Gratefully Prepared

How to Use the Same Pattern in Different Ways

2011-11-18T20:22:00.001-08:00

One of the things that we face when we are sewing is the boring repetition of reusing the same pattern over and over again.

One solution is to get our creative juices flowing and come up with finishing touches that are an update or change things up a bit from one item to another.

Here I made the same dress twice. On one, I did a traditional gathered ruffle and because I wanted to shorten it a bit, I added pleats in the base of the skirt.
On the other dress, I cut a 3"wide strip that was double the measurement of the entire base of the skirt (the circumfrence of the skirt). I sewed the right sides together and took a couple hours while watching TV and watching the girls play to pull the fabric through to create a sash. I took that and folded it into 4ths and pinned each 4th to 1 quarter of the skirt (front center, right side, back center, and left side) to make sure I had it all equal. I then folded and stitched all of the way around the skirt. I'm in love with this look!!!

Times might be hard but that doesn't mean we can't make things really cute and trendy!

You can Sew the Trend-How to Make Fabric Flowers . . .

2011-11-18T19:56:00.001-08:00

For Clothing, accessories and crafts, I found an easy and darling way to change up anything and give it your touch. Fabric Flowers:

You can make the sizes that you'd like. I made some large and some small for the dress' sleeves and waist

Take the circle of your choice fold in half

2) Then fold in 4th's

3) Stitch along whole curved side with about 1/4" seam

4) reach into center, pull out fabric and shape the flower hiding the rough seam

5)find a shape you like for your project

6) use a thread and needle and stitch the underside to hold the flower together. Play with this and make sure that you don't let your stitches show on the front. It is fun to see if you can pull parts down for emphasis. 7) sew the flower in several places from the underside to the dress or whatever your project might be

Here is the first one that I sewed onto K's dress. I ended up putting 3 large ones on the waist and 3 little ones on each sleeve. It was a great way to change up a pattern that I had already used for another dress.

Food Storage in a Bag

2011-10-02T08:43:00.001-07:00

I found this on FB and thought that it was a great idea!!

The idea is to make a "Meal in a Bag". It's more or less taken from the gift craze several years ago of "Soup in a Jar". Basically, you get all the ingredients needed for one hearty meal that will feed at least 6 people - food and seasonings- put them in a mylar bag with an oxygen packet, seal it, and put a label on the bag with the recipe and instructions. All that is needed is water. These bags can be saved for an emergency, or used when you don't know what to cook for dinner, and are easy enough that your kids could cook it themselves.

Although this has more to do with food storage and not really with homeschooling, I decided to share it anyway because we all have families and we all need to eat. I figure that if you were to assemble these with your family, you'd be able to teach all kinds of math and cooking skills, so it could relate after all!

Meals in a Bag are a simple way to make use of all the dried beans, lentils, rice, split peas, dried carrots and the like, that you have stored. Instead of not knowing what to cook, it's already made up for you, seasonings and all! It's also amazingly cheap! The most expensive "bag" is my recipe for Black Beans 'n' Rice. Depending on the price of rice and dried peppers the entire cost ranges from $3-4 to serve at least 6. This is the recipe two of my children asked me to prepare for dinner again, after I'd prepared it for the the first time the night before. I have also heard that to store a "year supply" of Meals in a Bag, would take up about half of the space beneath a twin bed...That's one hearty meal a day for your family in a pretty small space!

For the Relief Society Broadcast last Saturday, the sisters in our ward had a "recipe tasting" dinner. I provided 6 recipes to taste test. I assigned women to make the recipes after I provided them with all the ingredients in the bags. The women then voted on their top three recipes. We will be assembling the recipes that were chosen in a few weeks, and already over 200 meals have been ordered! Now I'm madly trying to locate the food needed to fill the bags!

Some pointers I've learned along the way...

Keep the beans and seasonings separate so that you can soak the beans if you desire.
Don't add the seasonings at the beginning of cooking the beans, wait until they are more softened. This makes it much more flavorful. Also, adding tomatoes or salt too soon to cooking beans, inhibits them from absorbing water and softening.
If dried veggies are part of the seasoning blend, take this into account, and give them more cooking time to become softened.
If pasta is included in the recipe, keep it separate from the beans and seasonings, so it can be added 10-15 minutes before serving.
Try out the recipes FIRST, before you put them in bags. If your family won't eat it now, they won't like it in an emergency any better.
Find recipes by searching online for "Soup in a Jar" recipes or adapting recipes that use fresh ingredients to ones that use dried ingredients.
Don't forget the optional ingredients. If you know that you want to add canned tomatoes to a bag recipe, make sure you have the corresponding number of cans to bags. Another option is try adding tomato powder (to be added right before serving, after the beans are softened- see the second bullet) to get the tomato flavor, instead of the can of tomatoes.
A lot of beans can be used interchangeably with only a slight difference in flavor (if at all). So try the recipe with beans that you have on hand instead of sticking to only the kind the recipe uses.
You can cut one 12"x13" mylar bag in two for use as two bags. An iron used on a wooden board can be used to seal the bags, you don't have to have a sealer. Simply push out as much air as possible, seal, and the oxygen packet will take care of the excess air.
Buy large labels to print the recipe and instructions so they can be placed directly on the bag.
A lot of the food (i.e. beans, dried onions, carrots, pasta, rice) can be inexpensively bought at a church cannery as well as the mylar bags and oxygen packets.

Here is a recipe that I adapted from a fresh recipe to one calling for dried ingredients. It was the hit of the night at the RS taste testing as well as with my kids:

Black Beans and Rice

3 c uncooked rice

1 1/3 c black beans

1/3 c dried minced onion

¾ c dried red bell pepper (green may be substituted)

1 ½ Tbsp granulated garlic

1 ½ tsp chicken bouillon powder

3 bay leaves

1 tsp salt

½-3/4 tsp ground black pepper

¼- ½ tsp ground cumin

Cover beans with 3 cups of water and soak over night, or use the quick soak method (bring water to a boil for 2 minutes, cover, remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour). Discard water and add 3-4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat and simmer for an hour, at this time prepare the rice. Add 6 cups of water to uncooked rice, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is tender (about 40 minutes), keep warm until beans are ready to serve. Continue to simmer beans until tender. When tender, drain beans, but retain 2 ½ c of the cooking water. In a dutch oven, combine the reserved liquid, seasonings, vegetables, and beans, stir often over medium heat until the vegetables have softened and flavors have melded. If desired, leave a little soupy as it can be used as a sauce. Remove bay leaves and serve over the cooked rice. Enjoy!

If you're interested, this is a link to the original video I watched on YouTube, that introduced me to the idea. Kory Mikesell is the creator of the video. I believe he is a member of the church in southern California.

If you have any questions, you can email me @ crazyherbgirl at gmail (dot) com. I will try to answer your questions, don't hate me if I don't get back to you right away...

Can you share how you have found it easier to get your year supply?

Jenny is the nutty mother of 6 kids, and is married to a child psychologist (it's great to have psych help on site). Her varied ramblings are found at We don't call people poopyheads. Her interests are basically anything that makes her abnormal, such as homebirthing, homeschooling, herbalism and natural healing, holistic iridology, being a certified Emotion Code practitioner, and a survivalist wanna-be, to name a few.

Star Wars Cookies on a Dime

2011-09-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

One thing that is happening now with a sustained down turn in the economy, is that we all are doing more at home and do-it-yourself cakes, cookies and goodies for birthday. Well, we're no exception.

Frosted in two colors to achieve the famous side buns for Princess Leia

Our 4 year old, now 5, said that her friends in pre-school would love Star Wars Cookies! What?! OK, I'm always up for a challenge. So I looked at all of my cookie cutters and found the pumpkin shape to be the closest thing I had. I baked my traditional Sugar cookies and made a frosting with powdered sugar, vanilla and milk, colored it and voila!

Finished Princess Leia Cookies, because even in Star Wars, there were princesses!

And for the boys, I made the Storm Troopers, also cut with the pumpkin cutters.

Storm Trooper Cookies made with the same frosting just different colors as Princess Leia. The black is a little thicker so that is could be piped on

This really wasn't a huge time grabber project. Especially if you know what you're looking for in cutters and recipes. Just use what you have and you can make some magic for the kiddos!

Do You Want to Make Cheese?

2011-08-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have a new goal. . . make cheese for the family!! I am doing a lot of research while waiting for a starter kit I ordered. It seems that mozzarella and feta are the two easiest to make so I'll probably start there. My real love would be to make a Gouda-back to my roots.

Here are two sites I like:
Cheese Making Illustrated

Making Cheese at Home

How to make "farm" cheese

Easy Cheesey: 4 Simple Recipes

Canning Tomatoes and Tomato Products

2011-08-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Here is great information on Canning Tomatoes and what to look for in the process:

Canning Tomatoes and Tomato Products

Quick Facts...

Select disease-free, preferably vine-ripened, firm tomatoes for canning. Avoid overripe tomatoes.
To ensure safe acidity in whole, crushed or juiced tomatoes, add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid per quart of tomatoes. For pints, add 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon citric acid.
Freezing is a safe, easy alternative to home canning. Frozen tomatoes and tomato products do not need added acid.

Tomatoes are the most widely home-canned product in the United States. They also are one of the most commonly spoiled home-canned products. The canning processes recommended in this fact sheet are the result of USDA research on safe home-canning procedures for tomatoes and tomato products.

Tomato Acidity

Although tomatoes are considered a high-acid food (pH below 4.6), certain conditions and varieties can produce tomatoes and tomato products with pH values above 4.6. When this happens, the product must be canned in a pressure canner as a low-acid product or acidified to a pH of 4.6 or lower with lemon juice or citric acid.

Research has found several conditions that can reduce the acidity of tomatoes. These include decay or damage caused by bruises, cracks, blossom end rot or Insects, and overripening. Tomatoes grown in the shade, ripened in shorter hours of daylight, or ripened off the vine tend to be lower in acidity than those ripened in direct sunlight on the vine. Also, tomatoes attached to dead vines at harvest are considerably less acidic than tomatoes harvested from healthy vines. Decayed and damaged tomatoes and those harvested from frost-killed or dead vines should not be home canned.

