September 11, 2009

Prize Winning CasseroleThe mayo and soup are the secret! Put chicken in the bottom of a large casserole dish. Pour the entire bag of frozen broccoli on top of chicken pieces.

 

Skillet Sweet PotatoesPlace sweet potatoes in 12 inch skillet. Cover with boiling water. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender, drain well. Meanwhile, prepare sauce.

 

Blueberry Ice SquaresThis makes a large pan for company.

 

Honey-Lime Fruit SaladMix honey, limeade and poppy seed in medium bowl. Carefully toss fruit with honey mixture. Sprinkle with almonds.

 

Breakfast SmoothiesSlice banana into blender. Add remaining ingredients. Blend until pureed. Serve immediately.

 

Easy CalzoneIt's so easy and quick. You can change it up a million ways. You will be putting your meats, veggies and cheese on the lengthwise. Roll your pizza crust out onto a jelly roll pan.

 

Freezer Peach Ice CreamPlace in food processor bowl peaches and condensed milk; cover and process until smooth. Add whipping cream and orange juice; blend well. Spoon into 8 or 9 inch square glass or plastic container.

 

Beef EnchiladasCook hamburger and onion until browned, then add 3/4 can enchilada sauce to meat. Simmer for 30 minutes. Cover the bottom of a skillet with oil.

 

Tomato, Cheese and Basil Pasta SaladHave been experimenting with pasta salads lately and this one is simple and yummy. Cook pasta 'al dente' per package instructions.

 

Canned Tomato SalsaThis is a family recipe from my friend Stephanie. The cooked salsa is similar to jarred supermarket salsa, like Pace.

 

Remembering 9-11-01This photo was taken one month after the horrific act in NYC on 9-11-01

 

Remember To RSVP To InvitationsThis isn't a tip but a reminder. When you receive an invitation to a function, and it reads to RSVP or any other type of a request to respond, please reply accordingly.

 

Decorate Plain Gift BagsI keep tons of gift bags of all sizes around my house. Instead of going out to buy gift bags I reuse the ones the I have around the house by printing something off the printer and sticking it to the out side of the bag.

 

Tips to Stay Flu FreeFlu is already in our area. Here are some tips to stay flu free 1. When you are in contact with someone and shake their hand, wash your hands.

 

Scruffy (Miniature Schnauzer)Scruffy is 3 years old and a Miniature Schnauzer. I purchased Scruffy about 2 1/2 years ago from a breeder. He is the sweetest most gentle dog I have ever owned. He gives me morning kisses and paws at me when he wants attention. Truly lovable.

 

Use Baby Oil for Gum in HairTo get bubble gum out of hair, just dab a little baby oil on your finger tips (depending on the size of the wad) and rub on the gum. It should just slide right off the hair with minimal mess!

 

Use Silicone Bakeware to Form Burger SlidersI love to make the mini slider hamburgers for my kids. To get the perfect uniform size burger, I take hamburger meat and press it into a silicone muffin "tin".

 

BitBit (Dachshund)BitBit is 2 years old and a Dachshund. We got her on Valentine's Day, my dad and my little brother went to chose one. When I saw her, I knew she was the one. I had wanted a dog for a long time.

 

Shred Personal Information into the GarbageI do not have a paper shredder but I have found a very effective, inexpensive way to protect my identity. I just tear anything with personal data on it once and then put in with the household garbage.

 

Recycled Sweater BagIf you accidentally shrink a 100 percent wool sweater in the washer, don't fret. Create a cute handbag from your mistake. Or shrink a wool sweater that you no longer wear and turn it into a purse.

 

Make Your Own Fondant for Cake DecoratingA wonderful and inexpensive way to have a beautiful cake at any function is to make it yourself. I've begun using a recipe for home made fondant (sugary "dough" icing for cakes) using powdered sugar and mini marshmallows!

 

Sort Recycling Directly Into ContainersIt was always such a bother to sort garbage to recycle, that I did not do it. Now I live in a rural area and pay to have my garbage picked up, so decided that I would recycle.

 

Work at Library for Scholastic KnowledgeThe thing that really gave me extra knowledge in the classes I was taking in college, was working in the library-books/periodicals. You just pick up on so much stuff by working there that you otherwise wouldn't know about.

 

Upcycle What You HaveUpcycle what you have to enjoy in new ways! I am using my broken screen door guard as a bracket in my bedroom to hold a birdcage planter and outside on my back patio to hold a small set of windchimes!

 

Buy a Mac to Avoid PC VirusesNext time you replace a PC plagued by viruses buy a Mac (Apple) computer and you will have no more virus issues. ;-)

 

Use a Memo Board for Unusual Grocery ItemsI keep a small memo board on the side of my fridge to write down those things you run out of that are not normally on your grocery list. Kraut, capers, special spices, brown sugar, molasses, cranberry sauce, the sort of thing.

 

Make Your Own Butter and Whipped CreamThis tip is to help cut down on grocery cost with just a little time and fore-thought. Get heavy whipping cream (the best buy is a half gallon). Then, whip it with either an electric mixer or a whisk to your desired consistency.

 

Metal Glider Chairs?My aunt gave me a pair of metal glider chairs. Each chair has 2 arms, 12 in. long, with bearings on each end that hold the seat to the lower bottom frame. Does anyone know where I can buy similar chairs?

 

Recipes for Someone With Heart Disease?My husband recently got released from the hospital because of his heart and this is the second time this year. I really need to cook healthier for him, actually all of us could benefit from a healthier diet. He is progressing faster with his heart disease than any of us realized, including his doctor.

 

Smoke Stains on a Stove?I have tried without success to remove smoke stains from a white electric range. When using the broiler and when the stove is turned on for self-cleaning, smoke comes up through the oven onto the white backside of the range.