Overnight sausage and Swiss chard starta is the kind of dish that couldn’t be easier to put together. Do all the prep before bedtime, then wake up, and put it in the oven. In under an hour, breakfast or brunch is served.
You’ll get classic morning ingredients in each bite of this delicious strata. I like to use day-old bread for this dish as the perfect way to use up leftovers. Swiss chard adds great color and a dose of veggies to this egg-based dish.
Image: Patricia Conte/SheKnows
Overnight sausage and Swiss chard strata recipe
Keep in mind you can bake this dish immediately instead of refrigerating it overnight.
6 ounces breakfast sausage, browned and cut into 2-inch pieces, set aside
1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup white onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups Swiss chard leaves, torn into 3-inch pieces, stems diced and reserved
3-1/2 cups day-old bread, cubed into 2-inch pieces
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
Spray a baking dish with the nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside.
To a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion, and cook for about 3 minutes or until it begins to soften. Add the Swiss chard stems, and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat, and set aside.
Blanch the Swiss chard in boiling water for a few minutes or until they turn bright green. Remove, and drain. When cool to the touch, squeeze the leaves to remove any remaining liquid. Reserve.
Add the milk to the beaten eggs, and whisk to combine. Next, add the salt, black pepper and thyme.
Place a single layer of bread across the bottom of the baking dish. Pour 1/2 the liquid mixture over the bread cubes to moisten all of them. Continue by adding a layer of the sausage, the onion mixture, the Swiss chard and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the bread cubes.
Add the remaining bread to the mixture, then pour the remaining egg mixture over the bread to moisten it all.
Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator, and allow to sit for about half an hour. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 45 – 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
If I were to plot my life by impactful theater and film moments, one of the most memorable would be watching Rickman steal the show from Kevin Costner in the oft-derided Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Right then and there, I understood what true acting genius was, and I've been a fan of Rickman's ever since. In a career spanning decades, it's impossible to mention every one of his nuanced roles with the passion he deserves, but here are some of the roles that most moved me, and the films I'll be re-watching this week in his honor.
I first saw Rickman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and I immediately fell in love with him. He was so charismatic as the Sheriff of Nottingham that I was almost rooting for him to win just to hear him speak a few more excellent words. His voice, his intense stare and his incredible sense of timing turned a supporting character into the one I couldn't wait to see more of. People walked out of that movie talking about two things: Costner's refusal to do a British accent, and how Rickman absolutely stole the show.
Die Hard
Image: Twentieth Century Fox
Although Die Hard was Rickman's first American film role, it was actually the second film I saw him in (probably because my parents didn't think I was quite ready for terrorist takeovers at the age of 12). In any case, the film left an indelible impression on me, and to this day, I teach it in my screenwriting class as the ultimate '80s action film. Rickman's Hans Gruber is one of the best villains of all time — charismatic, charming and creepily sexy. The electricity he brings to the screen is palpable, and you can't help but love him, even as you hope John McClane kicks his criminal butt.
Sense and Sensibility
Image: Columbia/Tristar
If I had a bit of a crush on Rickman before Sense and Sensibility came out, this film cemented the deal. In the movie, he plays the honorable and patient Colonel Brandon — a man so admirable that I literally squirmed in my seat with impatience every time he came on screen. I was in high school when the movie came out, so notions of chivalry and honor felt like things that belonged in fairy tales. And yet, there was the incredibly silken-voiced Rickman wearing his heart on his sleeve in every frame, even if Marianne (played by Kate Winslet) couldn't (or wouldn't) see it.
Galaxy Quest
Image: Paramount
Galaxy Quest is one of my absolute favorite Rickman movies. It may be because at the time of its release, my family and I were in medical crisis mode after almost losing my father — and we desperately needed to laugh. We all piled in the car to see the film and then laughed ourselves silly, thanks in large part to Rickman's hilarious performance. It was exactly what we needed, and I felt an immense sense of gratitude to him and the cast for bringing so much levity into our (at the time) heavy lives.
In the film, the normally straightlaced Brit lampoons his own seriousness to bring us the long-suffering Alexander Dane, a Shakespearean actor tired of the fame his overwhelmingly popular sci-fi persona, Dr. Lazarus, has brought him. He has some truly delicious one-liners, delivering them with such skill that you can't help but cheer him on. Also, he still manages to look handsome in that ridiculous makeup.
Love Actually
Image: Peter Mountain/Universal Studios
Full disclosure: I am not a Love Actually fan. I saw the movie when it came out, with three of my overly gushing friends, and kind of hated it. The pat storylines, the cheesy dialogue — none of it worked for me. But Rickman's character, Harry, broke my heart. He was absolutely the right balance of a cool, distant, workaholic husband and father.
