9 Secrets to Extra Crispy Sweet Plantain Chips Every Time

Plantain chips are one of my favorite snacks. I would choose sweet plantain chips over my favorite salt and vinegar potato chips any day, and if I am not too careful sometimes I can eat too much. For years now I tried to make plantain chips at home, just like my mom used to make them, but I was never successful until recently. Along the way, I picked up a few tips and tricks after my many failed attempts that are guaranteed to get crispy plantain chips every time. Trust me on this one, I’ve messed up enough times to know.

Do not use over ripe plantains. While I do prefer ripe plantain chips to unripe plantain chips, over ripe plantains do not work at all for plantain chips. Think of them like bananas, if they look like they are ready to be used for banana bread, or are ready to go into the freezer for a smoothie, then it’s too ripe. If the plantain is mostly black and hardly yellow, then it’s too ripe as well.Unless you are a skilled knife expert, don’t hesitate to use a mandolin slicer. 

My mom is the most skilled chef I know, and she can get evenly thin slices of plantain using a knife with her eyes closed… but I’m not that skilled yet. I’ve tried so many times to get it right with a knife, and I have failed every time. I did myself a favor and got a mandolin slicer, then things started improving.Make sure your oil is at the right temperature. Specifically between 350-375 degrees F. If your oil is not hot enough, the plantain chips will be too limp or they become chewy and hard; if your oil is too hot, the plantain simply burns fast.Do not salt or season the plantains before frying them. Seasoning the plantain chips right after they come out of the oil is a better option because the plantains end up crisper. 

I find that salting the plantains before frying them makes the chips unpleasantly chewy.Place the plantain chips in the hot oil one at a time, or in a single layer. Placing  stacked plantain slices into the oil may not be a problem, but it increases the chances of the plantain chips clumping together.Flip the chips continuously! While the chips are frying, flip them as often as you can. You can do this by just gently moving the chips around the oil with a kitchen spider. I still don’t get why this works, but it does.You will know when the chips are ready to come out of the oil not only from the color (golden brown for ripe plantains, and lightly gold for unripe plantains), but also from the level of sizzling. Once the plantain chips are done, they sizzle significantly less in the oil than when they are not done. 

Try it… you will notice it, the sizzling almost stops.After your chips come out of the oil, drain properly then season while it’s still hot. I like to season my chips with salt and cayenne pepper.Cool completely before serving. Even though the chips may be crisp straight from the oil, it is best for them to cool completely before they are served to allow them to reach ULTIMATE CRISPNESS.

Bonus tip: If they happen to survive longer than one hour after they are served, store the crisp plantain chips in an air tight container to ensure the ULTIMATE CRISPNESS is maintained.

Happy Snacking people!

by Ms. Yum

33 Year-Old Teacher Rapes Student In School Premises

A 33-year-old teacher of Government Girls Secondary School, Minna, Abdullahi Shaba, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly raping a 16-year-old senior secondary 2 student.

The Police Public Relation Officer (PRO) of Niger State, ASP Bala Elkana said the matter was in court and that the suspect had been remanded in prison custody.

Elkana said that the teacher invited the victim to one of the offices and on entering the office, the teacher sat close to her and asked whether she had a boyfriend, to which she replied in the negative and thereafter the teacher started touching her to the extent that he removed her underwear and had sexual intercourse with her”.

He said that after the encounter, the girl came out weeping, which drew the attention of her friends to whom she narrated the incident and who then reported the matter to the vice principal of the school.

The PPRO said the teacher admitted having canal knowledge of the student but claimed that the victim requested N100 while she was in his office as transport fare.

Election funding: Fayose dares Zenith Bank

Fayose has challenged Zenith Bank to come out with an official statement showing the bank’s denial about funding his election in 2014.

Fayose refers APC, Zenith bank and the EFCC to John chapter 8 verses 6-7

Fayose says he stands by his claim that the bank majorly funded in election in June 2014.

Following the alleged denial of the involvement of Zenith bank in the funding of his election in 2014, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state has challenged the bank to come out with an official statement on the matter, Vanguard reports.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, June 23, the governor said: “I stand by my claim that the bank majorly funded my election in June 2014.

Governor Ayodele Fayose

“I don’t expect an organisation like the accused bank to stay in a corner in matter of national concern like this and be talking.

“Rather, I expect it to issue an official statement not as feeble as this one being peddled in the media so that I can begin the second stage of my revelations.

