Fresh Blueberry Crisp
I used to find the cans of Maine Wild Blueberries, but havent seen them in some time now. I hope they are still being produced as they have the most flavor of any blueberry Ive ever tasted. Ill have to look some more and if I can find them, Id really like to...
Ripening Fresh Fruits You've Purchased
Id heard that a banana could help the ripening process speed up, but didnt know that an apple produces the same gas which also helps. I always have apples around, so will definitely use this helpful tip. Thank you for sharing it.
Saving the Harvest
At least youre going to have a lot to show for this long hot summer. It had to take a lot of energy to make and keep a good garden going this year. Thank you for sharing the story and pictures with us. Best wishes to you.
Easy Pineapple Cake
This sounds so cool and delicious. Its easy enough for the most basic cook too. This is a great recipe to teach young people how to make great desserts. I plan to use it to teach a few around here, then Ill enjoy helping them eat it. :-) Thank you Keeper. Youll...
In Memory of Desmond Morton Bird (Cat)
What a sweet story about a very nice fur-baby. I know you have to be missing him, but hell live forever in your hearts. Thank you for sharing his story, and I really like what you did with his photograph.
Mister Mister (Cat)
How lucky for you both to have found one another. Mister Mister is a very handsome cat, and Im sure he is so happy to have a forever home. Thank you for sharing him.
Glazed Meat Loaf
I agree that your Glazed MeatLoaf and those Smashed Potatoes are perfect companions for a great Sunday dinner. Thats going on my menu list for the month of September. I hope youll do that again (sending us 2 recipes that go together so well at the same time...
Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Green Onions
Youre right. This is the perfect side dish to go with the glazed meatloaf recipe. Theyll go together just fine. Thanks for all that you share. HokeyPoke
Pairing Herbs and Other Flavors with Vegetables
I learned a lot about using some different herbs with vegetables and Im looking forward to trying things that I think Im going to like a lot. We like sauces with things like broccoli, and I want to try adding dill or tarragon to the sauce. It opens up an interesting...
Ellee (Sheltie)
Such a sweet and beautiful happy face. Shelties make lovely family pets too. They remind me a lot of collies. Thank you for sharing Ellee with us. We wish you many long and happy years together. HokeyPoke
Newborn Calf
Put me down for 2 copies when you write that book. My mom comes over just to see if theres anything new youve written, and I share my ThriftyFun with her. You do have a way with words, and we love your family favorites recipes. Your friend knows her way around...
In Memory of Voldo (Mix Dog)
This has to be a very difficult time for you, but if you can believe there is another life waiting for us, then you already have some consolation in the truth of being reunited with a very happy and healthy Voldo one day. Weve faced this too many times, but...
Loki (German Shepherd)
A very beautiful dog. Your Loki looks to be a perfect example of this wonderful breed, and your description of his personality is quite typical. Enjoy your time with him. Hell give you his very best as Im sure you know. Weve had 2 lovely shepherds, and they...
Darling Miss Emma (Great Dane/Lab)
A dogs behavior reflects the way they are loved and treated. Your Darling Miss Emma is now showing off the way youve treated and loved her. She has one of the most happy and charming faces Ive seen in a dog. Im so glad you were able to take her and undo the...
Canned Ketchup
Ive never eaten homemade ketchup, but it sure sounds good. My mom used to cook and add various vegetables to store bought catsup, and that was good. I like the idea of starting from scratch and hope to get to try making my own. Thanks for sharing. HokeyPoke
Adopted Feral Kittens
Somehow, we expect humans to have that spark of humanity in them, but when we see it in animals as well, it makes me wonder if maybe they are becoming more like humans, then I pick up the newspaper and read where there are still humans killing other humans...
Fresh Strawberry Pie
I sure wish Id seen this recipe last weekend. We had a birthday party for an elderly relative and strawberries are her favorite food in all the world. We had strawberries for her, but they were in a fruit salad, and a really good strawberry shortcake, and this...
Rambo (Great Dane/German Shepherd)
Very beautiful dog. Thank you for sharing his charming photos. You must teach him not to jump on you though. It is unacceptable behavior and isnt something youll want him to continue. There are great ways to play with him that dont require his jumping on you...
Dallas (Pomeranian)
Awwww. He is so cute and looks like a stuffed toy dog. Such an adorable face. Im glad you found him, and wish you much happiness and long years together. Thanks for sharing him. Thumbs up.
