins.

8. Bake at 425 for 15-20 mins. (My dad likes the ones that get really brown on the top and develop a crust, my mom and I like when the rolls are really doughy and chewy, almost raw)

9. Brush rolls with melted butter immediately after taking the rolls out of the oven

Watch this video my cousin made of us making Betty Rolls this year.

How To: Solve a Rubik's Cube

Find out how to solve a Rubik's cube here, or if you're more math-ey and prefer algorithms try this version.

How To: Use the internet to create your ideal granola

Mix My Granola lets your customize various granola bases with your choice of a wide variety of dried fruit, nuts and seeds; you can even design the label for the bag.

How to: Dress like Jean Seberg in A bout de souffle (Paris week, requisite French New Wave post)

Jean Seberg's character, Patricia, in A bout de souffle is undeniably chic. Here's where to find shirts similar to the ones she wears in the film but, as far as the criminal boyfriend goes, you're on your own:

1. New York Herald Tribune Shirt

2. Striped Shirt (I know the shirt in the picture isn't quite right but don't fret they have ones that are navy with white stripes as opposed to white with navy stripes on the website)

How To: Remove Stains (Martha Stewart's Stain Chart)

Download Martha Stewart's stain chart and educate yourself on stain removal.

How To: Make Your Own Shaker Furniture... from a Kit

The Shaker Workshops website gives you the option of buying their furniture fully assembled or as a kit at a discounted price.

How To: Sharpen a Knife

In keeping with yesterday's topic, here's how to sharpen a knife.

How To: Pitch

How 'bout that game last night? Here's how to pitch a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball, a cut fastball, a split finger fastball, a changeup, a curveball, and a slider.

How To: Make Things Look Tidy

Just yesterday, I was thinking that I should limit the number of posts that link to the New York Times' Moment blog... and then I saw this article about how trays make everything look instantly tidy. That Rita Konig, she's really got my number. Also, note her use of the phrase "the order of things" in the second sentence, a subtle nod to yours truly? Methinks so! (but not really)

I like this Iomoi tray (pictured above) because it's fancy and monogrammed.

How To: Understand Health Care

I'm a big fan of the "Stuff You Should Know" podcast and their recent 4-part series on health care might be their best work yet. I promise you will learn something (also, I wanted an excuse to use this image again).

Part 1: How Health Care in the US works right Now

Part 2: President Obama's Health Care Plan: Soup to Nuts

Part 3: Rumors, Myths and Truths Behind Obama's Health Care Plan

Part 4: Health Care Systems Around the World

Each segment is about 30 mins.

How To: Find a Flu Shot

Click here to find a flu (seasonal, not swine or bird) shot near you.

Click here to buy a jumbo syringe.

How To: Fold a Fitted Sheet

According to Jill Cooper, "one of the biggest challenges you're going to face in your life is how to fold a fitted sheet." So, watch this video and after that all of your days will be worry free.

How To: Learn the Boy Scout Motto in different languages

In America, the Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared" however, in other countries this is not always the case. There is a Wikipedia chart which lists the mottos from all over the world and translates them. Here are some of the more unusual ones:

Cape Verde: "Alert."

Hungary: "Be on the breach."

Poland: "Watch!"

Slovenia: "With nature to a better person."

Thailand: "Better to die than to lie." (terrifying, I know)

Ukraine: "With Strength! With Beauty! With Care! With Speed!"