“My statement was made in the open and if I can accuse an institution like that in the open, I expect the institution to give official reply.

“All what have been claimed to have been said by the bank in the media can be situated in the realm of rumour.

“And I want to refer the All Progressives Congress (APC), the bank and the EFCC to John chapter 8 verses 6-7, which says; “This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

“When they continued asking him, he lifted up himself and said unto them, he that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone .

“Let those orchestrating this know that failure awaits them.”

The EFCC, on Monday, June 20, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion Fayose allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.

Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.

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Yemi Sax unleasshes epic sax version to Adele’s Hello, unveils cover at for new album Download Mp3

Yemi Sax has returned in Flamboyant fashion! The Nigerian pioneer of sax/smooth jazz remix is set to release a new album titled Jaltos. So good they call him the ‎Nigeria’s Sax King and the Africa’s Sax Oracle, the dreaded multi instrumentalist, music producer and vocalist, Yemi Sax unveiled the cover art to his forthcoming album which he named Jaltos and also in style unleashed an epic sax version to the elegant song “Hello” originally by Adele and the Jump single “What Do You Mean” by Justin Bieber.

JALTOS, Just A Little Twist Of Sax as defined by the renowned saxophonist “Yemi Sax”, will be his 5th sophomore Saxophone compilation album following Exclusive in 2012, Virtuoso in 2010, Saxophone Mood in 2008 and Flavour 1 in 2005.

The two singles are taste of what to expect from his forthcoming JALTOS, which drops next week. The album according to Yemi Sax promises to be ‎another exhibition of creativity, dexterity, and GOD endowment. Hence; a stirring melody you’d love. Just A Little Twist Of sax “JALTOS” drops digitally and on shelves nationwide come the 23rd of November 2015 under the supervision of MuziQGlobe World/YemiSax Entertainment Empire and distributed by T.Joe Records.

For now, cop to your playlist the timeless Yemisax remix to Hello and What Do You Mean. Yemisax gets you inspired!!

Download Yemi Sax HELLO MP3

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Music – Download “Boosit” Cobhams featuring Falz theBahdGuy

Against the backdrop of fuel queues, lack of electricity and the many predicaments that Nigerians often find themselves in, comes a brand new single by Cobhams Asuquo featuring Falz theBahdguy aptly titled, “Boosit.”

On the song, Cobhams takes on a comical yet gritty Ibadan impersonation to decry unjust treatment: “Don’t tell me boosit…I’m a human being, you can’t deceive me!” He teams up with Falz who deftly and pointedly drops line after line about family and societal injustices on the song’s thumping tick-tock beat.

When asked about the forceful stance and gritty message of the song, Cobhams says, “There’s a lot going on in Nigeria now. But because we love to be happy and dance and sing, sometimes some of these things don’t carry over into our music. But there’s much more to our lives than a nice beat or song. Artists hold the mic, which means we also have the power to address many of the key issues happening around us.”

Cobhams goes on to say, “We should stop being complicit, and hold our politicians, our pastors, our husbands and our wives accountable for the promises that they make. Let us be honorable because it’s the only way we can move forward.”

So while we enjoy our music and dancing, and may even laugh at Cobham’s Ibadan accent on this new track, he believes that if we must make music, let it have meaning because, “boosit is boosit!”

Amazing Power of Lemon

Garbage disposal: Freeze lemon slices and vinegar in ice cube trays. Place a few frozen cubes down your disposal for cleaning and freshening.	Refrigerator: Soak a sponge in lemon juice and let it sit in your fridge for a few hours; it works better than baking soda to remove odors.	Room freshener: Simmer a pot of water and add lemon peels, cloves, and cinnamonsticks.
Humidifier: Add lemon juice to the water in your humidifier, then let the machine run for deodorizing.	Breath: Drinking lemon water helps freshen your breath (rinse your mouth with plain water afterward since lemon juice may erode your teeth).	Trash cans: A few lemon peels added to your garbage can will help with odors.
Fireplace: Dried citrus peels can act as kindling in your fireplace, adding a wonderful smell and acting as a flame starter. Simply let the peels sit out for a few days before using.	Hands: Add lemon juice while washing your hands with soap to help remove stubborn odors like garlic.	Cat box: Place lemon slices in a bowl near your cat box to help freshen the air.