Mexican Chicken, Rice, and Beans
This sounds very good Christi. Well enjoy trying it out this weekend. Weve having company and this is exactly the type of recipe I was hoping to find. I want to serve it with homemade flour tortillas and a big salad of mixed baby greens. Im getting hungry already...
My Frugal Life: Six Decades of Frugality
Really good read. It would be just wonderful to live the way your husband and you do with enough land to have a nice productive garden, and enough to leave in a wild state just for the beauty of it. We use most of your frugal ways when it comes to doing dishes...
Aluminum Free Baking Powder
If aluminum is so bad for us as some of the experts are saying, then it would seem that using a baking powder which doesnt include it would be very beneficial. Its easy enough to make our own obviously. Thank you for a very helpful recipe.
Money Saving Ideas for My Daughters
Very enjoyable reading your frugal posting, Robin. Its very rewarding to know that there are many people doing the same things my husband and I did and are still doing. There is no education to beat Home Schooling because you have the opportunity to teach your...
Panther (Cat)
I have a very special love for Black and White Tuxedo cats. Your Panther is a real beauty, and you have a darling angel granddaughter as well. They make a great pair. Thanks for sharing them with us. HokeyPoke
Buddy (Dog)
He is such a cute little fellow. Sounds like hes very happy too, and makes his own happiness wherever he is. You didnt say how old he is, but Im hoping youll have him for a very long time still. Thank you for sharing him. HokeyPoke
Caring For Newborn Kittens
We could have used all this information a couple of years ago. We ended up having to take an entire litter of newborn puppies to a vet and leave them. Cost us a lot of money, but we didnt know what to do with them. Their mother was a pure bred miniature poodle...
Gunter (Orange Tabby)
Gunter is a very nice cat. In many ways, hes exactly the way God probably intended for cats to be. Free to roam and hunt for their food, and bring it down just as the big cats in the wild do. Civilization has made it just too difficult for them, and domestication...
Simple Citrus Pie
Sounds yummy and cool, fast and good. Just what we need during the hot summer months we seem to be enjoying all over our country. Thanks for sharing a lovely recipe. HokeyPoke
Scenery: Kid Goats (Somerset, UK)
Baby goats are so cute and they are so active almost from the time they are born. They climb, jump, and hop all over as they play and are as good as any show on TV for amusement. They are gentle and have the most soulful eyes that steal my heart as soon as...
Peach Chili Sauce
This sounds so good that I could probably just eat it with a spoon all by itself. I will definitely take time to add it to beans though. I dont think Ill can it although it is a great sauce to keep on hand. I will freeze it though, and use it with grilled meats...
Wildlife: Chipmunk (Sturbridge Village, MA)
We used to see many chipmunks almost everywhere, but for the past two years, they have been very scarce. I miss the cute little busy fellas and the same with the squirrels. So few are around now for some reason. Thank you for sharing your photograph. HokeyPoke
Individual BBQ Meatloaves
Yum. First time Ive ever seen horseradish in a meatloaf. My hubby is going to love this. Thanks HokeyPoke
Citrus Peels Keeping Kitties Out of Your Garden Area
I agree with you all the way. Orange peels may work, but if you dont have them, there are products sold that will help with the problem without having to harm the cats. The poor cats are probably out there through no fault of their own. Blame people, not the...
Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken
This is one of our favs too. Saves a lot of time by not having to bread and deepfry the chicken first. Sounds good to me. Thumbs Up. HokeyPoke
Boris (American Shorthair)
Something has his attention and hes very intent about it. A very pretty kitty. Unusual coloring too. Thanks for sharing him. HokeyPoke
No Mix Coconut-Cherry Bars
I wish I had a couple of these right now. Im hungry for something sweet, but different. These would work just fine, thank you. Thumbs Up. HokeyPoke
Beautiful Thoughts on a Frugal Life
Fantastic Lifestyle Robyn. More power to you. God Bless. HokeyPoke
Sweet Potato Puff
Good baked sweet potatoes made into any recipe are a great side dish for us. Sweet potatoes have so much beta carotene so are very good for us too. We were allowed to grow a sweet potato vine in our classroom when I was in the 2nd grade, and it really made...
Sea Turtle in the Ocean (Gulf of Mexico)
I can only imagine seeing a real live turtle that is over 4 feet wide. It must have been a real thrill. I had a turtle when I was a little girl about the size of a 50 cent piece. All my friends would come over to see if hed grown, and I dont think he ever did...
