Posted on 03/23/2008 11:36:40 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
HOUSEHOLD TIP
I have a tip for cleaning trash cans with baking soda. Pour enough
baking soda to cover the bottom, add enough vinegar to make it fizz, and
let it do the cleaning for you! Then rinse with a bucket of water or a
garden hose with a spray nozzle. Air dry or wipe down. This works for
me and keeps those “odors” away. (Do remember to occasionally clean
the trash can with a disinfectant or some bleach as well.)
Don’t forget, you can always pour some baking soda into the trash bag,
especially if you have to toss meat scraps or other smelly things into
your trash can. It really cuts down on the odor.
Moisture Cream
1 oz. glycerin (makes the cream smooth, but can be omitted for cost)*
1 oz. witch hazel (make sure it contains no rubbing alcohol)
1/2 oz. rose water (for scent - any scented water will work)
3 T. honey
3 T. wheat germ oil
Mix these ingredients together until well mixed. Store in an airtight
container. Use within one month.
Homemade Paper Message List
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Making paper by hand is fun and interesting, and by adding seeds to the
paper
pulp, you can create a card or letter that can be planted. Plant paper is a
completely recycled and recyclable product — starting with junk mail, you
can
make a birthday card that (once the seeds sprout) could become a bouquet of
flowers or even a bowl of tomato soup!
What You’ll Need:
•two cups junk mail, computer paper, or old paper bags, torn into
nickel-sized
pieces (avoid glossy, highly illustrated paper) •blender •small plastic
washtub •three packages very small plant seeds such as forget-me-nots,
wildflowers, chili peppers, or tomatoes •stapler or hammer and several small
nails •old wooden picture frame (a 5” by 7” frame works well) •a piece of
fine
cheesecloth cut an inch larger than the frame on all sides •turkey baster
•newspapers •several old dishcloths and one towel •piece of thick cardboard,
about 8” by 10” •three bricks
What to Do:
1. Cover your work surface with plastic before starting. Make sure you’ve
removed all the staples from the junk paper. Put one cup of paper scraps
into
blender. Add three cups water and put blender lid on. Blend for 60 seconds
on
medium-low speed. (Don’t remove the lid while blender is running!) Pour the
pulp into washtub and repeat with rest of paper.
2. Pour seeds into tub, distributing them evenly.
3. Staple or nail cheesecloth to back of picture frame. Make sure you
stretch
cheesecloth mesh tightly and fasten it on all four sides of frame.
4. Slip frame, mesh side up, into washtub and swish pulp around to get it on
top of frame. Let a layer of pulp settle on the mesh. Then lift frame
straight
up and hold it over washtub to let the excess water drain out.
5. Carefully lay frame, pulp side down, on a dishcloth spread out on a stack
of newspapers. Remove frame. If pulp doesn’t separate from frame right away,
try blotting mesh with a dishcloth before lifting frame off.
6. Fill turkey baster with pulp from washtub and use it to fill in empty
spots
in the molded pulp. Put another dishcloth on top of molded pulp.
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 until you run out of pulp, laying each new layer
of pulp on top of the previous layer, with a dishcloth in between.
8. Put a towel on the last sheet of paper, then a piece of cardboard. Lay
bricks on top of cardboard. Let layers rest for 15 minutes.
9. Carefully remove bricks, cardboard, and towel. Then remove each dishcloth
and paper layer and lay them out on separate stacks of newspaper. Let the
sheets dry between 12 and 24 hours. You can dry out the wet newspapers and
save them for recycling afterward.
Now that your plant paper has dried, you can make plantable cards. Be sure
to
include the following planting instructions when you send a card to someone
special.
Planting Instructions:
Plant paper can be planted directly into the ground — the paper pulp acts as
mulch. Or you can sprout the seeds in the paper before planting. To pre-
sprout, dampen the paper with water and put in a plastic bag. Make sure to
keep paper damp at all times. The seeds should begin to sprout in one to
three
weeks. When they do, transplant them to your garden or a pot.
BUMP!
Whoopie Pies
Recipe By :Amy Dacyczyn
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup cocoa
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
3/4 cup *sour milk* — *add 1 tbsp vinegar to 1 cup milk &
let sit 10 min.
1 teaspoon vanilla
*************** filling ***********************
1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 teaspoons flour
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
To make cookie: Cream sugar and shortening. Add cocoa and egg; mix well.
Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with the milk/shortening mixture.
Add vanilla & mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto greased cookie
sheet. Bake 12 minutes at 375 degrees.