To ensure safe acidity in whole, crushed or juiced tomatoes, add lemon juice or citric acid when processing in a boiling water bath. Add 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid per quart of tomatoes. For pints, use 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon citric acid. Acid can be added directly to the jars before filling with product. Add sugar to offset the taste, if desired. Four tablespoons of a 5 percent acidity vinegar per quart can be used instead of lemon juice or citric acid. However, vinegar may cause undesirable flavor changes.

Process Carefully to Avoid Spoilage

The most common reasons for spoilage in home-canned tomato products are underprocessing and incomplete seals. Tomatoes that have not been processed long enough to destroy molds and heat-resistant bacteria may spoil during storage. One of the common spoilage organisms, Bacillus coagulans, is very heat resistant and causes flat-sour spoilage. The jar lid may still be sealed and the product may appear normal, but the tomatoes will smell sour because of lactic acid produced by the growth of B. coagulans in the product. Never use tomatoes or tomato juices with off-odors.

Molds can grow on the surface of improperly processed tomato products and may eventually reduce the acidity to a point where botulism-producing spores can grow and produce a deadly toxin. Because even minute amounts of botulism toxin can cause fatal illness, discard without tasting any canned products that show mold growth on the surface. Discard them where they cannot be eaten by other people or animals.

The processing times in this fact sheet are designed to ensure sufficient destruction of bacteria and molds. Where appropriate, processing recommendations for both water bath and pressure canning are given. In general, a pressure canner results in higher quality and more nutritious canned tomato products.

Yield Information

One bushel of fresh tomatoes weighs 53 pounds and yields approximately 18 quarts of canned tomatoes or 15 to 18 quarts of juice. Approximately 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds of fresh tomatoes makes 1 quart of canned tomatoes.

Up Cycling T-Shirts

2011-05-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

I friend of mine saw this tutorial and tried it with great success. If you look to the right of the blog there are a couple fantastic ways to use t-shirts for new, cute clothing ideas!

http://creatingbycami.blogspot.com/2011/03/business-in-front-party-in-back.html

Raising Chickens

2011-05-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

In a family email we had the topic of raising chickens come up.
Here is a link to a very cool Chicken Coop!!!

And this is a great information site on the whole "chicken-cabootle" :)

Working on Removing Moles

2011-05-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

We have Mole issues (skin moles) in our family. We have started to use Nevi No More on them. I have successfully removed one of mine so far. I went the natural route because I was pregnant. I have had up to 25 moles removed in my life with a dermatologist or two and thought that it would be good to try the natural route out.
If you try any of these methods or have already, please comment on what works and doesn't work. I'll comment, too as we try this all in our home:

> Onion Juice Method
> 1
> Check your local grocery store to see if onion juice is
>
> stocked. It will usually be near the spices section. If the store has
>
> some, purchase it and go to Step 3. If the store doesn't, proceed to
>
> Step 2.
> Make your own onion juice. There are numerous ways to do
> this, and any way to get the juice out will work. One way is to put a
> few slices of the onion in a food processor and leave the processor on
> until the onion is mushy. You can now place the onions into a coffee
> filter and squeeze them. Make sure you have something to catch the
> juice in when it comes through the filter. It will not make much, but
> you don't really need much for this method.
3 Rub the onion juice directly onto your mole. Do this
> everyday for at least 3 weeks. This should diminish the mole's
> appearance.
>
Castor Oil Method
> 1 Put some baking soda into a bowl. You only need a pinch or two of the baking soda.
>The bowl does not need to be large as you will only be making enough
product for you to use for one day. You can make a new batch everyday.
> 2 Pour a small amount of castor oil into the baking soda while using your finger to mix it well. You will only need enough castor oil to make the baking soda into a paste. Depending on how much baking soda you used, this could vary. Stop adding castor oil when the mixture is a
>
> paste.
> 3 Apply the paste to your mole, or moles, nightly before going
to bed. Leave the paste on overnight. Wash off any remnant of the paste when you wake up in the morning. Make a little more paste each day and keep applying it to your mole for at least a week, and the
mole's appearance should diminish.
>
> Other Methods
1 Go outside and pull a few dandelions out of the ground. You want to make sure that the root comes up with them. Knock off the dirt and begin rubbing the root onto the mole. Continue doing this until a milky white substance comes out of the root. Do this three times a day.
> This is one of the best methods for mole removal.
> 2 Take some freshly cut pineapple and rub it on the mole. Do this several times a day and the mole should start to diminish in 2 to 3 days.
>
> 3 Apply tea tree oil to the mole or moles. Continue doing this for 7 to 10 days and the mole should start to diminish.

Freezer Meals-ideas for your freezer storage

2011-02-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.dontpanicdinners.com/index.html

http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2009/11/freezer-meals-she-becky.html

http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2010/10/freezer-meals-tips-for-dummies.html

http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2010/01/cookbook-organization-stuffed-italian.html

http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2010/10/spinach-stuffed-shells-freezer-meal.html

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/02/baked-chicken-penne-freezer-meal.html

Cute Dressup Storage idea!

2011-02-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

http://ana-white.com/2010/11/craftiness-is-not-optionals-dress-up-storage.html

Great way to do the One Year Food Storage!

2010-12-17T10:33:00.001-08:00

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1620354&iid=Category|SPOTLIGHT|Grocery|Augason+Farms+Food+Storage+One+Year+Kit#desc

Silhouette Machine Giveaway

2010-11-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

Silhouette Machine Giveaway

Hawaiian Bread Recipe

2010-11-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

Hawaiian Bread

7 cups all-purpose flour (you can use about 1 C. of whole wheat flour with out altering the taste)
3/4 cup instant mashed potato flakes
2/3 cup sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast (4 1/2 t. dry active yeast-if you buy in bulk)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup milk (3 T. dry non-instant milk powder + 1 c. water)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup pineapple juice (which just happens to be the pineapple juice in a tidbit can-a great way to use your leftovers!)
3 eggs (3 T. dry egg powder and NO WATER)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Auquaponics and more!

2010-07-29T17:08:00.001-07:00

Look at the different
gardening ideas
for small spaces as well
as for utilizing
common storage and lumber materials
(Click on "gardening Ideas")

Many Uses of Coffee Filters

2010-03-07T18:26:00.001-08:00

COFFEE FILTERS

Coffee filters ..... Who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing even the large ones.

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows, mirrors, and chrome... Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China by separating your good dishes with a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

5. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

6. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

7. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

8. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

9. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

10. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter..

11. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters..

12. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. It soaks out all the grease.

13. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

14. As a sewing backing. Use a filter as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.

15. Put baking soda into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors.

16. Use them to strain soup stock and to tie fresh herbs in to put in soups and stews.

17. Use a coffee filter to prevent spilling when you add fluids to your car.

18. Use them as a spoon rest while cooking and clean up small counter spills.

19. Can use to hold dry ingredients when baking or when cutting a piece of fruit or veggies.. Saves on having extra bowls to wash.

20. Use them to wrap Christmas ornaments for storage.

22. Use them to remove fingernail polish when out of cotton balls.

24. Use them to sprout seeds.. Simply dampen the coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it and place it into a plastic baggie until they sprout.

23. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place the flowers between two coffee filters and put the coffee filters in phone book..

24. Use as a disposable "snack bowl" for popcorn, chips, etc.

Fresh Warm Homemade Tortillas!!

2010-03-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

We had the best class.
We learned how to make fresh tortillas from scratch.
Ashlee showed the way. We first watched her make the dough (she also had a pre-made dough that she had added wheat flour to) and then we went to work!
We learned that we had to roll the dough REALLY thin! In a warm pan on medium heat we just put the rolled out dough. It cooked for a minute or two on each side and that was it! So easy and yummy. In the pan, we learned that the tortilla ends up a little thicker.
We tried the tortilla press or flat bread maker next.
THAT'S a fun thing.
We "blew out" the first ones-just shredded them and then we started to get the hang of it.
Nancy was a pro and went to town.
Here's oh so easy and oh so yummy recipe:
In the mixer:
4 cups flour
2tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
8 Tbsp Crisco
Mix for a minute then add:
1 1/2 cup hot tap water
If the dough is too dry add a little more water. Let stand for 15 mins
Take and egg sized ball of dough and roll into 1/8" circle.
Put into a hot pan and let cook for a minute or two on each side.
With the Tortilla Press just take the eggs sized ball of dough and put on press and press! Voila!
*The dough is interesting. It doesn't stick to the counter or the pan or press. We didn't have to use any cooking spray.
Makes about 30 tortillas or more!

In the pictures: Nancy, Ashlee (the Chef), Jacklyn and Laura

Document Everything

2010-02-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a very creative way
to DOCUMENT
everything you own

Make Your Own Letter Stamps

2010-02-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

Kids will love this. What child doesn't love to paint? But this isn't just for kids!!
Check out THIS site for a great way to stamp letters using items we see all of the time.

Onions Trap Bacteria? Try it

2010-02-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

I just read this and thought it was worth a try:

" . . . buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case.. Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!
*Now, there is a P.S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with this most interesting experience about onions:*
Weldon, thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story.....but I do know that I contracted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill.... I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion, put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar... placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs... sure enough it happened just like that... the onion was a mess and I began to feel better.
Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago.. *They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties*.

This is the other note.
*LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS... .!!*
I have used an onion which has been left in the fridge, and sometimes I don't use a whole one at one time, so save the other half for later.
Now with this info, I have changed my mind.... I will buy smaller onions in the future...
I had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, makers of mayonnaise. Mullins is huge, and is owned by 11 brothers and sisters in the Mullins family.. My friend, Jeanne, is the CEO.
Questions about food poisoning came up and I wanted to share what I learned from a chemist.. The guy who gave us our tour is named Ed. He's one of the brothers.. Ed is a chemistry expert and is involved in developing most of the sauce formula. He's even developed sauce formula for McDonald's.
Keep in mind that Ed is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always worried that mayonnaise will spoil.

Ed's answer will surprise you.. he said that all commercially made mayo is completely safe.
"It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then talked about the quaint essential picnic, with the bowl of potato salad sitting on the table and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone gets sick.
Ed says that when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the 'victim' last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as it's not homemade Mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the onions, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES.

He explained, onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.... he says it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator.

It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!).
Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put it on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down.

So, how's that for news? Take it for what you will. I (the author) am going to be very careful about my onions from now on. For some reason, I see a lot of credibility coming from a chemist and a company that produces millions of pounds of mayonnaise every year.'