Miley (Siberian Husky/Lab Mix)
Hello Miley. You are such a pretty doggie, and I hear you are super smart too. Im happy that you have someone who loves you and keeps you safe. Thank you for the sweet pictures. HokeyPoke
Mother's Chicken Salad
I dont think we have Hellmanns, but we have Dukes which is made by the same company if Im not mistaken. We like chicken salad and often buy it already made. Id like to try your recipe all except the onions. Ill leave them out. And Im adding the green grapes...
Folded Paper Flower Box
Really cute little craft. Inexpensive too. Reminds me of the Chinese takeout boxes, and Ive always loved them. Thanks for sharing. HokeyPoke
Add Cake Trimmings To Frosted Middle Layer
Good way to extend the frosting and making the cake a little taller. Ill bet itd work if you added pudding to the cake crumbs too. This is something Im going to have to try. Smart idea. Thanks for sharing it. HokeyPoke
Tony (Black Cat)
I love black cats. They almost always have the most beautiful green eyes, and are so sweet and loving. Its wonderful that youve been blessed with such a long time with him. Thank you for sharing Tony. He is a very handsome boy. HokeyPoke
Hush Puppies
Ive often made fried cornbread, but never had a recipe for hush puppies from someone whod actually made them. Im so happy to get this recipe from you Julia. Ill be making Hush Puppies the very next time we have fish or greens. I cant wait to try them with tomato...
Mike's Polynesian BBQ Sauce
I am impressed that finally someone has come up with a BBQ Sauce that doesnt require using liquid smoke, but relies on a grill doing what its meant to do. Have you ever tried this on vegetables? Thank you Julia and thank your son. You are lucky to have a son...
Photo: Best Friends
This is so sweet and reminds me of my sister who is 3 years older than I am. She is now, and has always been my best friend. Our mom had to work, and we stayed with our grandmother a lot. I always went to my sister with everything first, and if she couldnt...
Classic Boiled Custard Pudding
Our family likes any kind of custard or pudding. Theyll eat it with Jello (which is very good, incidentally), and fresh fruits and almost any kind of cake. Just by itself makes a nice light bedtime snack. Another good one Julia. Thank you for sharing. HokeyPoke
Miss Etta's Fourth of July Pickles
Thank you for another great sounding recipe Julia. I wish youd write a book. HokeyPoke
Georgia Gumbo
I just knew this had to be a good southern recipe as soon as I saw gumbo. Id hate to have to judge which state has the best. Georgia or Louisiana, although Virginia and North Carolina make some good gumbo too. Id probably have to include Texas and South Carolina...
Herby's Angel Biscuits
Ive heard of this type of biscuit, but never knew what they were called and never saw a recipe for them. I like it that I can make up a batch, bake some and keep dough enough for another morning or meal. If it works for me, Ill keep them made up all the time...
In Memory of Garfield (Cat)
Window Shopping huh? Too cute. I know youre going to miss him, but Im glad you shared your home and love with him for such a nice long time. Thank you for sharing his story. HokeyPoke
Cleo (Shepherd Mix)
Sometimes our pets know better than we do, especially when it comes to special needs. Thats probably why she chose to be an indoor doggie. They never fail to amaze me. A wonderful story. Thank you. HokeyPoke
Fourth of July Coffee Cake
I like the sound of this as something to eat in the afternoon since I like to have a protein at breakfast when I have time. Seems to keep me going longer, but about 3pm, I need a sweet break. You sure make it sound easy enough and Im a novice at yeast doughs...
Fresh Summer Vegetable Soup with Pasta
My mom made a similar soup, but my dad always had to have meat of some kind It didnt matter if it was chicken or beef as long as he could find meat. We kids loved soup with bread and butter, and we often had it every night in the winter time. The whole house...
Beef Teriyaki
I often times have ground deer meat which doesnt always work out so well in dishes where you need some fat. This recipe will work just great and my children and husband will love it too. It is a nice addition to my growing collection of your recipes Pookarina...
Using Dark or Light Baking Pans
I guess it makes sense because of the way dark and light containers reflect or absorb heat. The same thing applies to the clothing we wear. Interesting tip. Thanks for sharing. HokeyPoke
Cooking Stems of Broccoli and Hearts of Cabbage
This is the way we always cook broccoli when were making cream of broccoli soup too. Its all done at the same time perfectly and makes it so smooth and delicious with a little butter and half and half, salt and pepper. HokeyPoke
All-American Style Potato Salad
Our big holiday for cookouts has always been July 4th. Our whole street gets involved and we do a pot luck with the fellas grouping together and cooking all the meats on the BBQ grills. Theyll do chicken legs and half breasts, hot dogs and hamburgers and sometimes...