To make filling: Cook milk & flour til thick. Chill until cool, then beat
well with automatic beater. Add remaining filling ingredients, and mix
well.
Pair off cookies by size; add filling to make sandwiches.
Description:
“chocolate cookie with cream filling. excellent frozen”
Source:
“The Tightwad Gazette II”
Ice Cream Bucket Lasagna
Recipe by: Linda
I cook a large package of hamburger (apx 5 lbs), drain. Place it back in the
pan I cooked it in, *(don’t dirty another pan) and add tomato sauce and
spices as you like it.
Then in another large bowl, mix two large containers of cottage cheese, four
eggs, and salt and pepper.
A third bowl has a large quantity of shredded mozzarella.
Finally, I open two packages of lasagna noodles, either no-bake or regular,
doesn’t matter. I prefer the regular, they are thicker..the no bake kinda
disappear in my lasagna because they are so thin.
Place all the ingredient bowls and pans in a row on the counter. Then I take
6 (one gallon) ice cream buckets or similar container. Layer as follows:
small amount of Sauce
Noodles
Sauce (it is important that all of the uncooked noodles are covered in
sauce)
cottage cheese
noodles
sauce
cottage cheese
noodles
sauce
mozzarella cheese to cover top (we love this quite thick)
That is it! You end up with six lasagnas, and only 3 dirty pans. Freeze.
Once solid, slip from the ice cream bucket, and place in gallon ziplock
bags. Now they go back in the freezer, taking up much less space.
I use the ice cream bucket because it makes it the exact correct size and
shape for my 5 quart crockpot. You may find another container that works
better for you.
When its lasagna eating day, just pop it in the crockpot on LOW, and let her
go all day...come home, dinner is ready!
Granny Note:
If you are involved in the corsages for the proms, do not pick them up and put in the refrigerator with apples or cabbage in it.
They will ruin your flowers...........
Yes, working as a florist, is in my deep and hidden past....
LOL
granny
From the Frugal list:
Frugal Tips from Newsgroup Message List
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for a lifetime
Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent
ice cream drips.
Use a meat baster to “squeeze” your pancake batter onto the hot
griddle- perfect shaped pancakes every time.
To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the
potatoes.
To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water
before hard-boiling.
Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispies treats
in
the pan-the marshmallow won’t stick to your fingers.
To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room
temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter
before squeezing.
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or
two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to
a
boil on stove-top-skillet will be much easier to clean now.
Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in
tomato-based sauces-no more stains.
When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the
dry cake mix instead-no white mess on the outside of the cake.
If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it’s still cooking, drop in
a
peeled potato-it absorbs the excess salt for an instant “fix me up”.
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator-it will
keep for weeks.
Brush beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a
beautiful, glossy finish.
Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it back up.
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out
the
corns natural sweetness.
To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool,
salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh-if it rises to the surface,
throw
it away.
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your
forehead. The throbbing will go.
Don’t throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for
future
use in casseroles and sauces.
If you have problem opening jars: Try using latex dishwashing gloves.
They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.
Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub
raw
potato on the stains and rinse with water.
To get rid of itch from mosquito bite: try applying soap on the area
instant relief.
Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a
chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or
wherever ants tend to march- see for yourself.
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors: It does a good job and better
still,
leave a lovely smell to the shine.
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to
tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter,
then
pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
NOW Look what you can do with Alka Seltzer:
Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes,
brush, and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean
vitreous
china.
Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or
cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets.
Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of water
and
immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four
Alka-Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if
necessary).
Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka-Seltzer
tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar Wait a
few
minutes, then run the hot water.
Gravy recipies Message List
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Hello All,
I have been on the list for awhile but didn’t feel that I could contribute
anything. Until now :)
I don’t measure ingredients but this will give you a general idea
of how to make these gravies. These recipes come from managing
a restaurant in my former life (before marriage, kids and home school)
Hope you can use them.
Sausage Gravy
Fry bulk sausage. Set aside. Discard all but a little grease.
In a large jar, combine 1 cup milk with one TBS flour.Use a little more
for a real thick gravy. If too thick, thin with milk. Shake
well. Pour into hot skillet and stir till thick. Add sausage back into
skillet. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over hot, split biscuits.
P.S. I have made it omitting the sausage and using oil instead of
grease. then used it for chicken fried steaks.
Tomato Gravy:
Fry bacon and set aside. Discard most of the grease.