Also, dogs should never eat onions... their stomachs cannot metabolise onions.

Please remember it is dangerous to cut onions and then use it to cook the
next day, it becomes highly poisonous in even a single night and creates
toxic bacteria which may cause adverse stomach infections because of excess
bile secretions and even food poisoning.

Did You Know?

2010-02-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

Reheat Pizza
Heat leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove; set heat to med-low
and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the food channel and it really works.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.
If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.
It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!
Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.
Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking. ?

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.
It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal; mash till they are all broken up Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy; squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done - easy clean up.

Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in
a microwave next to a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food
moist and help it reheat faster.
Newspaper weeds away
Start putting torn newspaper in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers,
put layers around the plants, overlapping as you go; cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic; they will not get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... ta da! ... static is gone.

Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water.
Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient (peanut butter, honey, etc.) and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside,
just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2 with Apple Cider Vinegar
and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS
The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes.) He took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material . I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well .... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us
that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh - that's what burns out the heating unit.
You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your
clothes soft and static free. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your
house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush ?at least every six months.
He said that increases the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?!
Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!
Note: I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when
I rinsed it ... the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!

Finding Water Pollutants Near You

2010-02-11T15:33:00.000-08:00

"Across the nation, the system that Congress created to protect the nation’s waters under the Clean Water Act of 1972 today often fails to prevent pollution. The New York Times has compiled data on more than 200,000 facilities that have permits to discharge pollutants and collected responses from states regarding compliance. Information about facilities contained in this database comes from two sources: the Environmental Protection Agency and the California State Water Resources Control Board."

Sale on Survival Kits

2010-02-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a really good sale on "survival" kits for anyone interested

Make Your Own Pizza Oven-Cheap and Easy

2010-02-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

This is the bestest idea!! Springtime and BBQing are coming soon!

Noehren Chocolate Cake

2010-01-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

1 Box Devils Food Cake Mix
1 Box Chocolate Instant Pudding (3 1/4 oz)
1 Cup Sour Cream
4 Eggs
1/2 Cup Warm Water
1/2 Cup Oil
1 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
Blend all ingredients together with mixer for 3 minutes. Stir in Chocolate Chips and pour into well greased bundt pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Cool 30 minutes in pan, then remove. Top with powdered sugar or pour warm chocolate frosting over cake.

Spinach & Pine Nut Pesto

2010-01-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

2-3 cups packed baby spinach
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
1-2 t grated lemon peel
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, I like oil packed
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesen cheese
Salt and pepper

Combine spinach, pine nuts & lemon peel and tomatoes in food processor. With michine running add oil slowly. Transfer to serving bowl. Stir in Parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.

Organization Guru's Unite

2010-01-27T21:33:00.000-08:00

For those who aspire and for those who are addicted, here is a great organizational site for everyone!
http://www.houseoforder.com/

Firestarting Kit

2010-01-27T21:26:00.001-08:00

Firestarting Kit
http://www.azprepper.com

Going along with the most important thing in a survival situation (shelter) is your ability to start a fire. Without fire, you lose a great resource for warmth, the ability to boil water (making it drinkable) and also ability to cook food (sometimes also very important to make safe to eat). But how many people are actually prepared with both the knowledge and skills to build a fire in the wilderness?

Surprisingly few people have actually practiced making fire. In fact, I’d guess that most people think that if you have a lighter, you simply light it under a log and in a matter of moments, BAM! You’ve got a fire! But even if you have a lighter with you, nothing could be further from the truth. There is more to it than that.

For the sake of time, lets focus on firestarting tools on this post and leave the how-to’s for another day. After all, if you don’t have the tools, the how-to’s are completely pointless.

First of all, when you consider the tools needed to start a fire, you’ll want to think of this in two different ways. There are long-term tools and short-term tools. Short-term would be things like matches, lighters, etc. We’ll skip over the short-term and discuss long-term firestarting tools.

The following kit is what I personally have with me in my cars, camping equipment, 72-hour kits, BOB’s, etc. I’m including a picture of everything, which all fits in the bag, with room to spare. Several individual components are stored in tiny plastic bags to keep them as dry as possible.

The kit includes:

3/8″ x 4″ firesteel w/ lanyard and scraper (well over 12,000 strike capacity)
3/16″ x 2.5″ firesteel (backup)
Fire striker
Shard (like flint)
Magnifying glass (catches char on fire on a sunny day in about 1 second)
Char (made from cotton)
Extra cotton for more char (can also be made from rotting wood, jeans, cotton shirts, etc)
Jute twine (to build a nest and help start fire when environment is wet)
7-hour candle (to dry wet tinder in emergency)
Tin (Altoid-sized, for making char and holding items – required hole prepunched)
Denim bag w/ pull string to hold all contents (approx 4.75″ wide x 7″ high)
Directions on how to use these items is also included.

I’ll also throw a lighter in there for convenience, with the knowledge that it is not a primary tool, but something to use temporarily (it WILL run out).

When looking over this list, you’ll see that there are multiple methods of starting a fire. Some will pretty much last forever, others will only last for a decade or so if used regularly. But if used properly, you’d have the materials to start fires every day for well over 100 years.

Char Cloth

Starting out, let’s begin with the foundation of this kit, the char cloth. Char cloth is cotton (or various other materials, including rotten wood) which is cooked in a metal container without sufficient air to catch fire. It becomes a type of charcoal which catches a spark very easily. No matter what environment you live in, whether it be in the woods or the desert, or even an urban environment for that matter, you will never run out of materials needed to make the char. However, you will need a metal container, preferably like the Altoids-like container pictured above to cook the char in. Once cooked, keep it dry and it will be a life-saver when it comes to starting fires.

The next items are built upon that, although they do not necessarily need char to be used (although it is much easier).

FireSteel

The firesteel (ferrocerium) gives out 5500 degree F (3000 C) sparks when scraped with a scraper, knife or any other hard, sharp object. These showered sparks, when aimed at kindling or char, start a flame almost immediately. But if the kindling isn’t dry or is not a very flammable material, it may take several tries. When aimed at char, once is more than enough to catch a spark and create an ember. The size I use will last over 12,000 strikes.

Char Cloth Ember

Once an ember has been caught in the char, it burns like the end of a cigarette would burn. It’s not a flame, but an ember which can ignite some type of material. This material could be unraveled jute twine (like pictured in the kit), straw, dry grass, dry moss, etc. Simply shape the material into a shape of a “nest” and put the burning char cloth in the middle of it. Then fold the nest over it so that the char’s ember is in the middle of the nest bundle. Then slowly blow into the nest, varying the amount of air that is needed based upon the material (usually pretty good amounts of wind). The nest will begin to smoke, then burst into flames. Hopefully you have other kindling (small twigs, pine cones, etc) ready to utilize for the fire. (We’ll get more detailed in this with pictures/video at another time).

Flint & Steel

The flint and steel is my favorite method of fire starting. And although many think it is very difficult, with practice, it is very simple. And it takes me back to the days of the mountain man, or even the Vikings, who used this method. Flint and steel consists of two parts to make the spark. A piece of steel (striker) and a hard, flint-like rock. The piece of steel is scraped against the sharp corner of the rock. The spark is actually a small sliver of metal that is broken off the steel because the sharp rock was stronger than the steel. It is NOT from the rock. This hot spark is captured by the char cloth that is held against the rock or in a manner that catches the spark. Then from there, the same method of starting a fire is accomplished as described with the firesteel. The strikers will generally outlast you as long as you take care of it and keep it from getting rusty.

Magnifying Glass

Another method of starting fires that I keep in my firestarting kit is a magnifying glass. Anyone who has tried starting a fire with a magnifying glass without the help of char cloth or some other similar material will find that it is usually only good for burning ants and creating a lot of smoke. But with char cloth, an ember can be created in less than a second! Of course, the magnifying glass doesn’t use any resources other than the sun and is therefore good for as long as you have the magnifying glass. It never runs out. This is the method I use when starting a fire when the sun is out to conserve my other resources. But that is also the limitation…it only works in daylight.

Jute Twine

The twine that I carry in my kit is jute twine. I only use this when I am desperately needing something to make a nest of and my other alternatives are all wet. Just pull the twine apart into a nest of small stings until it is a bundle of individual strands all bunched up into a nest. When the ember from the char is placed in the middle of this and you blow on it, it will burst into flames. Have your other materials ready to add to this before you get it burning because the flame will not last very long without additional fuel.

7-Hour Candle

The candle in my kit is a 7-hour candle. It’s purpose is not for light nor warmth. But this is used to dry off kindling when everything is wet. Once a sufficient amount of kindling has been dried out and a reasonable fire has been built, the fire will dry out the rest of the wood. Place future wood beside the fire so the heat dries it out for future fuel.

Cotton Strands

For extra char, I choose to use cotton material. I have found that 100% cotton mop head strands work great and can be found for a very reasonable price. Other materials such as demin (like from Levi’s) works great as well. When this cotton runs out, there are a multitude of other materials that can be used. It would be wise to experiment with natural materials where you live to see what works good and what doesn’t (sage, willow, yucca, cottonwood, etc).

So there you have it. A fairly brief explanation of what I like to keep in my own personal firestarting kits wherever I go.

No Knead Bread

2009-12-15T20:27:00.001-08:00

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/11/no-knead-multigrain-bread-in-jar.html

Homemade Food for Play Kitchen

2009-12-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a really creative and inexpensive way to make "food" for a child's kitchen

Homemade Little Girls Kitchen

2009-12-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

Ever thought about re purposing your furniture. Take a look at this amazing kitchen for a 3 yr old little girl's birthday!

Duct Tape Wallet

2009-11-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

My Nephew made himself a duct tape wallet. Here's the story and some other ideas for duct tape creations!

The Wonder Box-a great cooking option

2009-11-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

This is a great option for emergencies!

To use the "Wonder Box" (also from the same blog):

To use your box, you'll need a pot with a lid that fits well (not bent or with any gaps) to hold the food. The pot should be about the same size as the food you're putting in it. It won't insulate well if you have lots of space in your pot. The cooking won't work well if you put a little bit of food in a big pot. Short handled pots are better than pots with long handles since the long handle can create air leakage. If all you have are long handled pots, just be extra careful to make sure the cushions of the cooker are packed around the handle area so air isn't getting in to the pot space.