Cleaning

Furniture polish: Combine lemon oil, lemon juice, and olive or jojoba oil to make a homemade furniture polish. Simply buff with a cloth.	Microwave: While I don't recommend microwave cooking, I realize many people use one. If you caked on food, microwave a bowl of water, lemon juice, and lemon slices for three minutes. The food will wipe right off.	Windows: Lemon juice cuts through grease and grime on windows and glass. Try combining it with cornstarch, vinegar, and water for a phenomenal window cleaner.
Hard water stains: Rub a cut lemon on your faucets and shower fixtures. It will remove hard water stains and leave fixtures shiny.	Cutting boards: Sprinkle coarse salt on your cutting board then rub with a cut lemon to freshen and remove grease. This trick also works for wooden salad bowls and rolling pins.	Coffee maker: Run a cycle with plain water, then add a mixture of lemon juice and water to the water tank. Let it sit then run the cycle through. Repeat this process once more, then run another plain water cycle (you'll want to wash the coffee pot and filter afterward to remove any lemon taste).
Rust stains on marble: Sprinklebaking soda on the stains then add lemon juice. Scrub and repeat as necessary, then wipe clean with a wet rag.	Brass and copper polish: Combine lemon juice and vinegar (equal parts) then apply with a paper towel to brass or copper. Polish with a soft cloth until dry. Lemon juice can also be combined with baking soda to make a paste that will remove tarnish.	Silverware polish: Combine one tablespoon lemon juice, 1.5 cups of water and 0.5 cut instant dry milk. Soak your silverware in the mixture overnight, then rinse and dry. In a pinch, you can apply lemon juice to tarnished silverware and buff with a clean cloth.
Dish soap booster: A teaspoon of lemon juice added to dish soap helps cut through grease and increases effectiveness.	Plastic containers: I recommend glass containers to store your food, but if you have plastic containers with food stains, rubbing them with lemon juice and letting them dry in the sun will help remove the stains.	Toilet: Adding half a cup of lemon juice to your toilet, then letting it sit prior to scrubbing, will help remove stains. Add half a cup of borax for stubborn stains.
Drains: To unclog a drain, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain followed by half a box of baking soda and 8-12 ounces of lemon juice. The lemon juice and baking soda will react, creating a foam. Follow this up with another pot of boiling water to flush away the clog.	Shower doors: Dip the cut half of a lemon in baking soda, then rub into on the glass to remove water stains. Rinse and towel dry.	All-purpose cleaner: Combine water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and lemon essential oil for a wonderful kitchen or bathroom cleaner.
Cheese graters: Rub half a lemon over your graters to remove grease without ruining your sponge.	Hardwood floors: Combine lemon and vinegar to make a grime-fighting non-toxic floor cleaner.

Laundry

Gentle bleach: Add lemon juice to hot water and soak white linens, then rinse and wash as normal. You can also add one-half cup of lemon juice to your washing cycle in lieu of bleach.	Spot treatment: Pour lemon juice on fabric stains followed by salt. Rub the stain and rinse. This works well for underarm stains. Dry in the sun if possible for even more stain-fighting power.	Mildew stains: Apply a paste of lemon juice and salt to the stain, then let dry in the sun. Repeat as needed.
Grease stains: Mix lemon juice with vinegar and apply to the stain. Let it sit and then rinse.	Whiten tennis shoes: Spray lemon juice onto white sneakers then dry them in the sun for whitening and freshening.

Cooking

Prevent browning on fruits and veggies: Soak cut-up apples, cauliflower, bananas, pears, potatoes, and avocados in a bowl of cold lemon water to prevent browning.	Revive limp lettuce: Add the juice of half a lemon to a bowl of cold water, then soak soggy lettuce leaves. Refrigerate for one hour then dry the now-crisp leaves.	Clumpy rice: To keep rice from sticking, add a spoonful of lemon juice to the water while the rice is cooking. Simply fluff with a fork when it's done.
Ice cubes: Add lemon slices to your ice cube trays to add some flavor to your beverages.	Marinade: Combine lemon juice with your favorite oils and herbs to marinate meats. The acidic lemon juice helps break down the meat so the flavor of the marinade can infuse it.	Buttermilk substitute: Two tablespoons of lemon juice added to a cup of milk, and left to sit for 15 minutes, makes a fine substitute for buttermilk in recipes.
Sour cream substitute: For a sour cream alternative, add lemon juice to whipped cream and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Beauty