So when Karen (Emma Thompson) opened Harry's crappy Christmas gift on Christmas Eve, I wanted to reach through the screen and punch him! I bawled like a total idiot because Harry was so completely clueless as to the destruction he was raining down on Karen's heart, and it just slayed me.
Harry Potter
Image: Warner Bros.
Rickman has played several memorable roles between, and since, playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films, but his years-long role as one of the most misunderstood (and tortured) characters of the series is truly unforgettable. The stillness, severity and pain that Rickman brought to the role made Snape's truth all the more moving when it was finally realized at the close of the franchise.
And just in case you haven't already shed enough tears over our loss of this incredibly talented man, here is a well-crafted collection of clips showing Snape's heroism, and Rickman's incredible talent and humanity.
Harry Potter - Severus Snape clip
Harry Potter - Severus Snape clip
I could go on and on about his talents and how much I'll miss seeing him perform, and I'll always regret not getting to see him in one of his many award-winning live theater performances, but his work truly does speak for itself. In what often feels like a vast sea of entertainers, Rickman stood out as a serious talent, craftsman and role model, and he will definitely be remembered as such.
Further complaints were made in respect of the dramatic scenes between Angie and fellow CBB housemate, U.S. reality star Tiffany Pollard, when Tiffany completely misunderstood what had happened.
After confiding in John Partridge and David Gest, and agreeing to keep the news secret from the other housemates, Angie changed her mind and decided to tell Tiffany too.
However Tiffany misheard and thought another David had died — David Gest, who was currently tucked up in the bedroom.
To be fair, we can totally see how Tiffany jumped to that conclusion. Angie’s words to her were: "You gotta do me a favour — you can't say a word. David's dead."
As Tiffany started to shriek, Angie said, "I love you... stop it! They're all gonna know."
"You’re playing, I know you’re joking," Tiffany responded.
"Are you crazy? Would I do something like that to you?" Angie said, still thinking they were talking about her ex-husband. "It just happened now. Cancer. Please stay calm... This was not what I planned to do."
By this point, Tiffany was distraught, but pulled herself together long enough to declare: "We got to get everyone together… I feel sick. I need a drink."
The two housemates still had their wires completely crossed when Angie returned to the Diary Room, at which point Tiffany rushed to the garden to tell the other housemates what she thought had happened.
"I can't keep this a secret, she told me not to tell anybody... I'm not able to not tell anyone. I hope she's just joking but she said she's not, she told me that David is dead," she blurted out.
The horrified housemates raced to the bedroom, where they found Gest alive and simply a little under the weather.
"David, she just told me that you're dead!" yelled Tiffany.
As if that wasn't dramatic enough, several housemates — still unaware of Bowie's death — then turned on Tiffany for seemingly trying to convince them Gest was dead, including Danniella Westbrook, who called her "f***ing sick".
Taking refuge in the Diary Room again, Angie told Big Brother: "It's a mess! It's a comedy of errors. I forgot that she screams; she started screaming. She didn't know who I was talking about.
"She started giving me this look like I was an idiot, because I looked like I was crying. I looked like I was so weak and stupid that I was crying because I was sick. My pride made me not handle it correctly, yet again it developed into another drama."
Seriously — you couldn't script this stuff.
A spokesperson for CBB told MailOnline in a statement: "After being told of the tragic news off-camera yesterday by her own representative, Angie made the decision — entirely of her own accord — to remain in the Celebrity Big Brother House and to continue participating in filming. The option to leave the house remains open to Angie at any time. It is always the show's aim to represent and reflect the day’s events accurately to viewers."
You've probably seen TV shopping info ads. Even if you didn't end up buying the product advertised on TV, you must admit that seeing a demonstration of the product's performance can be very persuasive and can induce many TV shoppers to part with their money.
Demo videos are truly powerful, and the good news is, you can make use of this power in the internet. You can market your company or products using internet videos.
Why Use Internet Videos for Internet Marketing
Internet videos are fast becoming the trendy way of advertising your products to potential customers. All you need to do is create a demonstration like the infomercials you see on TV through which you can extol the merits of your products, systems or services.
Internet video presentations are more interesting
Internet videos are way better than mere text or graphic advertisements. Nowadays, consumers suffer from information overload. The internet is prolific in content and the internet user and consumer can hardly catch up. They just glance over titles, subtitles and some bits and pieces of the paragraphs in between. If your text fails to hold their interest, say goodbye to potential sales.
