April 27, 2006

Vanilla Peach PiePrepare crust mix according to package directions. Shape into 2 disks, one slightly larger than the other; wrap. Refrigerate. Combine fruit bits, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg; stir in peaches. . .

 

Taco Cheese DipIn a large mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, and 3/4 cup of the taco sauce. Spread evenly on a serving platter to about a 9 inch circle.

 

Apple OmeletCombine apple slices and apple juice in a skillet. Heat to boiling; reduce heat, simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Set aside. Combine flour and baking powder; stir in egg yolks and milk. . .

 

Make-Ahead MealsWhen I'm preparing a meal on a weekend, it's just as easy to double the amount and freeze a meal to eat later in the work week. Here are some great recipes that you can double up on and pull from freezer to oven on a busy day.

 

Dilled Red PotatoesAn easy way to prepare red potatoes for a side dish. These are great along side a meat dish.

 

Mac-n-Cheese ManicottiPreheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook shells according to package directions; drain. Coat 2 qt. baking dish with cooking spray. Combine undiluted soup, 1/4 cup Cheddar, milk, Worcestershire, onion, mustard, thyme and pepper. . .

 

Growing ChivesThe common chive makes an attractive edging for a flower garden or border, as well as a versatile herb to have on hand in the kitchen. Its green, grass-like leaves grow 12 inches tall and end in a single pink or purple pom-pom like flower.

 

Use Pictures When Shopping for Your HomeI use a digital camera when I go to the home-improvement store for help. I just painted a bathroom and took with me a picture of the existing fixtures and floor-tile color.

 

Cookie (Maltese), It's a Dogs LifeCookie is a 6 year old Maltese. We adopted each other when her her owner passed and her niece didn't want another dog. Her dog would just nip at Cookie if she barked at anything.

 

Pets and Young ChildrenLet's face it: some pets are better with young children than others are. Whether it is a pet you are familiar with, or a pet you are meeting for the first time, the best way to keep things under control is to keep yourself and your children calm.

 

Pets and the ElderlyHave you heard about the amazing health benefits that come with having a pet? Having a pet helps ease symptoms of depression. Having a pet makes it easier to make friends! Pets offer unconditional love and affection.

 

Friends of the Library Books SalesA great way to support your local library and find good deals on books is to go to library book sales. Most libraries have them multiple times each year and the prices are very reasonable.

 

Growing ChamomileChamomile has dainty, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers set on top of thin stems of feathery green leaves. It comes in creeping or trailing varieties, and seldom grows to more than 12 inches high.

 

Growing ChervilIn appearance, chervil closely resembles Italian parsley. Plants have light green, fernlike leaves, grow to about 24 inches in height, and unlike Italian parsley, it tastes slightly like licorice.

 

Growing Catnip (Catmint)This is the type of catnip that is most often used to fill those aromatic toys that cats go crazy for. It has soft, gray-green leaves that release a mint aroma when crushed, and mauve or white flowers on shoots 24 to 36 inches in height.

 

Bargain Rack for Vitamins and SupplementsVitamins are part of good health for me - but they can be expensive. But even here you can find bargains! My husband and I just SCORED at the bargain rack at the supermarket. $100 or so of supplements for about $20! . . .

 

Azalea and ButterflyMorning dew and butterfly on azalea in our backyard.

 

Three Layer GardenTry to arrange plants and decor in odd numbers. In a corner of your yard, using wood, rock, or brick, make a three layer diagonal garden. Ensure that the back has a strong layer of backing.

 

Enticing the Cat to SwimNever try to entice your cat into the pool for a swim ... it won't work.

 

Growing: CayenneCayenne is a shrubby plant about 2 to 4 feet tall that is native to South and Central America. It is grown worldwide for it's culinary and medicinal properties. The plants have smooth, somewhat shiny, green leaves, and flowers that produce elongated oval-shaped pods (peppers) that contain dozens of tiny, pungent tasting seeds.

 

Tip for Bathing Smaller DogsI just discovered this by accident and wondered if anyone knew this and why I didn't. Instead of chasing my dog around the laundry tub to give him a bath, I put him in my double sink with the divider between his front and back legs.

 

How I Went Broke Saving MoneyI haven't used more than five coupons at the grocery store in the past month, and I don't remember picking up more than a handful of items on sale. I don't "shop around" anymore, and I refuse to "stock up."

 

Diabetic Recipes and Help!I have just got to share this link with you. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a few months ago and it was all change with my diet.

 

Pain Aid for a Toothache?I recently had a horrible toothache and nothing worked to stop the pain. Then my soon-to-be hubby brought home a few packets of this stuff called Pain Aid from work. This stuff works so good, but I can't seem to find it any place!

 

Should The Dry Clean Deal With Ring Around the Collar?My Husband wears dress shirts quite regularly throughout the week, and I always take them to the dry cleaners. but the dry cleaner hasn't been able to get out the ring around the collar. Should I expect him to? Is he not doing what is expected of him?

 

Peg Bracken's Saturday Chicken?I need Peg Bracken's recipe for Saturday Chicken (no cheese!) for a party that is coming up soon. I used to have her books, I Hate To Cook and the appendix. Does anyone have it handy?

 

Washer Lint Blocking Pipes In The Septic Field?We have a septic tank and are having a problem with lint from the laundry blocking the pipes in the septic field. I use a filter on the hose that discharges water from the washer and also in the drain of the laundry tub, but it seems that lint is still getting through. Does anyone out there have any hints on eliminating lint?

 

Food Sticking to T-Fal Cookware?Does anyone else have a problem with their T-Fal cookware sticking? It seemed like when I would wash my skillet in the dishwasher that it came out a different color and the food in it would stick. Are you not supposed to put T-Fal cookware in the dishwasher? I paid a lot of money (in my opinion) to get pots and pans that don't stick.

 

Lemon Pie Turned Out Watery?The one and only Lemon Pie my daughter made turned out watery. Tasted fabulous but very watery. Now, why was that and what can she do to prevent it from happening again?

 

Baking Cupcakes on More Than One Rack?In a conventional home oven, how do I bake 8 cakes at a time (4 on top, 4 on bottom). Do I swap racks in the middle of the bake or do I just add more time?

 

Turning a Porch Into a Sunroom?I had an idea to covert our porch into a temporary sunroom by screening it. Can you make roman shades with screen material to raise and lower? Anyone have any ideas? I can't afford to pay to screen it in.

 

Late Maturing Apple Tree?I am trying to find an old apple tree variety that used to grow outside of our house. I know this variety is at least 100 years old and would love to replace the dead tree with a new one of the same variety. It is a late maturing apple, yellowish green in color, sweet and crisp.

 

Horse Theme Room Ideas?I am doing a new horse theme for my room. I really am not sure what do get for it. Like sheets, wallpaper, etc. But, I was thinking about green turf. Also, how should I do it?