Hair lightener: Mix lemon juice with almond or coconut oil, then apply it to your hair before heading out in the sun. The lemon will lighten your hair while the oil will keep it from drying out.	Age spots and freckles: Apply lemon juice with a cotton swab to help fade age spots and freckles.	Brightening moisturizer: A few drops of lemon juice mixed with coconut oil and applied as a moisturizer will help to hydrate and brighten your skin.
Whiten nails: Soak your nails in a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil. While the lemon juice brightens your nails, the olive oil will help strengthen them.	Dandruff: Massage two tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp then rinse with lemon water. Repeat as necessary until dandruff resolves.	Acne: Lemon juice, a natural astringent, can help fight acne when applied to your face twice a day. Let it sit for 10 minutes each time, then rinse with cool water.
Exfoliator: A combination of lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, and honey makes a nourishing exfoliating scrub for your face and body.

Health

Lemon water: Lemon water provides you with vitamin C and potassium while helping with digestion and immune system health.	Sore throat: Lemon is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Gargling with lemon water may soothe a sore throat while consuming lemon water provides vitamin C for your immune system.	Canker sores: Lemon juice has antifungal and antibacterial properties, so gargling with a cup of hot lemon water may help speed the healing of canker sores.
Skin rashes: Soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it to rashes, such as poison ivy, for relief.	Insect bites: Lemon juice can help to relieve the swelling and itching of insect bites.	Coughs: Sip hot lemon water with honey to help reduce mucous buildup and relieve coughs.
Warts: Coating warts with lemon juice may help break them down and speed recovery.

Miscellaneous

Leather shoe polish: Combine one-part lemon juice with two parts of olive oil, then apply to leather shoes. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then buff with cloth.	Invisible ink: Dip a cotton swab into lemon juice and right a message on a piece of white paper. After it dries, hold it up to a lamp or light bulb to see your hidden message.	Jewelry sanitizer: Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to 1.5 cups of water. Use the solution to sanitize earrings and other jewelry, but do not use it on pearls or gold.
Insect repellant: Mopping floors with lemon juice and water will repel roaches and flees. Spray concentrated lemon juice on areas where ants are getting in. You can also place lemon peels near entryways to repel insects.	Stains on your pet's fur: To remove pink or red-colored stains from around your pet's eyes or mouth, apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice and rub into the fur. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then rinse off. Be careful not to get the mixture into your pet's eyes.	Berry stains on hands: Rub a paste of cornmeal and lemon juice onto your hands, let sit, then rinse off to remove berry stains.
Kill weeds: Spray weeds with lemon juice for a non-toxic weed killer.	Dog and cat repellant: If you want to keep neighborhood dogs and cats out of your yard, sprinkle the perimeter with coffee grounds and lemon peels. Most dogs and cats dislike the scents and will go elsewhere.	Hardened paintbrushes: Bring lemon juice with a splash of water to a boil, then add in hardened paintbrushes. Let sit for 15 minutes, then wash with soap and water. The bristles will become soft again once they dry.

Lemon Aromatherapy May Ease Stress and Anxiety

Obasanjo Speaks: State Govs Have Bastardized and Rendered Nigerian LGAs Impotent

Nigeria’s ex President Olusegun Obasanjo has blamed state governors for making the Local Government system in Nigeria “impotent” through constant meddling and interference.

Obasanjo spoke when 60 members of the National Union of Local Government Employees(NULGE) came to him for help on Tuesday.

NULGE National President, Ibhraheem Khaleel, complained bitterly. According to him, state governors and governments have “completely rendered the Local Governments impotent and battered it through massive encroachment, diversion of funds and non implementation of rules establishing them(LGAs).”

Replying, Obasanjo said there’s nothing he could do to change things.

“Coming to me or me saying something is not the answer,” he said. “I’m like a cripple. I have no executive power. I have no legislative power, but you are not crippled and you can show them that you are on ground. Local Government should be allowed to carry out its function.

“But I wonder, if the states can allow what they are doing to the Local Governments to be done to them by the Federal Government.

“Sadly, very very sadly, the autonomy of the Local Governments almost without any exception, havr been bastardized and encroached by the States.

” Both are suppose to be tiers of government with each having its roles and functions. But, that is not the case.

We shall continue to talk until those who reasonable among change this attitude.”

The Nation