Internet video presentations are better because in a matter of a few minutes, your customers can learn about your products in a more interesting and engaging manner. Videos are more dynamic than text ads and are therefore more attention grabbing. Because your target consumer can see your product in action; they no longer have to imagine it, they beat text ads.
Internet video presentations are more convenient
Video hosting technologies are fairly advanced to increase the convenience to consumers and therefore aid your internet marketing efforts. Video streaming, which allows consumers to watch your video without the need to download the material, facilitates hassle-free viewing.
Internet video hosting is becoming more affordable
Moreover, you don't have to pay through the nose for video hosting services that provide video streaming support. These video hosting solutions have become much cheaper than they used to be because of continuous technological innovations and increasing competition.
Internet video presentations are easily distributed
One other advantage of using internet video media for internet marketing is the existence of numerous video distribution channels where you can post your videos for free. You can try YouTube, for instance, and reach the millions of visitors this video sharing site has. Exposure of this magnitude has never been this easy to attain.
Some Tips to Using Internet Video for Internet Marketing
To take advantage of the benefits to internet video marketing, you need to remember a few things. One, you should produce internet videos with high image and audio quality. Two, you should keep your internet videos short and simple-- short because your typical internet viewer is in a hurry or easily bored, and simple because you need to be easily understood by everyone.
Third, stick to the highlights in your internet video presentation. Do not overload your viewers with figures and statistics. Select only those most relevant and give a rundown only on the key benefits of your products and services. For additional details, you can always include your text and graphic ads.
If you are posting your video on a site other than your own, be sure to direct your viewer to your web site by providing your link.
Internet videos are way better than mere text or graphic advertisements. Internet video presentations are better because in a matter of a few minutes, your customers can learn about your products in a more interesting and engaging manner. One other advantage of using internet video media for internet marketing is the existence of numerous video distribution channels where you can post your videos for free. To take advantage of the benefits to internet video marketing, you need to remember a few things. Two, you should keep your internet videos simple and short-- short because your typical internet viewer is in a hurry or easily bored, and simple because you need to be easily understood by everyone.
When it comes to logo design, you ultimately want it to convey your brand in the best possible manner. Here are the 7 factors you need to consider to have a logo that spells success!
1. Research always helps in effective logo design
You need to do a fair bit of research to understand the company, its objectives and mission as well as its business goals-- both long and short term. You also need to know the demographics of the target audience.
2. Unique and attractive: two elements of great logo design
You would obviously want your logo design to catch the attention of the customer. At the same time it should not be screaming for attention. It should test the intellect of the customer; make him or her think a few minutes after seeing the logo. If you notice some of the top logo designs each of them have a unique aspect to it that depicts something about the company.
3. Memorable and simple logo design
One of things you need to really focus on is to make sure your logo design is not too cluttered or too fancy. This will just confuse the customer. Ultimately you want the customer to remember your brand. If the logo is easy to remember, that will only happen. Be sure that the logo sends out positive signals to the customer.
4. Flexibility is a major issue in logo design
There are so many companies who invest a fortune on their logo design only to realize later that their logo doesn't work on a product wrapper! Your logo needs to be flexible enough to work and create a lasting impact on any medium whether it is a product wrapper, your company website or even any promotional materials you send out!
5. Never clutter your logo in logo design
One critical mistake people make is to cram in too much information in their logo design This makes your logo look cluttered not to mention the fact that customers will fail to remember your brand!
6. Use fonts that promote readability in your logo design.
You might select a font that looks great on paper but when you use it in the logo it hampers readability. If they are going to prevent customers from remembering you, there is absolutely no point using classy fonts in logo design. Make sure fonts are easy on the eye.
7. Usage of color in logo design. Great logo design will always focus on using complementary colors that looks good against a black or white background.
You would obviously want your logo design to catch the attention of the customer. If you notice some of the top logo designs each of them have a unique aspect to it that depicts something about the company.
One of things you need to really focus on is to make sure your logo design is not too cluttered or too fancy. There are so many companies who invest a fortune on their logo design only to realize later that their logo doesn't work on a product wrapper! There is absolutely no point using classy fonts in logo design if they are going to prevent customers from remembering you.
When it comes to logo design, you ultimately want it to convey your brand in the best possible manner. At the same time you don't want it to take up too much space. That is the greatest challenge-- to be able to create a winning impact within the space constraints. Here are the 7 factors you need to consider to have a logo that spells success!
1. Research always helps in effective logo design
You need to do a fair bit of research to understand the company, its objectives and mission as well as its business goals-- both long and short term. You also need to know the demographics of the target audience.
