Article: Regardless of the seasonings (or lack thereof) you choose to use for your flank steak, you will probably want to begin by scoring it, especially if you have a thick piece of meat. Scoring is a process in which shallow cuts are made into the surface of the steak to allow both heat and seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat. To score your flank steak, place the flank steak on a cutting board, then use the tip of a sharp knife to make several shallow cuts into the surface of both sides of the steak in a diamond pattern. Try to make each cut about 14 inch (0.6cm) deep. If you can, cut against the grain of the meat. As we'll eventually learn, the general rule with flank steak is to always cut against the grain to reduce the meat's toughness. If cooked correctly, flank steak can taste great without any seasoning at all. However, proper seasonings give this dish a burst of zesty flavor that can make it absolutely irresistible. When it comes to seasoning your flank steak, generally, your two options will be to use a marinade or a dry rub. Marinading your steak means letting soak in a mix of flavorful liquid ingredients so that it absorbs its flavor, while a dry rub is exactly what it sounds like a mix of dry ingredients that you rub onto the outside of the steak. Both options can result in great flank steak. However, these seasoning methods aren't usually used together, so it's a wise idea to decide which method you're using before you start to cook. Note that sample marinade and dry rub recipes are listed above in the "Ingredients" section. If you're using a marinade, you will want to begin early so that your flank steak has enough time to soak before cooking. Generally, you'll want to let your meat marinate for at least 2-3 hours, though marinating for as long as overnight can give stronger flavors. Whether you're using a marinade or a dry rub, the basic process for preparing each is the same. Simply combine the ingredients in a single vessel and mix thoroughly until the ingredients are combined. When you've achieved a thorough mix, your seasonings are ready to be applied to your flank steak. If you're not interested in the pair of delicious marinade and dry rub recipes listed above, it's easy to make your own. For marinades, you'll want to start with an oil base (like olive oil or vegetable oil) and add your preferred seasonings, some of which should be acidic liquids (like citrus juice or vinegar) to cut the oil. To make a dry rub, simply combine dry or powdered ingredients that you like. A good mix of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy flavors is always a good bet. If you've chosen to add flavor to your steak with a marinade, begin by pouring the marinade in to a large zip-lock bag, then add the flank steak. Squeeze most of the air out of the bag, then seal it securely shut. Knead the bag to be sure the steak is completely coated in marinade. Leave the marinating steak in its bag in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours; some prefer to allow the meat to marinate overnight. Note, however, that the longer you allow your meat to marinate, the stronger it will taste. If you don't have any zip-lock bags handy, you can soak your meat in a bowl covered with plastic wrap, a tupperware container, or any other plastic container with a seal. On the other hand, if you're more interested in the tasty exterior crust that a dry rub provides, skip the marinade and apply your dry rub instead. Pour your dry rub into a large bowl and drop your flank steak in. Use your hands to toss your meat in the dry rub until it is completely covered. Be generous with your dry rub you want every surface of your flank steak to receive a thorough coating. When done, let the meat sit until it reaches room temperature, or, if you're not grilling immediately, place it on a platter in the refrigerator.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Score your steak. Choose a marinade or dry rub for your steak. Mix your seasonings. If marinading, soak your steak. Alternatively, apply your dry rub.
Article: This is the best time for planting bare root roses. While you can purchase container roses and continue to water and care for them while they are still in their containers, when it comes to bare root roses, you'll have to plant them immediately after you purchase them, so make sure you have everything you need. The hole should be bigger than the roots of the rose and the earth attached to them so that the roots have something to grab on to as the plants grow. This is what you will need to do to plant one bare root rose. However, many plants are sold in groups of three and growing them that way can be a great plan. If you're planting more than one rose, however, then you should make sure they are planted at least 23 feet (0.60.9m) apart, so their roots have room to grow. Mix it well until you've formed a mound of the entire mixture at the bottom of the hole you've dug. If you're planting in a warmer climate, then you should position the the rose so that the bud union of the rose is just above the level of the ground. If it's colder, the bud union should be about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1cm) below ground level. The roots should be covered, but the stem should be out of the ground. This will keep out any air pockets that could harm your roses. Then, pat the soil around the roots a bit more firmly. Keep filling the hole with the mixture until it's about 3/4 full. If you're shoveling with your hands, just watch out for the thorns. Let the water soak all the way into the soil and then refill the hole. Trim the canes of the roses so they're about 8 inches (20.3cm). Do this by making angled cuts that are about 14 inch (0.6cm) above the outward facing buds. This will protect the canes of the rose from drying out. In about two weeks, the buds should sprout, and then you can remove the mound. This is an old gardener's trick that will help the plant retain water a bit better and which will also keep it from falling down after the first wind.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Plant the roses between six weeks before your region's last average frost date and two weeks after it. Dig a hole that is bigger than the plant. Mix some compost with the soil. Place the bare root rose on the soil mound. Shovel the soil mixture around the bare roots. Fill the hole with water. Make a 6-inch soil mound over the plant. Stomp down on the mound a little bit.
Article: Measure a piece of regular sewing thread to the be about the length of your forearm. Tie the 2 loose ends in a knot, creating a loop. Avoid threads that are highly synthetic. Cotton thread works best for threading. If the thread is too long or short for your liking, feel free to cut a new piece of thread to meet your personal preference.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Prepare your thread.