Next, you'll need to know what you want to cook. Meals with high liquid content are best. Soups, stews, chili, etc. If you want to do veggies or chicken without boiling it, seal them in oven bags before putting them in the pot of water. You could also use meats or veggies in vacuum sealed bags like the FoodSaver bags since those bags will withstand a lot of heat. The bagged food is then boiled in a pot of water to cook it.

Boil your food in the pot over your stove, campfire, etc. for 10-15 minutes.

Veggie stew:

If you're starting your stew with raw meat, brown the meat before adding the rest of the ingredients

1 quart jar tomatoes

1 1/2 quart jar water

1 beef bullion cube

1 pint bottled elk meat juice and all

leftover green beans from the fridge

can of corn

chopped onion

small handful of dehydrated mild peppers

fresh carrots sliced

fresh potatoes cubed

some rice (dry)

a bit of flour so it would thicken the soupy part a little

some salt/pepper/garlic powder

Put it in in that order as the pot heats up, so by the time you get to the rice, it has been boiling for at least 15 minutes. Put your lid on your pot as it's boiling so the lid gets warm. Prepare your cooker. Put towels in to keep it clean. You can wash the cooker if it gets mucked up, but you might as well towel your pot and just wash towels if there's any spillage.

The cooker is designed with a hollowed out area in the center. That's where you'll put your hot pot. Right off the stove/heat source into the cooker pocket.

Wrap the towels around it. If you have a smaller pot, squish the cooker around a bit to conform to the size or shape of your pot. You don't want any air pockets. Then apply the top piece of the cooker.

And shut the box. Or put the lid on the box. Or if you have your cooker in something besides a box, put something on top of it to keep the top in place.

Now this is the hard part. Let it sit. Don't open it. Don't let your kids open it. No peeking.

A stew like this should sit for 3-4 hours, but it can be in there longer--it won't hurt it. After 3 1/2 hours in the box, the soup was steaming hot.

The cooking box can be used for purposes other than soup. Here's a few recipes and ideas:

Hot Oatmeal Cereal

2 cups quick oats

4 cups boiling water

Stir oats into boiling water, put lid on and place quickly between cushions of the Insulated Cooking Box for 15 minutes or more. Stir before serving.

Rice

2 cups rice

3 1/2 to 4 cups salted boiling water

Stir rice into boiling water. Note: because water does not evaporate you may need less water than usual. Place quickly into the insulated cooking box and leave for 40 minutes or longer until ready to eat.

Chicken and other meats

Place chicken into an oven cooking bag with desired spices, close bag. Bring a pot of water to a boil with the chicken in it. Boil well (about 15 minutes) and quickly place water and chicken into the insulated cooking box and place top cushion on. Leave alone for 3-4 hours.

The insulated cooking box can also be used to keep things frozen for 3-4 hours.

Never place a pot of half eaten or lukewarm food in the Insulated Cooking Box. It should be properly cooled in a refrigerator or cooler until the rest can be eaten. For food safety, leave food out only 2 hours maximum before refrigeration.

Benefit of cooker: If you only have to cook your soup 15 minutes instead of an hour or bring water to a boil to have fully cooked rice, that's a good deal.

2009-11-17T13:24:00.001-08:00

Quilting-Self Binding Blanket!

2009-11-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Check out this blog tutorial on making a "self binding" Blanket

Great Water Storage Tank

2009-11-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/11/surewater-high-capacity-water-tank-review/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UtahPreppers+%28Utah+Preppers%29

Starting House Plants

2009-11-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I LOVE houseplants. I also love saving money. I've never been one to spend a lot on the plants because I could trim my current plants and start new ones. Here is a video on how to start one kind of common houseplant, coleus: http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/21882600/make-new-plants-from-cuttings.htm

One thing that I've done is take the new potted plant and give it as a wedding gift. The plant that I started the new plant from was one that my husband gave me a couple years into our marriage as an anniversary gift. I thought that that was a nice gesture towards the new couple of best wishes in their new marriage.

Spider Plant care: http://www.plant-care.com/spider-plant.html Heartleaf Philodendron: http://home.howstuffworks.com/heartleaf-philodendron.html

Unemployment

2009-10-31T06:25:00.001-07:00

“Now, let me say a few words to those of you who are currently unemployed. The responsibility for finding employment or improving your employment rests with you. Continued guidance comes from the Lord through regular fasting and prayer. Your quorum leaders, bishops, specialists, and employment resource center staff will help in your efforts. We fear, however, that often priesthood leaders are unaware of your situation. Speak up! Let them know you are looking for work. And bishops and priesthood leaders, rise up and let the brotherhood of the priesthood engage themselves in the wonderful opportunity to truly be a quorum, a brotherhood, a brother’s keeper.”

Richard C. Edgley, “This Is Your Phone Call,” Ensign, May 2009, 54–55

Turmeric-some big benefits fighting cancer

2009-10-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/28/turmeric-kills-cancer-cel_n_336850.html

'Natural' remedy
The cells also began to digest themselves, after the curcumin triggered lethal cell death signals.
Dr McKenna said: "Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value."
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "This is interesting research which opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in turmeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer.

Tea Tree Oil

2009-10-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Remedy for: Nail fungus, ringworm, athlete’s foot and other infections

“Tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties,” Carson says.

Some people believe it can relieve vaginal yeast infections, but no clinical studies support this.

How to use it: It works “very well when applied topically to the infected tissue,” he says. “I’ve also used it in a natural oil base treatment for head lice.”

Watch out: Dilute it before using: At full strength, it can irritate the skin, especially in sensitive spots (such as genitals). Carson advises mixing 50% tea tree oil and 50% olive oil.

“If the 50/50 mix causes redness or irritation, it can be further diluted,” he says.

The oil is also toxic when swallowed, the American Cancer Society cautions.

Cinnamon

2009-10-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Remedy for: Bad breath, snoring, nausea, germs

Several studies, including one in 2008 by CHU Hospital Nord in France, have found that cinnamon has antiseptic properties and can kill bacteria.

How to use it: To make a tea, mix 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with a cup of boiling water. For bad breath, mix it with cool water and use as mouthwash.

Cinnamon can also be a hand sanitizer: Look for products containing cinnamon oil.

Watch out: The two most popular cinnamon varieties – Ceylon and Cassia – contain coumarin, which has been linked to liver and kidney damage. But you'll need to ingest a huge amount, Rubman says, so the danger is minimal.

Ginger-Nausea & Motion Sickness

2009-10-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Remedy for: Nausea and motion sickness. That includes the queasiness from chemotherapy and other treatments, says Phillip Carson, registered pharmacist and owner of Carson Natural Health in Amory, Miss.

How to use it: The best way to swallow it? In a tea, ground ginger or fresh chewable slices. It’s also available as a capsule and liquid extract.

Watch out: In low doses, it’s generally safe with few side effects, but an allergic reaction, usually topical, is the most common side effect.

See a doctor or call 911 if you have hives, difficulty breathing, your throat closes down or your lips, tongue or face swell up.

Chocolate Syrup

2009-10-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

2/3 cup cocoa
1 cup water
Bring to a boil. Then add: 1 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp salt and cook for 4 minutes.
May be used in hot or cold mil or topping for ice cream.

Hot Butter Sauce

2009-10-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canned milk
Heat 10-15 minutes
Then add: 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Serve as a cake topping

Raw Honey-Upset Stomach, Bug Bites, Ulcers, Burns

2009-10-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Remedy for: An upset stomach, insect bites, ulcers, burns

Honey has bacteria-killing properties, according to research. A study published in a 2008 Journal of Clinical Nursing found that treating venous ulcers (shallow skin ulcers) with honey dressings decreased their size 34%.

How to use it: For an upset stomach, mix equal parts honey and vinegar – around one teaspoon of each – and add to water or juice.

Drink it straight to relieve mild coughs and dress bandages with it to treat burns.

Watch out: Honey has spores that produce bacteria that can cause botulism (a serious form of food poisoning) in infants . That’s why children under 1 year old should never consume raw honey.

Also, some people are allergic to it, but reactions are usually mild and temporary, Rubman says.

But people with severe bee allergies can have anaphylactoid responses, characterized by tingling lips, swollen tongue and difficulty breathing. They’ll need to seek emergency help.

For Skin Irritation- WItch Hazel

2009-10-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Remedy for: External sores, pimples, aftershave treatments, poison ivy, varicose veins, eczema, mosquito bites and ingrown nails

Witch hazel’s strong antioxidant and astringent properties aid healing and reduce inflammation, Rubman says.

How to use it: First, clean the area with mild soap, rinse well and pat dry. Then apply witch hazel with a cotton ball or put it on a bandage before sealing it over the scrape or skin irritation.

Watch out: Don’t ingest it – witch hazel is a topical remedy only.

Natural Antacid-Baking Soda

2009-10-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Baking soda
Remedy for: Mild gastritis between meals

Baking soda has antacid properties and can neutralize heartburn.

How to use it: Stir about half a teaspoon into 4 ounces of warm water, then sip.

“You get relief often in 30 to 45 seconds,” Rubman says.

Watch out: If stomach problems occur more than two days in a row or three times a month, see a doctor, Rubman says. You may have a more serious ailment.

Aloe Vera Gel Uses

2009-10-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Aloe vera gel
Remedy for: Sunburn and minor kitchen burns

“The gel contains active compounds that help the burn heal much more quickly,” says Andrew Rubman, a doctor of naturopathic medicine in Southbury, Conn.

How to use it: For the purest aloe, go for the real plant.

“Break off the end, squeeze and out comes this gel that looks like hair conditioner,” Rubman says. Put it on a burn or abrasion and you’ll be hooked on this soothing remedy.

Watch out: Aloe is generally not for internal use. Although some people swear by its laxative properties, Rubman urges caution because “aloe actually turns into a mild soap in the large intestine.”

That’s why it’s sometimes used for severe constipation, but those same properties can lead to intestinal cramping, which is why it shouldn’t be repeated too often, Rubman says.

Cocoa Mix

2009-10-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

Makes about 10 quarts and about 40 one cup servings

15 cups instant dry milk
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp salt

Mix well and store in air tight container.
Mix 1/2 cup cocoa mix with 1 cup hot water

Bean Flour

2009-10-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

For those who have beans stored in their pantries, like me, who think that they could be getting old, there is a great use for them! Grind them into bean flour!! Bean flours are in many recipes as a substitute for wheat flour, especially for those who are Gluten intolerant. It is great in soups, gravies and sauces.
Once ground, it's best to store the flour in the refrigerator.