Brown 1 or 2 TBS flour in bacon grease. When it is a
nice brown color, add canned diced tomatoes. Stir and cook
till thickened. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over biscuits or
rice or just about anything else you would use gravy on.
P.S.I have used it as a base for stews and soups.
These are so good!
5 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup crisco shortening
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
2 cups buttermilk
Dissolve yeast in warm water (about 1/2 cup) - sift dry ingredients into
large mixing bowl, cut in shortening with a pastry blender - stir in
buttermilk, work into a dough. Spray Ziploc bag with Pam or other veggie
spray - dump dough into bag, zip up and keep in fridge (it will rise in the
bag). The dough lasts about a week in the fridge - you pinch off what you
need, roll or shape into 1/2-inch thick bisucits and bake at 400° for 12
minutes or until golden brown.
Note: I’ve kept the dough longer than a week in the fridge and found it to
be as good the last day as it was the first.
Cooking/Kitchen Hints
*************************
Don’t wash strawberries until you’re ready to use them. They keep better
dry.
*************************
If you add too much salt to a soup or stew, drop in a raw potato and
boil for
5 minutes. When you remove the potato, the overt salty taste will be
gone.
*************************
A slice of bread can remove the scorched taste from rice. Place the
bread on
top of the rice and replace the pot lid and wait a few minutes. Remove
the
bread and the scorched taste should be gone.
*************************
Sprinkle a little salt ... in your frying pan before cooking to keep the
grease from splattering.
*************************
You won’t waste syrup or honey if you first dip your measuring cup in
flour.
Sticky mixtures will slide out easily and completely.
*************************
Thicken gravy ... quickly by adding instant mashed potatoes instead of
flour
to the water mixture.
*************************
Though it’s a truly thankless task, cleaning behind your fridge will
keep it
running longer and more efficiently. Another fridge cleaning tip: Make
sure
the unit is level. An unlevel refrigerator works harder than it needs to
and
wastes energy.
*************************
Remove odors from your fridge by placing a vanilla extract soaked cotton
ball
inside. Another popular method is to leave a cup of baking soda or a
slice
of lemon in the fridge at all times.
LOL, this was my goal for all that I printed years ago.
I already have the notebooks, a bunch from my real estate office, but they wound up stored in boxes.
LOL
granny
If you are like me you save neat files that come through meaning to print
them out “some day” and when the day comes you can’t find it anywhere!
Where, I finally solved this one! I went to Office Depot and bought several
three ring binders - and I now keep them on my desk, and whenever something
comes through I print it out and file it right away! This has served several
purposes - cuts down on looking for stuff when I need it, cuts down on the
amount of clutter in my online mailbox, and, it also cuts down on the amount
of stuff I save - when it is actually time to print something out, if end up
tossing some of the more marginal stuff, and just keeping the stuff I will
really use! So far I have three full books - one of recipes, one of
household hints, and another of Quilt hints and patterns - all for the cost
of paper and ink, and a few minutes of my time. I have just bought three
more binder to start vol. 2
[Later she says that she is using different colors for dif. subjects]
Homemade Cleaners Message List
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OVEN CLEANER
2 Tbsp. dishwashing liquid
2 Tbsp. borax
1/4 c. ammonia
1 1/2 c. warm water
Mix together, apply to oven spills and allow to sit 20-30
minutes. Scrub with an abrasive nylon-backed sponge and rinse
well.
GENERAL-PURPOSE CLEANER
1 tsp. borax
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. dishwashing liquid
2 c. hot water
Combine all ingredients. For a more pleasant smell, use lemon
juice instead of vinegar.
EASY SCRUB
3/4 c. baking soda
1/4 c. borax
Dishwashing liquid
Combine the baking soda and borax. Mix in enough dishwashing
liquid to make a smooth paste. (Add 1/4 tsp. of lemon juice for
a more pleasant smell.)
HEAVY-DUTY DISINFECTANT CLEANER
1/4 c. powdered laundry detergent
1 Tbsp. borax
3/4 c. hot water
1/4 c. pine oil or pine-based cleaner
Slowly stir the detergent and borax into the water to dissolve.
Add the pine oil (available at hardware stores and suupermarkets)
and mix well. For bathroom cleaning, use the mixture full
strength. In the kitchen, dilute with water.
GLASS CLEANER
2 Tbsp. ammonia
1/2 c. alcohol
1/4 t. dishwashing liquid
A few drops blue food coloring
Water
Combine ammonia, alcohol, dishwashing liquid and food coloring,
then ad enough water to make 1 quart. If you prefer a
non-ammonia cleaner, substitute 3 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice
for the ammonia.
