Downgrading iTunes 10 to iTunes 9

iTunes 10 is the first Apple software that failed me. Several months ago I installed it as part of the regular system update of my machine, and I think it was the worst software I ever had. It's a tad exaggerated but really, it didn't live up to at least what it's supposed to do. It refused to import music and crashed a lot so I instantly googled how to downgrade to iTunes 9. The process was a breeze, considering how many had similar (or worse) problems and how many were keen enough just to know how. 

Earlier, my software updater begged me to install an update and so I did and apparently it installed iTunes 10! Gah. Maybe because I've been unchecking installation for iTunes 10 for so long, it's the only software update I need and my updater probably downloaded it automatically and waited for my okay. Still, it should've notified me it was going to be iTunes 10 so I could've prevented the installation. Hmf. I googled the said version, and it's still very glitchy so I'm downgrading again. Bye playlists.

So if you have the same dilemma, back up and here's how:

Downgrading iTunes 10 on Mac
Step 1: Delete the following files:

• The iTunes application in /Applications
• com.apple.iTunes.plist which is located in ~/Library/Preferences (this is the library folder inside your user folder)
• iTunes.pkg which is located in /Library/Receipts (this is the library folder at the root level of your startup drive)
• iTunesX.pkg which is located in /Library/Receipts

Step 2: Give your Mac a reboot, Download iTunes 9.2.1 and install it.
Step 3: At last, you may need to re-create iTunes library and playlist (helpful guide)

Downgrading iTunes 10 on Windows
Step 1: Navigate to C:\My Documents\My Music. Copy the entire iTunes folder and save it on your Desktop as back up.
Step 2: Open the Control Panel -> Uninstall Programs and uninstall the following applications:

• iTunes 9.1
• Apple Mobile Device Support
• Apple Application Support
• Apple Software Update
• QuickTime
• iPhone Configuration

Step 3: Reboot your computer then navigate to C:\My Documents\My Music\iTunes and rename the iTunesLibrary.itl to Library.itl.backup
Step 4: n the same folder, open “Previous iTunes Libraries” and find the most recent library backup, which should be named something like “iTunes Library 2010-09-1.itl”
Step 5: Copy this file, then paste it in C:My Documents\My Music\iTunes and rename it iTunes Library.itl
Step 6: Download iTunes 9.2.1 for Windows and install it 
Step 7: At last, you may need to re-create iTunes library and playlist (helpful guide)


Source: http://www.mob2all.com/2010/09/how-to-install-android-on-iphone-3g_03.html

The secret to  delicious super crispy french fries is to [insert preferred cooking method here] them twice. *

I'm eating french fries, I toasted what was left from my purchase on the way home. They're better than when I bought them fresh from McDo. Hehe. I was actually supposed to buy twister fries but they're not available anymore.

Naalala ko lang. I thought I'd share. :)

*I think. I know it's proven for frying, but I think it should work in whatever method. Just undercook then cook again.

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Click the photo for the source.

I just organized my files using Mendeley and it was so awesome! It's a bit hard to keep track and rename all the articles I've collected over the years but this program does it for me. I think it's similar to Zotero, which Ma'am May recommended a couple of years ago, but for my purposes Mendeley is just fine.

Try it!

Cookie Phase

I've been experimenting with baking lately, more specifically cookies. Now that I know the exact temperatures on our oven knob, I can bake in ease. Hehe

Today Ina and I baked some sugar cookies and my left over cranberry oatmeal dough. The first couple of batches were a hit! However, in the third batch we lost LPG so we had to stop. I put the dough of the sugar cookies and the trays with the scoops in the freezer. Then after the tank was delivered, we finished the last batch of sugar cookies.

L-R: Baked at room temp, scooped then chilled dough,

 chilled then scooped dough.

Now, here are my observations as to baking cookies so far.

1. Sugar cookies should be baked with the dough at room temperature. It's okay to chill the dough for around 20-30 mins to ease scooping but leaving it to freeze and pop it directly in the oven is a bad idea. Sugar cookies are obviously laden with sugar and it's baked at a relatively high temperature (at least compared to chewy ones) and sugar tends to burn when it's heated long.

2. For chewy cookies, it is imperative to chill the dough and it's best that way before you place it straight into the oven. I think that's the thing with chewy cookies, the cookies are cooked slowly in relatively longer and at lower temperatures. The chilling is key to maintain its shape, believe me.

3. There is this thing with over mixing, I guess you just know it by feel. I can't really say how you can tell if a batter is over mixed; just mix your dough well for a couple of minutes after all ingredients are incorporated and some more unless specified. Luckily I haven't had a batch of over mixed cookies so far. I hear they're pretty hard.

Baking really is an exact science, and it pays to follow your recipe religiously. Just tweak it from there. :)

UPDATE 6/12: We made a superb batch of Banana Crunch Muffins (recipe by Ina Garten). I am so making that again the next chance I get.

Easy Cinnamon Sticks

I was looking for sandwich recipes earlier for my baon tomorrow when I stumbled upon Bobby Flay's Nutella and Banana sandwiches. I went to the pantry straight away!

I made a simpler version, we only had banana but it was really good still. Would've been marvelous if topped with vanilla ice cream. Hehe

Because of this, I don't think I'll ever buy cinnamon sticks again. Taking a cue from Bobby Flay's recipe, it's quite simple now that I think about it.

Start with buttering a non stick pan. Add the sliced "sticks" of bread to the pan to toast it a bit, then add a sugar and cinnamon mix of a ratio of about 2:1 until the mixture adheres to the bread. Just adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon mix to the amount of bread you'll use. 

Note that you should use low heat and cook quickly when there's sugar, it may burn.

Enjoy!

French Toast

I love breakfast. Though most days I don't really get to eat breakfast because I always wake up late, I enjoy meals traditionally made for breakfast. Pancakes, tapsilog, champorado, omelets --the whole spectrum. I just think that breakfast meals are fun and creative, not to mention many are dessert-like. 

And although cooking is not really my skill, I try to experiment in the kitchen once in a while. What I whip up are very simple and easy, I get easily discouraged by complicated recipes. But what I always adore  is making breakfast especially when I'm trying out a new recipe or idea. My latest concoction is french toast. Of course, what I make is very simple compared to this but you get the point.

 

This french toast phenomena started when I was inspired by a show I saw on  the Food Network. There was this breakfast place serving thousands of breakfast meals everyday, and one of their specialties is french toast. Aaaaah heaven! The following day, I had to make french toast. Hallelujah for Google and WikiHow, I found a neat recipe even a seven year old could follow. Hah. Awesome. (Tip: cook using cooking oil + butter, the better the butter the tastier.) Now, all I need to do is perfect my skills and find new ways of reinventing the traditional. I can see banana and Nutella french toast in the near future!

So there. Somehow I thought I'd start a blog with a very relevant entry, like politics or world peace. But I think this is better, something light and simple. Exactly like french toast. :)