For use: one part bean flour to four parts white or whole wheat flour

White bean flour or garbanzo bean flour is mild tasting and works really well.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

2009-10-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

With an effort, especially in these hard times but also very importantly for healthy reasons, to come up with home remedies and healthy food recipes, here is one we might all use!

2 tsp dried onion
1 T Chili Powder
1/2 tsp crushed dried red pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cornstarch

Put in a favorite container and use in your kitchen! So easy!

All Over Body Exfoliant

2009-10-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

Makes multiple applications

•1 cup course sea salt

•1/2 cup baby oil

•Stir the ingredients together in a bowl and put into a screw top jar.

•Leave for 24 hours.

•Stir the mixture and apply to any areas of the body you wish to exfoliate.

•Massage into the skin for a few minutes then shower off.

•Pat your skin dry.

Lip Balm from Honey

2009-10-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

Makes 100 Applications

•2 tbls. olive oil

•1/2 tsp. honey

•3/4 tsp. beeswax — grated

•1/2 tsp. pure cocoa butter

•Flavored oil of your choice

•1 vitamin E capsule

•In a small saucepan, heat oil, honey, wax and butter over a low heat until just melted.

•Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.

•Stir in flavoring and contents of vitamin E capsule.

•Pour into containers of your choice.

Making Stronger Nails-Home Remedy

2009-10-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

Nail-Strengthening Solution

Makes 20-30 applications

•2 tsp castor oil

•2 tsp salt

•1 tsp wheat germ oil

•Pour all ingredients into a sealable bottle.

•Before each use shake well.

•Rub a small amount of the mixture onto your nails.

•Leave on for 3-5 minutes.

•Wipe off with a cotton pad.

Egg White Mask

2009-10-23T04:45:00.000-07:00

Egg-White Mask

Makes 1 Application

•Juice from 1/2 a lemon (strained)

•1 egg white

•Beat together the egg white and lemon juice for 3 minutes.

•Apply directly to your face, avoiding the eyes.

•Leave on for 30 minutes.

•Rinse off with warm water.

Dry Skin Facial Treatment

2009-10-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Effective Dry Skin Treatment

Makes 1 application

•2 tablespoons real mayonnaise

•1 teaspoon baby oil

•Combine both ingredients.

•Smooth onto face, neck, rough elbows and knees or anywhere else you feel might benefit from it.

•Leave for 20 minutes.

•Rinse off thoroughly with tepid water.

For Your Hair, From the Kitchen!

2009-10-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

Culinary Conditioners
Who needs costly salon products when you can give your hair a little TLC with these food-based treatments?

Eggs: To help strengthen and repair damage to hair follicles and give your hair a shine and body boost, mix a couple of eggs in a bowl like you're going to scramble them. Use the egg mixture as a conditioner after shampooing, allowing the mixture to soak in for a minute or two before rinsing.
Bananas: The potassium in this fruit can help soothe blow-dryer and chemical-induced damage. Mash a ripe banana into a smooth puree, and massage it into your locks. Let it sit about 15 minutes before rinsing.
Mayo: This sandwich staple can help soften coarse and bristly strands. Just apply a cup of the stuff to your hair when it's dry, and massage it into your scalp. Shampoo it out after about 15 minutes.

Homemade Bread Recipe

2009-10-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic recipe and way to make over 50 items with the same dough!!! The woman who has copyrighted the recipe gives classes or you can order the DVD. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves making bread OR who is totally intimidated. You'll never have a problem with the baking again!! (well, ok, some of us are really baking challenged, what can we say :))

Anyway, here is some information for classes and ordering:
Call Mindy (801) 623-3432
711 West 2760 North Pleasant Grove, UT $20.00 fee for the class
or go to www. pantrysecrets.net to order

Things you can make with this recipe:
Regular size loaves of bread
small loaves
round Itallian loaves
French Bread
Baguettes
Braided loaves
Dinner rolls
Dollar Rolls
Parmesan Rolls
Butterflake Rolls
Cloverleaf Rolls
Hamburger and Hotdog Buns
Hogie Buns/Sub Sandwich loaves
Sheet Breadsticks
Stuffed Crust Pizza
Pizza Crust
Calzones
Focaccia Bread
Cream Cheese Braid
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Monkey Bread
Orange Rolls
Scones
Tortillas
Croutons

etc etc etc

2009-10-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

Did you know that researchers at BYU are actively studying the storage lives of dry food products? Recently, they determined that we can store certain food products for much longer than originally presumed.2 This is great news for those of us working on our longer-term storage. It means much less stress about quick rotation.

Here is a list of the recommended storage life1,3 for many common home storage products (stored in ideal conditions):

Wheat, hard red - 30+

Wheat, hard white - 30+
White rice - 30+
Corn - 30+

Oats, quick - 30

Oats, regular - 30
Rolled oats - 30

Pasta - 30
Macaroni - 30
Spaghetti - 30

Flour, white - 10+

Pancake mix - very limited

Black beans - 30
Pinto beans - 30

White beans - 30

Refried beans, powdered - 5+

Non-fat powdered milk - 20

Cocoa Mix - 2+

Fruit drink mix - 2+
Sugar -30+

Potato flakes - 30

Potato pearls - very limited
Apple slices - 30
Dehydrated carrots - 20 to 25

Onions, dry - 30

Remember that the long storage life of these products depended upon correct packing techniques. In almost every case, BYU researchers were testing food that had been stored in #10 cans with oxygen absorbers. Best tasting products resulted from storage in a cool, dark, dry place in #10 cans with adequate seams.

If you would like to explore these studies yourself, here is a link to all of the BYU research studies:

BYU Research on Food Storage

General - Apples - Beans and Legumes - Carrots - Cornmeal - Eggs - Milk - Oats - Fats and Oils - Potatoes - Quinoa - Rice - Wheat - Other - Thermal Processing - Drying - Food Storage Practices - Packaging

This article is from : http://iprepared.blogspot.com/2009/09/byu-studies-on-food-storage.html

Vegetable Oil-value and storage

2009-10-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

F. Enzio Busche
"Ensign," June 1982
Frequently I am asked, "What were the most valuable items in the days of starvation in Germany?"
As for what we needed, the food item we relied on most was vegetable oil. With a bottle of vegetable oil, one could acquire nearly every other desirable item. It had such value that with a quart of vegetable oil one could probably trade for three bushels of apples or three hundred pounds of potatoes. Vegetable oil has a high calorie content, is easy to transport, and in cooking can give a tasty flavor to all kinds of food items that one would not normally consider as food – wild flowers, wild plants, and roots from shrubs and trees. For me and my family, a high-quality vegetable oil has the highest priority in our food storage, both in times of daily use and for emergency use. When vegetable oil is well-packed and stored appropriately, it has a long storage life without the necessity of refrigeration. We found ours to be in very good condition after twenty years of storage, but circumstances may vary in different countries and with different supplies.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2009-10-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a great reason to store these items for the family:

Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2 spice cake mixes (Duncan Hines, although not pictured, is the best for this recipe)

1 30-oz. can pumpkin

1 12-oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Okay, super-tricky here. Preheat oven to 350. Combine cake mixes and pumpkin. Add in chocolate chips.

Spoon mixture into lined muffin tins. This can make as many as 48 muffins or as few as 36, just depending on how full the tins are filled. These really don't rise very much, so you can fill the tins pretty full. If aesthetics are a concern, keep in mind that how they look going into the oven is very much what they will look like coming out of the oven. So a cookie scoop works great to keep things on the prettier side.

Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of one of the muffins comes out clean.

Trials

2009-10-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

"When you are filled with the Spirit of God, and the Holy Ghost rests upon you . . . do you have any trials? I do not think you do. For that satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart, and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that spirit my soul is satisfied; and I can say in good earnest, that the trifling things of the day do not seem to stand in my way at all. But just let me lose my hold on that spirit and power of the Gospel, and partake of the spirit of the world, in the slightest degree, and trouble comes; there is something wrong . . . And is it not our privilege to so live that we can have this constantly flowing into our souls?" (Eliza R. Snow, September 1873)

What Goes First in Emergencies?

2009-10-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

100 Items to Disappear First

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain..) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles....Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and
friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate
near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war
quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to
do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without
heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of
the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs
enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in
bulk.
6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more
valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival
guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll
have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many
people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of
toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to
lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8.. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches

2009-09-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

A very fun night with the ladies at "Boot Camp"

Very cute Program, "Boot Camp" all about our Visiting Teaching. Here's a fun clip of Jan's skit:

Canning 101

2009-09-16T13:08:00.001-07:00

We had a fun fun night learning from Laurel how to can Apple Pie Filling. Here are some pictures from our Canning 101 class.

Apple Pie Filling:
4 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup cornstarch
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp salt
10 cups water
3 Tbs lemon juice
2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
6 lbs apples
In a large pan, mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add salt and water and mix well. Bring to a boil and cook until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and food coloring.
Sterilize canning jars, lids and rings by boiling them in a large pot of water.
Pleel, core and slice apples. Pack the sliced apples into hot canning jars, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace. Fill jars with hot syrup and gently remove air bubbles with a knife. Put lids on and process in a water bath canner for 20 minutes.
Makes about 6 quarts.

Two Other recipes:

Salsa (Ashley Millar)
10 quarts tomatoes peeled and quartered
3 quarts chopped peppers (3 green bell, 3 red bell, 4 Anaheim, 8 yellow, 6 jalepenos)
2 red hot peppers, dropped whole into batch (don't use these if the jalepenos are super hot)
1 quart chopped celery
4 onions
2 tsp paprika
6 cloves minced garlic
3/4 c Sugar
2 T pepper
1 cup vinegar
1/3- 1/2 cup salt
44 tsp cumin, if desired
Chop all vegetables and measure. Put everything into a pot and cook until soft and simmer until the desired thickness. Pour into hot sterilized jars and put on lids. Process in water bath 10-15 minutes for pint jars.