Bump for a later read. I see you have been very busy!
Kitchen Tips*
Sunburn Relief
*My favorite soother after a sunburn is:
1 bottle commercial, nonmedicated skin-moisturing lotion (8oz)
5 drops clove oil
5 drops peppermint oil
2-4 tsp. powdered comfrey root (available at health food or drug stores)
2-4 Tbls. aloe vera gel
Mix together thoroughly in a bowl. May transfer to a used lotion bottle.
Chill, if desired.
*May increase amount of comfrey root and aloe gel, but not clove or
peppermint oil, as it may cause skin irritation.
*Refrigerator Relief
Apply thin slices of cold, raw cucumbers, apples, or potato directly to the
skin.
Cold, plain yogurt smoothed on, then rinsed off in cool water takes the
“sting” away.
Cold, used tea bags applied to sunburned eyelids relieves the pain and
swelling.
(A good use for used tea bags - refrigerate or freeze in a zipper-top bag
until needed.)
Sunburn Soothing Bath
2-4 Cups colloidal oatmeal*
1/2 to 1 Cup baking soda
1-2 Cups powdered chamomile flowers
1 Cup buttermilk, optional
Add ingredients as the bath water runs. May tie favorite herbs in a
cheesecloth and tie to the faucet for adding aroma.
*Colloidal oatmeal is not the kind you eat at breakfast. Buy at a pharmacy or
health-food store.
*Best relief of all - apply sunscreen liberally, wear light, reflective
clothing, stay out of the sun during peak hours, and keep skin moisturized.
[granny sez, take regular oatmeal and put it in the blender and it will work in the bath.........]
Clean windows with a solution of 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup white vinegar
and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to a bucket of warm water.
Thanks for the ping, Granny! YOU are such a treasure to all of us! I can hardly wait to get my new printer hooked up, and start copying this ENTIRE thread!
I cannot tell you how much we have needed all the wonderful information you have so generously shared!
So - I have one specific thing to say to you, Granny - THANK YOU!
DRYING HERBS
Saving fresh herbs on hand to sprinkle, purée and simmer provides even the
cautious cook with inspiration and ideas. But sometimes it is not possible
to arrange a week’s menu around a bountiful crop of basil or dill, no matter
how aromatic the plants are. Surplus herbs can be kept fresh for a week or
two in the refrigerator, but if your plans for them are more long-term, you
should consider drying as a means of preserving them.
Whether they have been grown in soil, or in a hydroponic unit, herbs are
most flavorful when picked just before flowering. Clip the plants an inch or
so from the base of the stem, and shake them lightly. If you have used
chemical pesticides, wash the plants carefully with water, otherwise just
use a small stiff-bristled brush to remove bugs and soil.
If you have never attempted drying herbs, don’t think that you’ll have to go
out and buy a commercial food dehydrator, or set up an elaborate drying
rack. You have everything you need in your home. You can dry the herbs
naturally by hanging them in a dark room, or you can use a microwave or
conventional oven to speed up the process.
Hanging Herbs to Dry
When hanging herbs, choose a dry, well-ventilated room that receives a
minimum of light. An attic is perfect, a closet acceptable, a basement is a
bad idea. The key to drying herbs is drying them; in a moist or dank
environment they will simply rot. Once you have chosen the most suitable
room, tie a paper bag (not waxed) or a piece of cheesecloth around each
bouquet of herbs, and hang them upside down from the ceiling or from a rack.
The coverings catch any leaves that might fall, keep dust off and protect
the herbs from strong light. (Sunlight will cause the flavor, as well as the
color, of the herbs to fade.) The drying process will take between one and
two weeks, but you should check on them every other day. Herbs are dry and
ready to be stored only when they crumble as you pinch them.
Drying Herbs in the Oven
If you don’t have time to dry herbs in the traditional way, you can speed up
the process by using your conventional oven or a microwave. If using an
oven, arrange the herbs on a cookie sheet, and set them on the center rack.
Leave the door slightly ajar, and use the lowest setting on your oven (no
higher than 100°F). Stir occasionally. Again, the herbs are dry when they
crumble.
If you’re going to dry your herbs in a microwave, do it on a dry, sunny day.
(It is possible for the herbs, once dry, to reabsorb moisture in wet or
humid weather.) Place a layer of dry, clean herbs between paper towels and
set the microwave on defrost for about three minutes. Push the PAUSE control
and turn the leaves over every 30 seconds. Herbs are more likely to scorch
in the microwave than in the oven; keep a close eye on them.
