December 31, 2004

Broccoli Pasta TossIn a large saucepan cook broccoli and pasta in a large amount of boiling water for 6-8 minutes or just until tender, stirring once or twice.

 

Mexican Cheese SquaresIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, salt and baking powder until smooth. Stir in diced chile peppers, sour cream and cheese. Add hot sauce to taste and cilantro...

 

Harvest StewThis is a great recipe to help use up your garden's harvest.

 

Whipped Sweet PotatoesWhip sweet potatoes, 3/4 cup sour cream, milk, egg, sugar and cinnamon. Add salt.

 

Creamed CabbageAny favorite vegetable can be creamed in this manner.

 

Hungarian Pot RoastTrim excess fat from meat. Sprinkle with paprika, salt and pepper. Brown in oil in Dutch oven over medium heat...

 

Holiday Peanut Butter CookiesPreheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place sheets of foil on countertop for cooling cookies. Combine shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl.

 

Prime Rib CutletsHeat 1 tablespoon oil. Combine flour and seasonings. Dredge cutlets through flour. Saute 1 1/2 minutes per side.

 

Chicken LiversIn a large skillet, melt butter. Cook onions and peppers 10-15 minutes.

 

Remembering Birthday Cards and AnniversariesAt the beginning of every year I go through my prior calendar and make a notation of important birthdays and anniversaries. I write a column for birthdays and another for anniversaries.

 

Panty Liner for Removing Nail PolishWhen I remove red nail polish using a cotton ball, my hands become covered with the red polish I am removing. I found that if I take a panty liner, cut it in thirds, remove the paper protecting the adhesive, I can pour nail polish remover on the pad and it does not seep through to my fingers! By Susan Bateman

 

Slicing Round FoodTo prevent an onion, bagel, or anything round from rolling while you slice it, cut a small slice from an edge and use that as a base. Then it it will not roll as easily and is much safer.

 

Keep Your Microwave Clean For Accurate Timed CookingKeeping a microwave oven clean will ensure accurate timed heating. Also, a small glass of water set in corner of microwave will help food from becoming too dry.

 

Stringing Popcorn for the TreePopcorn for stringing will crumble less easily as you string it if you pop it the day before you use it and let it sit out and get a wee bit soggy.

 

Buffing Leather Seats on Dining ChairsTo buff the leather seats of dining room chairs. After cleaning the leather with saddle soap I use a hand mixer to buff them. I wrap a soft cloth around one of the beaters. Low speed. The leather looks great.

 

De-icing Salts and Antifreeze Are Dangerous To PetsSalted sidewalks will injure your pets paws. If he goes outdoors on salted surfaces, get some booties and teach him to wear them, or be sure to wash his paws when he comes in. By Linda

 

Don't Let Cats Eat Tinsel Or RibbonCats will eat the darndest things, including Christmas tinsel and ribbon. This could necessitate surgical removal, so be kind and careful with your cat.

 

Wear Sunscreen On Snowy DaysSunscreen isn't just for summer. Sunlight reflecting off snow can give you a bad burn. Wear sunscreen and sun glasses when out in the snow. By Linda

 

Turmeric With Scrambled EggsFor a change, try adding turmeric to scrambled eggs. I never buy my spices or herbs from the supermarket as the price you pay goes mainly to the packing. Try to find a nature store that you can buy as little or as much as you like. The product will be fresher and also very inexpensive compared to the supermarket price. By joesgirl

 

Cappuccino BrowniesNext time you make brownies take a dry tablespoon of instant coffee and add 1 tablespoon of water and add it to your batter.

 

Making Keepsakes for Bridesmaids?I have two slightly-stained white-satin wedding dresses that I purchased at yard sales. Both dresses are full-skirted and have attached net slips and train. I also have the veil for one dress. My daughter is getting married in June and I would like to make keepsakes for her bridesmaids from some of this material, perhaps incorporating some of the beading, pearls, and lace trim. I need ideas and patterns. Thank you. - Belinda

 

Home Remedy For Contact Dermatitis?I don't even know if I spelled it right but I have had "contact dermatitious" for over 2 years from wearing wrist braces. I no longer wear them but when I get stressed or am working too hard my hands become very itchy and painful to the point of open sores. The Dr.s have prescribed ointments that never seem to work. Any home remedy suggestions would be appreciated? Karaof4 from Minnesota

 

Sweet Potato Vines In A Mason Jar?I remember my mom growing sweet potato vines (as house plants) in a mason jar. How do you do it? I'd love to know. Can they remain in the water with some marbles in the bottom, or do they need to be planted? What type of light do they need? If I need to plant them, what do I keep the moisture level at for the soil? I can't remember which end of the sweet potatoe to place in water to root it? Thanks, jenny from KY

 

Cleaning a Tub For a Baby With Sensitive Skin?I have a 9 month old with very sensitive skin. I need to clean/disinfect her bathtub. Does anyone have any suggestions that don't involve harsh chemicals? Thanks! Jacqui

 

How to Find the Store When Returning Presents?I am sure other readers have incountered this problem. What do you do with all the Christmas presents that you do not want or need.. Also how do you find the store where they bought the item. My father gave me a full set of National Geographic for the computer.