Applesauce
12 lbs apples peeled, cored, quartered, treated to prevent browning and drained
Water
3 Cups granulated sugar. optional/adjust to taste
4 T lemon juice
8 pint jars with bands and lids
Prepare boiling water canner. Sterilize jars and lids. Combine apples with just enough water to prevent sticking in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring occasionally for 5-20 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 5 min. Transfer apples in small batches to a food processor, food mill or blender and puree until smooth. Return apple puree to saucepan. Add sugar, if using and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium high heat stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Maintain a gentle boil over low heat while filling jars.
Ladle hot applesauce into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight. Precess jars in boiling water canner for 20 minutes, adjusting to altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours.

Check out the blog posts for more canning recipes and for more canning recipe links look under "Food Storage Recipes"

More Canning For Beginners: 1) work from a recipe for correct amounts that will help preserve food safely
2) Always sterilize your jars, seals and rings (there are usually directions on the boxes of items)
3) Follow directions for canning the items you have picked
4) Make sure that you put your jars on a dishtowel not touching so that they can cool off and seal well. The lids will pop when they seal.

Tips for Successful Canning:
*Always start with a clean kitchen and an empty dishwasher
*Make sure your fruit is ripe.
*Before you begin, make sure you have all of your ingredients
*Follow your directions/recipe exactly
*A good rule of thumb for water bath canning times: boil 10-15 minutes for pints and 20-25 minutes for quarts
*If you use a commercial preservative like Fruit Pectin you cannot double the recipe for making jams or jellies. It will not gel.
*As a general rule you can double a recipe like salsa or applesauce, the canning and cooking directions will be the same.

Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

2009-09-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

Found this on another blog:

Roasted Tomatillo Sauce:
This tomato sauce was meant to be canned salsa, but the man doesn’t like cilantro so I opted out of canning it with the cilantro. Roast 1 cayenne pepper, 1 onion, and 2 cups of tomatillos, all drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. When the roasting is finished, throw it in the blender with a hefty dose of lemon juice and vinegar (both for the flavor and acidity while canning-helps preserve) and heat it back up on the stove with 2 diced Brandywines thrown in. Because the tomatillos were purple the sauce came out a khaki color. One pepper gives it a good little kick.

Canning Blog

2009-09-15T17:15:00.001-07:00

Here's a fun blog on canning apricots and cherries (notice the lavender in there!)

http://www.foodista.com/blog/2009/07/17/canning-cherries-and-apricots/

Also this is recommended at the canning "bible" : Ball Canning Guide http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=ball+blue+book&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=3261592485&ref=pd_sl_855angknns_e

Homemade Laundry Soap

2009-09-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

Laundry Detergent:

Zote Soap (2/3 bar) - may also Selsnaptaha or Castile ( I bought Fels-Naptha 5 1/2 oz heavy duty Laundry bar soap at Krogers-same company as Albersons)
1 cup Arm and Hammer washing soda
1 cup Twenty Muleteam Borax
Water

Heat 12 cups of water in large pot. Grate Zote soap and add to water. Stir until soap melts. Add washing soda and Borax-ingredients will foam, stir until everything is dissolved (5 minutes or so). Remove from heat.
Heat 8 cups of water in microwave and place in 5 gallon bucket, add soap mixture and stir. Add 2 gallons plus 12 cups water and stir, You may add 1- 2oz Of essential oil for an scent.
Let set for 24 hours-mix will gel.
Use 1/2 cup of laundry soap per load. Great for sensitive skin-dye free. Total cost about 1 cent per load.

Laundry soap will be a gel/liquid consistency. You may use the whole bar of Zote to make it more gel like. Detergent will not be sudsy in washing machine. You may do a half batch-it makes about 2 gallons.

Products may be found in local grocery stores in the laundry isle. If they don't have what you want, they will probably order it for you. Zote soap can be found in Mexican stores. Even if you do not use the detergent on a daily, regular basis, it is great to store the dry ingredients to have a year's supply. Remember to buy several bars of soap to one box each of the other ingredients if you are only going to store it (or want to use it and have enough ingredients for a year's supply).

*It was suggested that you put it in a bucket with a lid. I saved a couple laundry soap containers from previous purchases and use them for ease.

Don't Waste Banada's! Banada Bread

2009-09-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this trusty idea. When the Bananas don't get eaten fast enough and you're ready to toss them out, WAIT!! Banana Bread and Banana Muffins are the best!

1 1/4 cups mashed RIPE bananas
2/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup shortening or oil or applesauce
2 eggs
2 T milk
1 3/4 cups flour (unbleached)
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts
2/3 cup diced apple ( I dice one whole medium apple)

Topping:
3 T sugar
1 T ground cinnamon

Beat shortening and sugar together, then stir in bananas, eggs, & milk (& diced apple if desired). Add Flour, baking soda and baking powder and mix until combined. fold in the nuts. For a smoother bread, go ahead and mix a little longer. Pour into a greased bread pan and sprinkle the cinnamon/sugar topping across the top of the batter. and bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes. Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes. Makes one loaf.

Solar Oven from a Pizza Box

2009-08-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

You can make a solar oven from a pizza delivery box. Solar ovens are a great way to cook food without using fossil fuels. Solar ovens are approved for use in camping areas where campfires are not allowed. The pizza box solar oven is the most basic form of solar ovens. Larger solar ovens can be built that will cook an entire meal.

You Need:

pizza box
box cutter
aluminum foil
plastic wrap or heavy plastic laminate
electrical tape
black construction paper
dowel or stick

The first step in making a pizza box solar oven is to prepare the top. Draw a square on the top that leaves a border of about 1 ½ inches. Cut the top of the box along three sides of the drawn square leaving one side attached. Fold the cut out square flap back along the remaining line.
Line the flap with aluminum foil on the inside so that the foil will face the interior of the solar oven when it is closed. Bring the foil to the outside and secure with electrical tape. You do not want tape inside of the box. Electrical tape is recommended because it will stand up to heat. You might also try tape used for securing vent joints found at hardware stores (ask for heat resistance level on the tape you want to try).
Next you will line the interior of the solar oven with aluminum foil. Secure the foil with electrical tape. Do not put the tape inside of the box, wrap the foil over the edges of the box and secure on the outside. You are trying to keep the interior of your solar oven reflective.
Cut a piece of plastic wrap or heavy plastic laminate larger than the hole in the top. Plastic wrap will suffice if you are only using the oven once or twice. Tape the plastic to the inside of the top of the box making sure it is sealed to prevent the heat from escaping.
Close the solar oven. Place plastic wrap over the hole in the top and secure with electrical tape.
Line the bottom of the box with black construction paper. The interior of solar ovens are usually black because it absorbs heat.
You can form additional aluminum foil into a holder for the food to be cooked or use aluminum pie plates or shallow dark containers.
To cook in the pizza box solar oven place the food in the box, close the box and place in direct sunlight. Lift the flap and prop it open with a dowel or stick. Adjust the flap to capture the most sunlight and reflect it into your pizza box solar oven. The reflected sunlight will provide the heat and cook the food. You can watch things cook through the clear plastic top.

Making a Solar Oven

2009-08-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

Things you'll need:
Aluminum Foil
Cardboard
Large And Small Cardboard Boxes
Non-toxic Glues
Non-toxic Invisible Tape
Aluminum Foil
Plastic wrap
Scissors
Newspaper
Pencils
Black Construction Paper
Pencils
Staplers

Find two boxes. One should fit inside the other with a 2- to 3-inch space on each side. (This can vary slightly - the space will be filled with newspaper.)
Line the bottom of the large box with crumpled newspaper.
Place the smaller box inside the large box.
Fill the space between the sides of the two boxes with crumpled newspaper.
Line the sides of the inside of the smaller box with aluminum foil. You can use a non-toxic tape or fold the edges of foil over the top of the box to hold it in place.
Line the bottom of the inside of the smaller box with black construction paper to absorb heat.
Lay a piece of cardboard on top of the large box and trace the shape of the box onto the cardboard.
Add 2 inches around the trace line and cut out to make a reflector.
Cover the cardboard piece with aluminum foil. Smooth out any wrinkles and secure the aluminum foil to the cardboard with non-toxic glue or tape.
Staple the reflector to the outside back of the large box.
Situate the oven with the box opening up and the reflector facing the sun for maximum heat.
Place food to be cooked in the solar oven.
Stretch clear plastic wrap across the top of the large box. Secure the plastic with tape around the entire box.

Biscuits

2009-08-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2 cups organic all purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. cream of tarter
1/2 cup shortening
1/3cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup water

Directions
mix flour, and other dry ingredients and shortening together until crumbly, add liquids.knead until not sticky.
roll out to 1/2 in. and cut out and bake at 450 for 10-12 min's.

Prep Time: 15 Min
Servings: 8

Aggression Cookies-Oatmeal

2009-08-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
3 c. flour
3 c. packed brown sugar
3 c. butter (6 cubes)
6 c. minute oatmeal
1 tsp. baking soda

Directions
Mix all ingredients together dough is so thick it's easier to mix with your hands hence why the kids love making this recipe. Roll into 1 inch balls and mash fairly thin (thinner you go crunchier they'll be) with the palm of your hand. Bake until light golden brown remove from oven let sit 1 minute then transfer to paper towel to cool.

2009-08-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Basil Red Sauce

A very quick and easy red sauce with a little kick.

Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup basil leaves (fresh) or 1 T dried crushedBasil
2 28 oz cans of whole tomatoes (or crushed)
1 tsp red pepper flakes
4-6 garlic cloves

Directions
Sautee the garlic and red pepper flakes. While doing that, take the whole tomatoes out of the can and crush them in your hand (if this sounds too gross just buy them crushed already). Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato juice to the oil, garlic and red pepper. Cook for twenty minutes on low to medium heat. Add the basil (whole) for ten minutes. Add salt or pepper as needed for taste

Herbs-Indoor, Outdoor and drying

2009-08-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Herb Growing Tips Where to Grow: If you already have a vegetable garden, you could incorporate an herb garden into that area or you might want to grow your herbs in a separate area, particularly the perennials.

How Big Should My Garden Be? The size of your garden all depends on how much room you’ve got and how many herbs you’d like to grow. You could have a few pots on your windowsill for a small indoor herb garden, or you could cultivate an outdoor kitchen as large as 20 by 4 feet. One tip: The more colorful and frequently used herbs, such as parsley and purple basil, make great border plants. Keep annual and perennial herbs separate. And don’t forget to include a diagram of the area and labels for the plants so that you know what each one is when you go to pick them.