Storage
A good means of storage is to place the dried leaves in glass jars
(preferably dark-colored glass) away from heat and light. The lids should
provide an air-tight seal. Mark the date on the jar; dried herbs will remain
tasty and flavorful for about one year.
Note: No matter what method you use to dry your herbs, make sure they’re
completely dry before you store them, or they could develop mold.
http://www.leevalley.com/gardenin/harvest/dryherbs.htm
Making Fruit Leather
This information is provided by: Washington State University Cooperative
Extension in Spokane County
How to Make Fruit Leather
1.Line a cookie sheet with plastic wrap and tape it to the edges. Do not
use wax paper or aluminum foil. The fruit tends to stick to these.
2.Wash and core fruit. Fruit may be pureed with or without the skin. The
skin on red apples will give the puree a nice pink to reddish color.
3.Place pieces of fruit in blender. Puree until smooth. Some fruits make
a smoother puree if they are cooked first with a little water, then
pureed.
4.If desired, add any combination of the following flavorings: allspice,
cinnamon, cloves, honey, lemon, mint, nutmeg.
5.When the puree is smooth, pour onto the prepared cookie sheet. Spread
it around so that it is even and not too thick-1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Leave at least 1 inch around the edges so that the puree has room to
spread and the plastic wrap can be removed easily. You can make smaller
pieces of fruit leather by pouring small “pancake” size spots of the
puree onto the cookie sheet.
6.Dry the fruit leather by using one of the drying methods (at end of
document). Dry it until it is still rubbery (pliable). The center should
not be sticky. Remove the leather from the tray while it is still warm.
Peel away the plastic wrap and roll up the leather. Cooled fruit leather
does not roll as easily.
7.Individually wrap the leather in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight
bag or container.
Combinations
Combine 2 or more fruits for a unique flavor.
Apples combine well with all fruits, especially berries.
Apricots with apples, plums, or pineapple.
Bananas with apple-berry, lemon-walnut, orange-pineapple.
Blueberries are best when combined. Try them with apple, peach, or
cantaloupe.
Spices and Flavorings
When the puree is dried, the spices and flavorings will concentrate, so
use them sparingly.
Add one spice or flavoring at a time in small amounts. Blend and taste.
You should not be able to tell what has been added, only that something
has. If you really taste a strong flavor, too much was added. To weaken
strong flavor, dilute the puree by adding more fruit. If additional
fruit is not available, dry the puree, then put a filling with the fruit
leather or spread on a topping such as cream cheese. This will help tone
down the flavor.
Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon extract per quart of puree. Begin with one
tablespoon fresh juice (lemon, orange) for each quart of puree. Wash
the orange or lemon before grating it. Try one teaspoon of grated peel
per quart of puree.
Garnishes
For added variety and texture add a garnish. Just as frosting garnishes
a cake and strawberries garnish a dish of ice cream, fruits, nuts,
seeds, and cereals can garnish fruit leather.
After pouring the puree onto the cookie sheet or after the puree has
begun to dry but is still very sticky, add a garnish.
When dry, roll up as usual or cut the leather into bite size pieces.
Garnish ideas include
Chopped, dried fruit, chopped dates, shredded coconut, granola, chopped
nuts, raisins, whole or chopped, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds.
Storing Fruit Leather
Fruit leather can be left whole or cut into 4- to 6- inch pieces. Wrap
each piece in plastic wrap so that fruit leathers do not stick together.
Put these wrapped pieces into an airtight container. Label container.
Freezing is ideal for longer storage. Leathers that contain nuts,
coconut, or fillings should be stored in the freezer.
Methods of Drying
There are several methods of drying; each has advantages and
disadvantages:
Sun
Solar
Oven
Dehydrator
Choose which method is best for you.
Sun drying depends on the temperature and the relative humidity outside.
If you live where the temperature is in the 90°s with low humidity and
low air pollution, sun drying can be used. A major advantage is low
cost. Drying trays, netting to protect against bugs, and the fruit are
the only investment. Another possible advantage is the sun’s sterilizing
effect caused by ultraviolet rays that may slow the growth of some
organisms.
Sun drying is dependent on the weather. If it is sunny one day and not
the next, you have to finish drying your fruit by one of the other
methods before it spoils. Also, when it cools at night you have to bring
the food inside. Spoilage can occur while the fruit still has enough
moisture for microbial growth. Another disadvantage is time. What would
take 6 to 8 hours to dry using another method, may take 2 to 4 days in
the sun.
