August 1, 2007

Cheddar LoavesIn a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, eggs, sugar, salt and 6 cup flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic; about 6-8 minutes.

 

Picnic ChickenIn a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and water. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and seasonings. Divide the butter between two 9x13 inch baking dishes. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. Place in prepared pans.

 

Scalloped Potatoes and HamIn two large bowls, combine soups and milk. Add potatoes and ham; toss to coat. Divide among four greased 9x13 inch baking dishes.

 

Apple Pie SquaresIn a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of the crumb mixture into a greased 15x10 inch baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Set remaining crumb mixture aside.

 

Mexican White SauceRecently I went on quite a mission to find a recipe for the infamous white sauce served at many Mexican restaurants. This is not a gravy or a cream, or even a cheese sauce, but rather a side-by-side served with tortilla chips before the big meal.

 

Maple-Ginger Root VegetablesPlace the first 7 ingredients in a large resealable plastic bag; add the oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Seal bag and shake to coat.

 

Strawberry FluffIn a small bowl, combine gelatin and glaze; set aside. In two large bowls, whisk butter, milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in glaze mixture; fold in whipped topping and strawberries.

 

Layered Summertime SaladCook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, and garlic powder; set aside. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; toss with onions and half of the bacon.

 

Cleaning Tip For Before Your ShowerTo keep your shower sparkling clean, keep a spray bottle of vinegar on the tub rim. 15 minutes before you take a shower, spray down the tub, showerhead, and shower curtain liner, then before you shower, use a scrubbie and any brand cheap powdered detergent to scrub down surfaces (soap and detergent destroy each other).

 

School Bus SafetyMore students are killed or injured getting on and off a school bus than while they're inside the bus. Make sure your students know how to get on and off the bus safely.

 

Decoupaged Wooden FramesI like to decoupage plain wooden frames. Recently I had an idea to use the frame as part of the entire scene. This one turned out great and looks wonderful in my bright Greek kitchen.

 

Essentials for BabyWith so many new mothers facing hard times these days and with all the new gadgets and gear out there, I thought I would give a basic list as to what is really needed for your new baby and what is just plain fluff that you probably won't use.

 

Putting Samplers to UseI often teach my children basic embroidery stitches using simple designs. If you are helping a little one to do stitching, this is a nice way to put the sample pieces to use.

 

Stock Up on School SuppliesWhen each of my grandchildren were born, I started a tub where I purchase school supplies for them every year. I wait until school starts and Walmart and the other stores discount everything and I stock up.

 

Share Your Gardening AbundanceYesterday, while at the church helping with Vacation Bible School, a fellow church pal made a surprise visit and brought in several bags of produce from her garden to share.

 

Grocery Shop At Dollar Stores FirstShop at your local .99 Cent stores or Dollar stores first before your regular grocery stores. Sometimes you can find items like canned crabmeat at the dollar store, where as in the regular grocery store it might have a costly price tag of $6.00 a can!

 

Use Nail Trimmers For Candle Wick TrimmingA tip for anyone who is an avid candle burner. An easy way to trim your wick before lighting your candle is to use nail clippers. I found they reach perfectly into jar candles, and makes them burn more evenly.

 

Ziplock Zip 'n Steam For Microwave CookingThere's been discussion on this board (and other boards) regarding the unsafe practice of boiling and/or microwaving in Ziploc bags. Ziploc has come out with a product called Zip 'n Steam for cooking in the microwave.

 

Moo-La BankFor those looking for crafts from glass jars, this is a bank to store your "MooLa" in. Made from mayonnaise jars, you may use either the pint or the quart size.

 

Egg On His Face But He's HappyGregory da Silva, A Symbol of African Unity. Who is that Guy with all the Eggs on his head that you see at all the bestest Festivals in South Africa? His name is Gregory da Silva - An Artist Comedian, Storyteller, dancer from Benin West Africa. Gregory da Silva ( Egg Man ) was born in Benin West Africa, Voodoo Country

 

Use Sample Sizes For TravelingNow that summer vacation is here, it's a good time to break out your collection of shampoo/lotion and other personal care samples to take with you on your trips. So much easier to pack!

 

The Gift Of TeaOne of the best gifts we ever received from a friend was a huge bag of individually wrapped name brand teabags (all different varieties and flavors). It was from a coworker, whose sister worked at a brand name tea factory and got factory discounts.

 

Giant ZucchiniI just wanted to show everyone the giant zucchini I grew this year. This is the first year I have grown them and this is a whopper. It is 14 1/2 inches long. I'm sure it probably would have gotten bigger but my dear husband pulled it off first.

 

Freddie (Siberian Hamster)Freddie is a 1 1/2 year old Siberian Hamster. We adopted Freddie from the Raleigh Rodent Rescue organization last summer (2006). Freddie LOVES some treats, and he also loves being held and just hanging out in his hamster cage.

 

Suggestions For Easy Window Treaments?I have a window in desperate need of window treatments. Can anyone suggest something easy to do that 2 rambunctious boys won't tear down? Both windows are approx. 6' x 4'.

 

Disguising Brown Lawn?My lawn has a huge brown patch from my pool, having a get together this weekend any ideas on how to disguise it?

 

Neutralizing Acid in Soup?How can one neutralize acid in soup?

 

Inexpensive Wedding and Reception Locations In Southern Maine?Anyone know of any inexpensive wedding/reception venues in Southern Maine? My daughter wants to get married in August 2008. She wants to invite 100 guests. I am hoping to find a nice function hall which will allow us to cater it ourselves. We have a small budget. Thanks for your help.

 

Choosing a Good Repair Man?Choosing people to work for you: Three colleagues, all single parents, were discussing the difficulties of finding repairmen who do not rip off single ladies and whose work is above reproach. I was advised by my minister of religion(!), but the repairman turned out to be breaking more things than he fixed! Could someone maybe suggest criteria/indicators/ways of assessing potential repairmen before wasting hard-earned money?

 

Light vs. Dark Kidney Beans?Light vs Dark: Can anyone tell me what the difference is between light red kidney beans and dark red kidney beans? Also, what's the difference regarding brown sugar?