Good Soil and Drainage: Drainage is probably the most important factor for successful herb growing because herbs will not grow in soil that's too wet. To improve drainage, remove the soil to a depth of 15 to 18 inches. Place a 3-inch layer of crushed stone or similar material on the bottom of the excavated site. Before returning the soil to the bed area, mix some compost or sphagnum peat and sand with it to lighten the texture. Then, refill the beds higher than the original level to allow for settling of the soil.

Fertilizer Tip: Extremely fertile soil usually produces lots of leaves – but with very poor flavor - so you don’t need to use very much fertilizer for your herb garden.

Growing Herbs From Seed: Nearly all herbs can be grown from seed. Although rust infects mints, very few diseases or insects attack herbs. If possible, sow seeds in shallow boxes in late winter. Transplant seedlings outdoors in the spring. A light, well-drained soil is best for starting the seedlings indoors. Be careful not to cover the seeds too deeply with soil. Generally, the finer the seed, the shallower it should be sown. Sow anise, coriander, dill, and fennel directly in the garden since they do not transplant well.

Aggressive Herbs: A few herbs, such as mints, need to be contained or they will overtake a garden. Plant them in a no. 10 can or bucket; punch several holes just above the bottom rim to allow for drainage.

Other growing methods: Herbs can also be grown in containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets. These methods will require more care, especially watering.

Bi-ennial Care: Most biennials should be sown in late spring directly into the ground. Work the soil surface to a fine texture and wet it slightly. Sow the seeds in very shallow rows and firm the soil over them. With fine seeds, cover the bed with wet burlap or paper to keep the soil moist during germination. Water with a fine spray to prevent washing away of the soil.

Harvesting Herbs: Fresh leaves can be picked as soon as the plant has enough foliage to maintain growth. To ensure good oil content, pick leaves or seeds after dew has disappeared but before the sun becomes too hot, typically in mid-morning. For dry, winter use, harvest leaves before the flower buds open. Pick the seed heads as the color changes from green to brown or gray. Wash dirty leaves and seed heads in cold water; drain thoroughly before drying.

Winter Protection: Perennial and biennial herbs should be protected in the winter. Mulch with straw, oak leaves, or evergreen boughs 4 inches deep after the ground has frozen in early winter to protect the plants. Do not remove the mulch until plants show signs of growth in early spring. Early removal could result in some early frost damage.

Indoor Herb Gardening If you don’t want to take chances with weather and soil, herbs can also be grown indoors for year-round enjoyment. Growing herbs indoors is just as easy as growing them in the garden. Indoor plants need the same conditions as outdoor herb gardens -- sunlight and well-drained soil mix that is not too rich.

Sunlight: Select a south or west window. Different herbs have different light requirements, butmost need a sunny location; in winter, "grow lamps" or fluorescent lamps can also be helpful.

Soil choice: Mix two parts sterilized potting soil and one part coarse sand or perlite. To ensure sweetness of the soil, add a cut of ground limestone per bushel of soil -- or 1 teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot. There should be an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure good drainage.

Weigh Your Water Needs: Growing plants need more water as well as plants in clay pots or hanging baskets. Misting and grouping the plants on a tray of moistened pebbles will help keep them in a humid condition. Avoid over-watering or drenching herbs.

Indoor/Outdoor Plants: Annual herbs can spend their full life cycle in a pot indoors. Perennial herbs, however, will do better if you place them outdoors during the summer. Plunge the pot in soil up to its rim, or keep it in a protected location on the porch or patio.

Drying Herbs If you have an herb garden, you'll find that home-dried herbs can be just as tasty as those bought at the store. However, proper handling is as important to the success of your herb harvest as good cultural practices.

Preparation Most herbs are at their peak flavor just before flowering, so this is a good time to collect them for drying and storage. To be certain, check drying directions on specific herbs in a reliable reference book.

Cutting: Cut off the herbs early in the morning just after the dew has dried. Cut annuals off at ground level, and perennials about one-third down the main stem, including the side branches.

Washing: Wash herbs, with the leaves on the stems, lightly in cold running water to remove any soil, dust, bugs, or other foreign material. Drain thoroughly on absorbent towels or hang plants upside down in the sun until the water evaporates. Strip leaves off the stalks once plants have drained and dried, leaving only the top 6 inches. Remove all blossoms.

Natural or air drying: Herbs must be dried thoroughly before storing. Herbs with high moisture content, such as mint and basil, need rapid drying or they will mold. To retain some green leaf coloring, dry in the dark by hanging plants upside down in bunches in paper bags. Hanging herbs with the leaves down allows the essential oils to flow from stems to leaves. Hang in a dark, warm (70o-80oF 21.1o-26.7oC), well-ventilated, dust-free area. The leaves will be ready when they feel dry and crumbly, in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Freezing Herbs

2009-08-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

On a Cookie Sheet:

1. Wash fresh herbs, and pat dry with paper towels

2. Spread the individual leaves onto a cookie sheet, making sure that aren’t overlapping. Otherwise, they’ll freeze together.

3. Cover with tin foil and place the trays into the freezer

4. When frozen solid, place in airtight containers and return to the freezer. Once frozen individually, the leaves will not meld together.

5. You can use frozen leaves the same way you would use fresh. There is no need to dilute the strength.

Ice Cube Tray Method

1. Wash fresh herbs, and pat dry with paper towels

2. Put 2-3 individual leaves or a spoonful of chopped herbs inside ice cube trays.

3. Fill the tray halfway with water. Place the half filled tray in the freezer.

4. Once the ice cubes are almost frozen, fill the tray completely with water. The leaves will no longer float and should be completely surrounded with water. Place the tray back into the freezer to freeze solid.

5. Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove from the tray and store the cubes in ziploc bags.

6. When ready to use, toss the whole ice cube into your favorite stew or dish.

Tortillas

2009-08-27T19:07:00.001-07:00

4 cups flour
1 1/2 boiling water
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt

Combine water and shortening, mix until melted, add olive oil. Add to flour (you can use 2 cups whole wheat and 2 cups white flour), salt, and baking powder. Knead well. Break into 24 small balls. Roll out on a floured surface and bake on cast iron skillet or non-stick until lightly brown on each side. Keep sealed in a bowl or plastic bag.

Honey Oatmeal Bread

2009-08-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

1 cups Oats (regular)
2 cups boiling water
2 T yeast
1/3 cups lukewarm water
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup dry milk
6-6 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/2 tsp salt

Put oats in large bowl and add boiling water. Let stand until lukewarm (about 20 minutes). Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and let stand for five minutes. Add to mixture. Add honey and oil. Add dry ingredients. Knead will for 5 minutes. Let rise until double in bulk, then knead again. Shape into two loaves. Let rise 10 minutes and bake in greased loaf pans 325 for 1 hour. Brush tops with oil.

Quick Homemade White Bread

2009-08-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

This recipe takes only 2 hours. The potato flakes make it a very moist bread.

2 1/2 cups hot water
6 cups flour
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
3 T Yeast
1 tsp salt

Mix 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast. Add very hot water and mix well. Let sponge for 10 minutes. Add the butter and mix well, add potato flakes, salt and the rest of the flour. Mix well. Knead for 6-8 minutes. Let rise 45 minutes or until double in size. Punch down. Shape into 3 loaves. Rise 1/2 hour and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Can substitute 2-3 cups of flour for whole wheat flour.

Oatmeal Bread

2009-08-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

Makes 2 loaves

1/2 cup warm water
2 tsp dry yeast
3/4 cup water, boiling
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 cup buttermilk or (1/3 cup powdered milk, 1 cup water & 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey or molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

In small bowl, stir yeast into 1/2 cup warm water; allow to stand until yeast dissolves and bubbles up. In medium saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to boiling; stir in oats and cook several minutes. Remove from heat; add buttermilk, oil, and honey or molasses.

Sift 2 cups flour, salt, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture and oats mixture and beat with wire whip or slotted spoon; let stand 5 minutes. Gradually add enough of remaining flour until dough is stiff enough for kneading. Turn out onto floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes or until a soft, elastic ball forms. Place dough in clean, greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until double in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down dough and divide into two portions. Cover with bowl or towel and allow to sit 10 minutes.

Form into loaves and place in greased 8 x 4 inch pans. Cover and let rise until double in size. Bake at 350 degrees to 375 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and from pans and leave on wire rack to cool.

Better Health Today-Help for everyone

2009-08-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Insider Doctors and Scientists share solutions for Healthcare Issues
Click Here!

Instant Refried Bean Mix

2009-08-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 c. pinto bean flour
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp of cumin
1 tsp instant or dried minced onions

Whisk 3/4 c. plus 1 T bean mix into 2 1/2 c. water. Bring to a boil. Stir over medium heat one minute or until mixtrue thickens. Cool for dip or ready to eat. The color will be a little gray. but the flavor is great!

Bean Dip

2009-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

1 Qt Black beans drained and rinsed
1 can 15 oz can corn, drained
1 sm bottle Italian dressing
4 Tomatoes, shopped or 16 oz jar of Salsa
1 green pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 munch cilantro, finely chopped
1 sm. White Onion or bunch of green onions, finely chopped
Juice of 1 fresh lime
Combine all ingredients and let set over night in refrigerator for best flavor.

Garden Pasta Bake

2009-08-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

5 oz Penne
1/2 c. dry onion
1 T oil
1 can italian tomatoes
1 can corn, drained
1 can cut green beans, drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 c. shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (optional)

Cook Pasta and drain. Combine remaining ingredients and 1/2 c. cheese. Combine with pasta. Spoon into an 8x11 baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Southwest Pasta Salad

2009-08-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

8 oz small shell pasta
1/2 tsp Vegatable Oil
1 can corn
1 can black beans, drained
1 12 oz jar salsa

Cook pasta and oil with enough water in a saucepan. Drain. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Serve.

Macaroni and Tomatoes

2009-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

7 oz macaroni (cooked)
1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp oregano
Pepper to taste
Toss all ingredients together. Serve hot or cold.