Solar drying is like sun drying, only better. The sun’s rays are
collected in a solar box; drying temperature is higher and drying time
is shortened. With a shorter drying time, microorganisms have less
chance to cause spoilage. If you don’t want to buy or build a solar box,
the back window ledge of an automobile where the sun shines through can
be used as a solar dryer. Crack the windows slightly to allow some air
flow so it doesn’t get too hot. Stack the trays like you would for other
methods. Cover the trays so insects don’t ruin the food.
Oven drying. To dry small amounts at one time, the oven drying method is
a good choice. There is little or no investment in equipment. You don’t
have to depend on the weather. Most foods can be dried in an oven.
One disadvantage to oven drying is the cost of the energy used. Oven
drying takes 2 or 3 times longer to dry foods than a dehydrator. The
food dried in an oven is more brittle, usually darker, and less
flavorful than food dried in a dehydrator.
Test the temperature of the oven for about one hour with a thermometer.
Prop the oven door open as you would when actually drying fruit. The
oven should maintain 140°-150°F. If the oven cannot maintain this
temperature, it may not work for drying. If the oven is too hot, your
food will begin to cook instead of dry. If it is too cool, it may not
dry fast enough and food will spoil.
Dehydrator drying. Electric dehydrators can be purchased or made. A
dehydrator should have a heat source, a thermostat, and some method of
air circulation. Dehydrators yield a better quality dried product than
any other method of drying. They also allow greater flexibility because
they don’t depend on the weather or tie up your oven. Follow the
directions that come with the dehydrator. Many of the basic principles
that apply to oven drying also apply to using a dehydrator.
[still in 1999, some url’s may not work]
These recipes come from
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/1894/giftsjar.html . They are
meant to be mixed, stored in jars, and then given as gifts.
Simple Mix Recipes
Hot Chocolate Mix
One is never too old to enjoy hot chocolate, and this is a special way
to share it with a friend.
3 cups powdered milk
1/2 cup cocoa
3/4 cup sugar
Dash of salt
Sift the ingredients into a large bowl. Pack the mix into an airtight
container.
Attach this to the Jar-
Hot Chocolate
Serves 1
4 tablespoons Hot Chocolate Mix
8 ounces boiling water
Marshmallows or whipped cream
Place the Hot Chocolate Mix into a mug. Pour in the boiling water. Stir
until the Chocolate mix is dissolved. Garnish with marshmallows or
whipped cream.
Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
This spicy cider tastes delicious after winter sports, so here’s just
the gift for a hostess on a ski vacation.
1/2 cup dried cranberries
12 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp. crushed whole cloves
2 Tbsp. whole allspice
In a small bowl, stir the cranberries and spices together. Store in an
airtight container.
Attach this to the Jar-
Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
Serves 12 to 14
2 quarts apple cider
1 quart water
1 package Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
2 oranges, sliced
In a large saucepan combine the cider, water, and Spiced Cranberry Cider
Mix. Heat through but do not boil. Add most of the orange slices. Serve
warm, garnished with the remaining orange slices.
White Hot Chocolate Mix
A great idea for a major chocoholic.
1 tsp. vanilla powder
1 tsp. dried orange peel
1/2 cup grated white chocolate or white chocolate chips
Combine and blend the ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight
container.
Attach this to the Jar
White Hot Chocolate
Serves 2
1 and 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup White Hot Chocolate Mix
In a small saucepan, heat the milk until bubbles form around the
outside.
Add the White Hot Chocolate Mix and whisk until the chocolate is melted.
Continue to whisk until the mixture is hot.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix
1/3 cup light brown sugar
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. powdered vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
Combine and blend ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight
container.
Attach this to the Jar-
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Serves 6
3 cups water
Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix (to taste)
Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Heat the water to boiling and add the Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix. Stir
with a whisk until the mixture is smooth. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
For a frothier hot chocolate, mix in a blender.
Mexican Fiesta Dip Mix
This is an unusual Southwestern dip mix that can be given in a small
sombrero.
1/2 cup dried parsley
1/3 cup minced onion
1/4 cup dried chives
1/3 cup chili powder
1/4 cup ground cumin
1/4 cup salt
In a large bowl, combine the spices and store in an airtight container.
Attach this to the Jar-
Mexican Fiesta Dip
Makes 2 cups
3 Tbsp. Mexican Fiesta Dip Mix
1 cup mayonnaise or low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream or low-fat yogurt
In a medium mixing bowl combine the Dip Mix with the mayonnaise and sour
cream. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.
Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix
This versatile mix can be used to make a dressing for salads, a dip for
fresh veggies, or topping for baked potatoes.
1 1/2 Tbsp. dried parsley
1/2 Tbsp. dried chives
1/4 Tbsp. dried tarragon
1/2 Tbsp. lemon pepper
1 Tbsp. salt
1/4 Tbsp. oregano
1/2 Tbsp. garlic powder
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Store in an airtight
container.
Attach this to the Jar-
Ranch Dressing
Makes 1 cup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp. Ranch Pressing & Dip Mix
In a large bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk and dressing &
dip mix. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.
Ranch Dip
Makes 2 cups
2 Tbsp. Ranch Dressing & Dip Mix
1 cup mayonnaise or low-fat mayo
1 cup sour cream or low-fat yogurt
Combine the Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream.
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving with raw vegetables, or as a
topping for baked potatoes.
Turkey Noodle Soup Mix
This is a great way to use leftover turkey.
1 cup uncooked fine egg noodles
1 1/2 Tbsp. chicken-flavored bouillon
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. dried whole thyme
1/8 tsp. celery seeds
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 bay leaf
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Store in an airtight
container.
Attach this to the Jar
Turkey Noodle Soup
1 package Turkey Noodle Soup Mix
8 cups water
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1/4 cup minced onion
3 cups cooked diced turkey
Combine the Turkey Noodle Soup Mix and the water in a large stockpot.
Add the carrots, celery, and onion and bring to a boil. Cover the soup
and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes. Discard the bay
leaf. Stir in the turkey and simmer an additional 5 minutes.
Curried Rice Mix
This curried rice mix is an interesting complement for plain chicken or
pork.
1 cup long-grain rice
1 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled
2 Tbsp. dried minced onion
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 tsp. curry powder
Layer the ingredients in the order given in a 1 & 1/2-cup jar.
Attach this to the Jar
Curried Rice
Serves 6
2 1/2 cups water
1 package Curried Rice Mix
In a medium saucepan bring the water to a boil. Add the rice mix. Cover
and reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning Mix
Lemon pepper adds a piquant flavor when used on grilled meats.
1 cup ground black pepper
1/3 cup dried lemon peel
3 Tbsp. coriander seeds
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/4 cup dried thyme leaves
Stir all the ingredients together and store in airtight jars.
Attach this to the Jar
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Serves 4
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. Lemon Pepper Seasoning Mix
6 chicken cutlets
Preheat the broiler or BBQ grill. In a low, flat dish stir together the
lemon juice, oil and Lemon Pepper Seasoning Mix. Add the chicken
breasts, and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. Grill
over hot coals or broil for 4 minutes on each side, or until done. Serve
hot or at room temperature.
Pizza Dough Mix
This is a gift for friends of all ages, whether a starving college
student or a senior citizen—everyone loves pizza.
2 3/4 cups bread flour
1 package (1 Tbsp.) active dry yeast
2 tsp. salt
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Place the mix in an
airtight container.
Attach this to the Jar
Pizza
Makes 2 12-inch pizzas
1 package Pizza Dough Mix
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup warm water
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tsp. crushed oregano
Place the Pizza Dough Mix in a large bowl & add the oil and water. Beat
with a wooden spoon or dough hook until mixture forms a ball. Turn out
onto a floured board and knead for 5 minutes. Transfer to a greased bowl
and let the dough rise for 90 minutes. Divide the dough in half and pat
into two 12-inch circles. For thin crust, fill and bake the pizzas now.
For thicker crust, let pizzas rise 30 to 45 minutes. Top the pizza dough
with tomato sauce, cheeses of your choice, crushed oregano, and olive
oil drizzled over the pizzas. Preheat the oven and bake at 425 degrees F
for 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
California Corn Bread Mix
This is a sweet, cake-like corn bread that is delicious with honey
butter.
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
In a large glass or ceramic bowl, stir all the ingredients together.
Store in an airtight container.
Attach this to the Jar
California Corn Bread
Serves 4 to 6
1 package California Corn Bread Mix
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the corn bread mix in a large
mixing bowl and add the eggs, milk and butter. Blend until the mixture
is smooth. Poor into a greased 8-inch baking pan and bake for 30
minutes.
Ginger Spice Muffin Mix
A great gift for people on the go!!
1 3/4 cups flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Store the mixture in an
airtight container.