Kiddie Pool As Cooler
This is just the greatest newsletter on the internet. I get the best recipes, the best tips, the best laughs and learn so much here. I just want to say a big Thank You to everyone who contributes so many nice ideas, photos, recipes and experience. I love this...
Butter Cookies
These cookies sure sound good. Ive never used a press, but I like the idea of being able to make them the alternate way anyhow. Thank you for sharing. Good cookie recipes are always welcome around our house. HokeyPoke
Keeping Milk Fresh
Were getting our milk in white plastic now, but before the dairy started using those containers, I very often had to throw out milk that shouldnt have gone sour. Now, our milk stays fresh much longer than the expiration date. It makes a person wonder why all...
Thawing Frozen Bread
I have often just cut off the entire bottoms of frozen bread for this very reason, and its so simple, youd think Id have thought of some other way. We do buy bread at the surplus store, and often the wrappers show signs of moisture as if the bread had been...
Crispy Crunchy Corn Chips
Ive never tried anything like this before, but you sure make it sound easy enough. We go through bags of chips like they were thin air, and they are not cheap these days. Thank you for the recipe and really good instructions. HokeyPoke
Hendrix and Layla (Chihuahuas)
They are beautiful and so healthy looking. You obviously take very good care of your babies. We had chihuahuas when I was growing up. They were my grandmothers, and were just so smart and cute. If they did something they were not supposed to, shed scold them...
Bella (English Setter)
Easy to see why your husband fell in love with Bella. She is so beautiful, and looks like such a sweet girl. Gorgeous eyes too, and her markings are so pretty. Im glad you found her and were able to keep her. Im sure she is special. Thanks for sharing. HokeyPoke
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Making mashed potatoes using butter and Carnation evaporated milk was the only way we ever made them when I was growing up. Since then, Ive learned how to use just regular milk, but they never taste as good as my moms did. Thats for sure. Sometimes, shed make...
Phenix (Horse)
Phenix is such a beautiful horse. So strong and sturdy looking. He looks like he is enjoying the sleigh ride just as much as you are. Same with the buggy ride. You have a nice horse for all occasions. Lucky You. Lovely background too. Thanks for sharing. HokeyPoke
Chicken In A Brown Paper Poke
Must be a southern thing as my mom often baked chicken this way. The meat literally fell off the bones, and it was delicious. I hadnt thought of baking a chicken this way in years. Thank you for reminding me. HokeyPoke
Cole Slaw
Like yours and Redhatterbs mothers, this is the way my own mother cooked and wrote out her recipes. That was when women were pretty much stay-at-home mothers and they cooked so much that they just knew what worked. I learned to cook this way from my mother...
Ten More Lessons from the Blind Side
Very informative and so well-written Jo. Thank you for taking time, and having the patience to educate others about something that really can happen to each of us. I have learned so much from these postings From the Blind Side. HokeyPoke
Denim Wallet
A very clever use of worn out blue jeans. I always hate to toss out the legs of jeans unless the knee parts are also worn with holes in them. There just seems to be so much wasted fabric there, and its usually strong and good. More than enough to make a wallet...
Recipes Using Pollack Fillets?
Why not try wrapping them in foil, baking them, then flaking them, and make some fish patties just like Jos Salmon Patties? Just dont over bake them to start with so that they dont dry out. I think theyd work in her recipe, even if you added a can of salmon...
Super Special Salmon Patties
If ever I get stuck for what to cook, I just have to come to ThriftyFun, and take all my ideas from here. Brunswick Stew for tonight and tomorrow, so maybe well have your Salmon Cakes for Friday evening. I saw a very interesting Orange Cake that I want to try...
Scenery: Granny's House in Winter
This looks like a picture youd see in a story book, Sissy. Wouldnt you like to hear the story it could tell? Thank you for sharing it with us. HokeyPoke
Orange-Pecan-Raisin Cake
I have everything except the raisins and a fresh orange for this cake, Julia. Do you think I could just use a Tbsp. or so of frozen (undiluted) orange juice in the cake, and dilute the frozen juice for the syrup, and just leave out the raisins? I could add...