Cowboy Beans

2009-08-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

1 16oz pkg dried pinto beans, rinsed
4 c. hot water
1/4 c. dry onions
1 T chili powder
3/4 c. hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1/2 c. ketchup
1 1/2 T prepared yellow mustard
Dash of Tabasco sauce (optional)

In slow cooker, mix beans, hot water, onions, and chili powder. Cover and cook on low about 7 hours. Drain liquid and stir in barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard and Tabasco sauce. Cook uncovered 10-15 minutes longer.

Classic Chicken Pot Pie

2009-08-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

2 cans mixed vegetables (15oz) drained
1 10 oz can cooked chicken drained
1 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
salt and pepper to taste

Mix together and put into a pie crust, then top with a pie crust. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

Macaroni with peas

2009-08-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

1/2 c. cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 c. macaroni
1 c. peas (canned)

Cook macaroni, drain, and rinse in cold water. Add other ingredients and heat for 10 minutes.

Vegetable Chicken Soup

2009-08-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

1 can Carrots
1/4 c. dry onions
3 cans chicken broth or 5 bouillon cubes plus 5 cups water
2/3 c. brown or white rice
1 1/2 tsp. parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 small can chicken

Combine all ingredients except carrots. Cook till rice is done. Add carrots and heat.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

2009-08-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

1 can Cream of Celery Soup
1 can sliced mushrooms, undrained (2 oz)
1/2 c. rice
1 can chicken
1 T dry onion soup mix

Combine all ingredients and cook until rice is done.

Three Bean Stew

2009-08-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

8 oz. pkg navy beans (dry)
1/2 c. baby lima beans (dry)
1/2 c. red kidney beans (dry)
1 T oil
Dried onion
1 1/2 T Brown Sugar
2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp cloves
6 c. water
14 oz can tomatoes
6 oz cacn tomato paste

Soak beans. Drain. Cook all ingredients until boiling except tomates and paste. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until beans are tender. Stir in tomatoes and paste. Cook 30 more minutes.

Tuna Casserole

2009-08-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Makes about 6 servings

8 oz noodles
1 can tuna
1 can condensed mushroom or chicken soup
2/3 cup milk (canned or reconstituted powdered milk)
1/2 cup buttered crumbs(optional)
1/2 cup crumbled potato chips (optional)

Cook noodles in 4 cups boiling water. Rinse and drain. Add Tuna, soup and milk with a dash of salt to noodles and stir. Pour into cassarole dish and sprinkle either the buttered crumbs or the crumbled potato chips on top. Cook in oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Macaroni Salad

2009-08-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Makes 6 Servings

1 cup uncooked macaroni
1 tsp salt
4 cups boiling water
1 can tuna (optional)
1 cup chopped vegetables (celery, green pepper, onion, cooked peas, carrots, etc)
Salad dressing (Ranch Dressing)

Bring water and salt to a boil. Add macaroni. Boil until tender (10 minutes); do not overcook. Drain, rinse in cold water and drain again. Chill. Mix with tuna fish and vegetables. Marinate with salad dressing/Ranch Dressing to taste (about 1 cup).

Refried Beans (From Pinto Beans)

2009-08-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Desired amount of pinto beans (sorted and rinsed)
1 clove of garlic
1 small onion
1 tsp shortening or oil
Oregano and salt to taste

Fill a crock pot 1/3 full of pinto beans. Fill with water until 3/4 full. Cook beans until tender (approximately 4 hours on high). Add more water, if needed. In a sauce pan, cook garlic and onion in shortening or oil. Mash beans, and add to garlic and onion. Add oregano and salt to taste. Can also be frozen.

Perfect Rice

2009-08-18T11:07:00.001-07:00

Step One: Rinse and (optional) Soak
Rinse in a few changes of cold water. There are two reasons for rinsing: some mills outside the US use talc as a milling aid, so it's an important step for imported rice. The other reason is that rinsing also removes loose starch (for less sticky rice).

Two reasons for soaking rice. First because if it's a little older, it might be more brittle and break easier. The second and in my opinion the most important reason is that it activates the enzymes for better digestion.

Step two: Simple cooking method
You might have heard "one part rice to two parts water". This is right. If you have 2 cups of water, bring them to a boil with an optional dash of salt then add 1 cup of rice. Cover and lower heat to a simmer. Set your timer to 20 minutes. When the rice is done, let it "rest" for about 10 minutes to absorb the moisture all of the way through.

2009-07-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

Could someone try some of these and let me know if anything here works?

(From an email)
> >> The US Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put
> >> a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow-jackets away.
> >>
> >> Use them all the time when playing baseball and soccer. I use it when I
> >> am working outside. It really works. The insects just veer around you..
> >>
> >> All this time you've just been putting Bounce in the dryer!
> >>
> >> 1. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also
> >> repels mice.
> >>
> >> 2. Spread sheets around foundation areas, or in trailers, or cars that
> >> are sitting and it keeps mice from entering your vehicle.
> >>
> >> 3.. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don't get opened
> >> too often.
> >>
> >> 4. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when
> >> outdoors during mosquito season.
> >>
> >> 5. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer)
> >> screen.
> >>
> >> 6. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your
> >> television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from
> >> resettling.
> >>
> >> 7. Dissolve soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a sheet of Bounce.
> >>
> >> 8. To freshen the air in your home - Place an individual sheet of Bounce
> >> in a drawer or hang in the closet.
> >>
> >> 9. Put Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner.
> >>
> >> 10. Prevent thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet
> >> of Bounce before beginning to sew.
> >>
> >> 11. Prevent musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside
> >> empty luggage before storing.
> >>
> >> 12. To freshen the air in your car - Place a sheet of Bounce under the
> >> front seat.
> >>
> >> 13. Clean baked-on foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in a pan, fill
> >> with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent
> >> apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan.
> >>
> >> 14. Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the
> >> bottom of the wastebasket.
> >>
> >> 15. Collect cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will
> >> magnetically attract all the loose hairs.
> >>
> >> 16. Eliminate static electricity from Venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds
> >> with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resettling.
> >>
> >> 17. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering. A used sheet of
> >> Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.
> >>
> >> 18. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of
> >> Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.
> >>
> >> 19. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes
> >> or sneakers overnight.
> >>
> >>
> >> 20. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees
> >> away.
> >>
> >> 21. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and
> >> storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh.
> >>
> >>
> >> 22. Wet a Bounce sheet, hose down your car, and wipe love bugs off
> >> easily with the wet Bounce.

I was just waiting for someone to start. . . .

2009-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

http://blogcabin.boston.com/mt-comments.fcgi

So be careful and know that cheap and familiar isn't necessarily non-green :)

Looking for a freebee?

2009-05-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Some fun Giveaways: http://www.madisonmonograms.blogspot.com/ This is a dear friend's blog and site-cute stuff

From my sister: "become a follower on my friend's sister's blog http://angelahenrie.blogspot.com, and you're entered each month to win a free necklace. They are not cheap. She's got a link to her Etsy shop on her blog. She solders the connections on her chains where cheaper jewelry has the o rings where you can see the little opening where they connected it to the chain. With the soldering it's not going to break"

and

"My friend Whitney is advertising her blog, Dare to Dream, on Design Mom in June and she doesn't have the bandwidth to blog everyday, so she's asked for her friends to "guest post." I submitted mom's journal entry and my note and my friend wants to use it, although I'm not sure on what date. I'll try to find out. Anyhow, the cool thing is that if you comment you're entered to win a spa cert. worth $75. There will be one winner per week....this is for the month of JUNE. Thought you'd want in on this...Dad, you're included on here for Ilene's sake:):):) Spread the word, esp. to those who you think could use a little pampering and/or good reading"

Yummy Preparedness Fair Recipes-Treats First

2009-05-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

I'm starting with the goodies! We had a very nice time at the Alumni Building today. Great job by the Stake. Here are some of the recipes we were able to sample:

Breakfasts:

Basic Granola Bar
1/2 C. butter
1 bag marshmallows
2 t vanilla
1/4 c. brouwn sugar
1/3 c. honey
4 c. oatmeal
3 c. crispy rice cereal
Melt butter, sugar, honey, and extract in large pot and add marshmallows. Mix until creamy. Take off heat and add oatmeal and cereal. Stir until well combined. Coat a 17x12 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place granola mixture in pan, lightly coat the mixture with cooking spray and press into pan evenly. Bake for 15 minutes at 350. Cool and cut into bars. Wrap individually in tinfoil for a ready snack. Will store up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to a month.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Reduce butter to 1/4 c. and add 1/2 c. peanut butter. Melt together with honey. sugar, vanilla. After placing granola mixture in pan, spread out lightly without pressing. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and press into pan.

Triple Berry Granola
When adding oatmeal and cereal, stir in freeze dried blueberries, strawberries or raspberries (2 cups).

Cinnamon Raisin Granola
Stir in 2 t. cinnamon with the honey, vanilla and 1 1/2c. raisins with dry ingredients.

Tropical Granola
Replace vanilla with orange extract. Stir in 1 c. tropical dried fruit tidbits and 1 c. coconut.

Cranberry, Almond, and White Chocolate Chip Granola
Stir in 1 c. almonds with dry ingredients. Spread granola in pan lightly. Sprinkle chips over top of granola, then press down in pan.

Honey Almond Granola
Use almond extract in place of vanilla and stir in 1 c. almonds with dry ingredients.

Oatmeal Brownies Dessert Bars
2 1/2 c. quick oats
3/4 c. self-rising flour
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
3/4 c. butter, melted
1 pkg. brownie supreme mix
1/2 c. chocolate chips 1/2 c. chopped nuts
Grease bottom only of 13x9x2 pan. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar. Stir in butter. Reserve 1 c. oat mixture. Press remaining mixture into pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool 5 Minutes. Prepare brownie mix as directed on the pkg. Add chocolate chips to the mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread over baked mixture. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool.

Oatmeal Cake
1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 c. quick oatmeal
1 stick margarine
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. self-rising flour
1 t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg

Topping
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
6 T margarine
1 t vanilla
1/4 c. canned milk
1 c. coconut
1 c. chopped nuts
Pour water over oatmeal. Add margarine and let stand 20 minutes. Beat eggs. Add sugar and beat well. Add dry ingredients. Add egg mixture and oatmeal mixture. Bake in 13x9 inch pan or 15 1/2 x 10" for thinner cake. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Combine topping ingredients. Place on warm burner until margarine melts. Spread on cake immediately after taking cake from oven. Return to oven for 10 minutes. If larger pan is used double topping recipe.