Attach this to the Jar
Ginger Spice Muffins
Makes 1 dozen
1 pkg. Ginger Spice Muffin Mix
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup milk
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and grease 12 muffin tins. In a large
bowl, combine the muffin mix with the butter, egg, vanilla and milk Stir
the mixture until the ingredients are blended. Do not overmix. The
batter will be lumpy. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full, and bake for 15
minutes.
Double-Fudge Brownie Mix
Dense and fudgy, these are the best brownies in the world.
2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa (not Dutch process)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate chips
Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
Attach this to the Jar
Double-Fudge Brownies
Makes 24
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
4 eggs
1 package Double-Fudge Brownie Mix
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 12 by 9 inch pan. In the
large bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter. Add the eggs, one at
a time, beating well after each addition. Add the Double-Fudge Brownie
Mix & continue to beat the mixture until it is smooth. Spread the
mixture into the greased pan, & bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
Scottish Shortbread Mix
This older recipe never fails to bring a smile.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients, blending well. Store in
an airtight container.
Attach this to the Jar
Scottish Shortbread
Makes 16 pieces
1 cup butter, softened
1 package Scottish Shortbread Mix
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Knead the butter into the shortbread
mix and press the mixture firmly into an 8-inch pie plate, or shortbread
mold. Bake for 1 hour. The shortbread should be pale in color, not
browned. Cut into wedges while still warm.
****To begin, make your laundry area as convenient and user friendly as
possible.
****If instructions aren’t printed on the washer lid, type, laminate, and
hang them over the machine. (YOU may not need them, but when you recruit
family members, instructions may save some clothes.)
****Install a shelf over the washer and dryer to have detergent, bleach, and
other laundry items within easy reach.
****Make sure all surfaces are waterproof and easy to maintain: plastic
laminate counters, semi-gloss or gloss white walls, and no-wax vinyl floor.
****Hang a drip-dry rod over the sink, slip a clothes caddy over the door,
and nail an expanding wooden peg rack on the wall.
****Provide counterspace for sorting, stain-treating, and folding. If space
is tight, a drop-down, wall-hinged table will do the trick.
****Label or color-code bedroom baskets to prevent laundry room mixups.
****GENERAL TIPS: Dissolve detergent, bleach, and water softener in the
wash water before loading clothes.
****Wash and dry clothes inside out to prevent fading.
***Tie or pin socks together for easier sorting. Another trick is to use a
mesh bag for socks, especially baby socks.
****Clean washer hoses of hardened soap scum by running an empty load with
hot water and a cup or two of distilled vinegar.
***Prevent tangling by closing zippers, buttoning buttons, and tying strings
before washing and drying.
****Avoid the contortions of folding clean sheets by putting them right back
on the bed.
****Pilling is caused by items rubbing against each other in the washer and
dryer. Prevent it by turning susceptible clothes inside out and washing them
in a mesh bag or a drawstring pillowcase.
****But one distinctive style, pattern, or color of socks and underwear for
each member of the household to prevent mixing and ease matching.
****Buy enough socks and underwear to get everyone through at least a week.
***Mark labels with different colored laundry pens to keep everyone’s clothes
separate.
***Wash pantyhose with shampoo as you wash your hair in the shower and you’ll
always have a clean pair. Bras and silk panties can join you too.
****Hang a mesh laundry bag inside a closet door for hand washables. Toss
the bag in delicate, cold-water cycle.
****Inside of washing, have the dryer dust throw pillows, curtains, and
slipcovers. Set it on cool, toss in a big towel as a buffer and a fabric
sheet as a freshener.
****Make doing the wash less of a big deal. Toss in a load while cooking
supper, paying bills, or reading the paper, so it won’t mount up and become a
weekend chore.
***The difference between “Dry Clean” and “Dry Clean Only” is fragile fabric,
but washable. Dry cleaning fluids are tough on fabrics, so whenever they can
be avoided, the life of a garment is prolonged.
And the Chatters Say:
My 5 yr old takes clothes out of washer and dryer I put a stool in front of
washer
One thing I found that helps me is to have a seperate place to put dirty
delicates
that keeps them from accidently getting mixed in with regullar wash better
I have a Simba hamper for delicates the kind that hangs on door
everybody knows Sunday clothes, anything silky goes in there
I also keep a jar on dryer to collect change I miss in pockets that comes out
of mmachine
I have a garment rack near my dryer so things I shouldn’t dry I can hang up
right away
that helps a llot and since floors are concrete it doesn’t matter if it drips
I simplify by NOT ironing
I have started storing extra sheets under my mattresses
I do pillow cases flat and it presses them too
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