2. Unique and attractive: two elements of great logo design
You would obviously want your logo design to catch the attention of the customer. At the same time it should not be screaming for attention. It should test the intellect of the customer; make him or her think a few minutes after seeing the logo. If you notice some of the top logo designs each of them have a unique aspect to it that depicts something about the company.
3. Simple and memorable logo design
One of things you need to really focus on is to make sure your logo design is not too cluttered or too fancy. Be sure that the logo sends out positive signals to the customer.
4. Flexibility is a major issue in logo design
There are so many companies who invest a fortune on their logo design only to realize later that their logo doesn't work on a product wrapper! What a waste of time and money! Your logo needs to be flexible enough to work and create a lasting impact on any medium whether it is a product wrapper, your company website or even any promotional materials you send out! That means you need to consider the size of the logo and the usage of appropriate colors. The colors used need to match well with any background while also helping the brand to stand out.
5. Never clutter your logo in logo design
One critical mistake people make is to cram in too much information in their logo design. This makes your logo look cluttered not to mention the fact that customers will fail to remember your brand!
6. Use fonts that promote readability in your logo design.
You might select a font that looks great on paper but when you use it in the logo it hampers readability. If they are going to prevent customers from remembering you, there is absolutely no point using classy fonts in logo design. Make sure fonts are easy on the eye.
7. Usage of color in logo design.
Great logo design will always focus on using complementary colors that looks good against a white or black background.
You would obviously want your logo design to catch the attention of the customer. If you notice some of the top logo designs each of them have a unique aspect to it that depicts something about the company.
One of things you need to really focus on is to make sure your logo design is not too cluttered or too fancy. There are so many companies who invest a fortune on their logo design only to realize later that their logo doesn't work on a product wrapper! There is absolutely no point using classy fonts in logo design if they are going to prevent customers from remembering you.
For really effective animated logos visit http://animatedvideoshop.com
You've probably seen TV shopping info ads. Even if you didn't end up buying the product advertised on TV, you must admit that seeing a demonstration of the product's performance can be very persuasive and can induce many TV shoppers to part with their money.
Demo videos are truly powerful, and the good news is, you can make use of this power in the internet. You can market your company or products using internet videos.
Why Use Internet Videos for Internet Marketing
Internet videos are fast becoming the trendy way of advertising your products to potential customers. All you need to do is create a demonstration like the infomercials you see on TV through which you can extol the merits of your systems, services or products.
Internet video presentations are more interesting
Internet videos are way better than mere text or graphic advertisements. Nowadays, consumers suffer from information overload. The internet is prolific in content and the internet user and consumer can hardly catch up. They just glance over titles, subtitles and some bits and pieces of the paragraphs in between. If your text fails to hold their interest, say goodbye to potential sales.
Internet video presentations are better because in a matter of a few minutes, your customers can learn about your products in a more engaging and interesting manner. Videos are more dynamic than text ads and are therefore more attention grabbing. Because your target consumer can see your product in action; they no longer have to imagine it, they beat text ads.
Internet video presentations are more convenient
Video hosting technologies are fairly advanced to increase the convenience to consumers and therefore aid your internet marketing efforts. Video streaming, which allows consumers to watch your video without the need to download the material, facilitates hassle-free viewing.
Internet video hosting is becoming more affordable
You don't have to pay through the nose for video hosting services that provide video streaming support. These video hosting solutions have become much cheaper than they used to be because of continuous technological innovations and increasing competition.
Internet video presentations are easily distributed
One other advantage of using internet video media for internet marketing is the existence of numerous video distribution channels where you can post your videos for free. You can try YouTube, for instance, and reach the millions of visitors this video sharing site has. Exposure of this magnitude has never been this easy to attain.
Some Tips to Using Internet Video for Internet Marketing
To take advantage of the benefits to internet video marketing, you need to remember a few things. One, you should produce internet videos with high image and audio quality. Two, you should keep your internet videos simple and short-- short because your typical internet viewer is in a hurry or easily bored, and simple because you need to be easily understood by everyone.
Third, stick to the highlights in your internet video presentation. Select only those most relevant and give a rundown only on the key benefits of your products and services.
Finally, if you are posting your video on a site other than your own, be sure to direct your viewer to your web site by providing your link.
Internet videos are way better than mere text or graphic advertisements. Internet video presentations are better because in a matter of a few minutes, your customers can learn about your products in a more engaging and interesting manner. One other advantage of using internet video media for internet marketing is the existence of numerous video distribution channels where you can post your videos for free. To take advantage of the benefits to internet video marketing, you need to remember a few things. Two, you should keep your internet videos simple and short-- short because your typical internet viewer is in a hurry or easily bored, and simple because you need to be easily understood by everyone.