Beach Visit
An adorable little girl, Stella. Im betting she is having fun playing in the sand on such a nice day. Thank you for sharing her with us. HokeyPoke
In Memory Of Tulip (Shih-tzu)
Tears are on my face and Im half blinded with them, but Im so glad you shared this beautiful story with us, Sandra. Im reminded that we should always treat every day we have with those we love as though it were maybe our last. This must have been terribly difficult...
Homemade Hamburger Helper?
This isnt quite hamburger helper, but its pulled us out of the low-food-budget slump more than once. For our family of 5, Id start with 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck. Brown and cook it until its no longer pink, then add onions and continue to cook and stir...
Brunswick Stew
Rainy days always make me want some kind of soup or stew, and we are expecting rain again. I have everything except The okra, and I only have chicken thighs right now. Im sure theyll work just as well, so into the pot they go. I can remove the bones later. Im...
Tea Cup Pincushion
Very creative and a great use for mis-matched or odd tea cups and saucers. The attached saucer provides a good spot to rest a spool of thread that you are working with. Thank you for sharing. Thumbs Up! HokeyPoke
Short'nin Bread
I always thought Shortnin Bread was just a childrens song, and never knew it was something real to cook or bake. My family loves Gingerbread, and I make it with molasses, so Im going to try this recipe Julia. It is both interesting and looks like itd be fun...
Spicy Beer Cake
We have a lady who comes to the big dinners at our American Legion and brings two loaves of this cake every month. She is asked to make it, and she never goes home with any of it left either. Ive wanted to ask her for the recipe, but was afraid shed think I...
Picante Meat Loaf
I really think Ive run into the best bunch of cooks Ive ever found in one place. Thanks to everyone who sends in these great-sounding recipes. Ill bet this meatloaf is just the best ever. I will be making and testing it this weekend. HokeyPoke
Soda Crackers to Keep Salad Fresh
My goodness! Learn something new every day. We never add the dressing to the entire bowl of salad, but let each individual add the dressing they like best. The soda-cracker trick is a brand new tip though. Ill try it. Thank you for sharing it. HokeyPoke
Potato and Broccoli Casserole
Thanks for the extra note Pookarina. Makes sense. This sounds so good and broccoli is our favorite vegetable. We eat a lot of it all year long. Added to the potatoes and cheese, it would a great luncheon meal or a simple Saturday-Night Supper. Thanks for sharng...
Sirloin Steak Special
My family would want creamy mashed potatoes with this delicious-sounding meat with gravy dish. Maybe hot biscuits and fresh spinach salad with orange slices. I have my next Sundays dinner all planned now. Thank you Robin. HokeyPoke
Haley (Cavachon)
Im not sure what a Cavachon is a mixture of, but she sure turned out to be a cutie-pie. A very sweet little face, and Im so glad you have her to love. Thanks for sharing her. HokeyPoke
Vegetable Casserole
Sounds like a great substitute for that green bean casserole that everybody brings to a potluck. I like these vegetables a lot better, so will try it soon. Thanks for sharing. HoKeyPoke
Butterhorn Rolls
I love Butterhorn Rolls, but never even tried to make them. Your recipe makes them sound easy to make. I feel like giving them a try. What have I got to lose? Im not getting any younger, and if I succeed, Ill be the apple of my familys eyes. Thanks for a really...
Strawberry Divinity
Ive never eaten any kind of divinity except the plain white. Never knew there was any other kind. I love strawberry anything, so this goes at the top of my list for the next candy-making day. I might leave out the coconut and double the nuts (pecans). Thanks...
How Can I Fix Cookie Dough That is Too Gooey?
Does the recipe tell you to refrigerate dough for an hour or two prior to spacing out cookies on the baking sheet? If it does, and you didnt, that would cause the dough to be gooey and not firm up enough. If you followed the recipe exactly, then it could be...
Plant Sprouted Garlic
We do this with garlic, onions, and celery. I always have a few nice green shoots and leaves for the best scrambled eggs, or to go in soups. Its the easiest gardening there is, and almost as much fun. Amazing what pleasure we can get from just little things...
Crocheted Edge Valentine Card
This is a very beautiful Valentines Day Card. Wish Id seen it sooner, but maybe I can whip up something tomorrow by dinner time. Its really a nice idea. HokeyPoke
Valentine's Sweetheart Cake
Ive made cheesecake for tomorrow, but we have a birthday celebration next Sunday, so this will make a great birthday cake. Im not good at decorating, so itll work out perfectly. Makes me hungry just reading it. Thanks for sharing your recipe. HokeyPoke
