Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today

Crockpot Cowboy Casserole and No Bake Date Oat Bars (Both Diabetic Friendly)
By Linda Carol Wilson Platinum Quality Author
Linda Carol Wilson

Linda is a wife and grandmother in North Texas. She and her husband Steve have three children and 7 grandchildren. She is diabetic and is ... ...

Busy cooks and families everywhere have learned to rely on crockpots and/or slowcookers. Over the years I know I have used them frequently. In fact, I have worn out 2 or 3! Whether it is summer or winter, whether you are a busy working mom or a stay-at-home housewife, you can benefit from the use of a slowcooker. This Cowboy Casserole is a good family recipe for your crockpot or slowcooker. For a simple dessert, here is a recipe for No-Bake Oat Bars!

COWBOY CASSEROLE

1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/4 lbs 90% lean ground beef
6 medium potatoes, unpeeled, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
16 oz can kidney beans
15 oz can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, rinse with hot water and drain. Mix flour into diced tomatoes, stir until flour is smooth.

Layer into slow cooker in the following order; onion, beef, potatoes, garlic and beans. Pour tomatoes over all and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low 5 to 6 hours or until potatoes are tender.

NO BAKE DATE-OAT BARS

1 pkg (8 oz) pitted dates, chopped
1 tbsp flour
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup unsweetened grated coconut
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup Equal Sugar-Lite
2 1/2 cups quick-oats, uncooked
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Non-stick vegetable cooking spray

In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped dates and flour. Toss lightly to coat. Place water in a 1-cup glass measuring cup and microwave on high until boiling. Pour water over dates. Add coconut, butter, and Equal to dates. Mix well. Spray a square baking pan with vegetable spray. Spoon mixture into pan. Cover and refrigerate until set. Cut into 24 bars. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

Note: This is my version of a University of Alabama recipe.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda’s recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

Beef Roast Meal in Slow Cooker
By Peter Alfieri

Peter Alfieri is the host for the cooking TV show Buon Appetito Providence. He brings simple to sophisticated cooking for all of the New England ... ...

Who said meat & potatoes couldn’t be spiced up?? Not me! The addition of horseradish gives this meal the “Zing” you’re looking for. This meal can be made in the morning before work and be ready in time for dinner.

Slow cooking produces moist meat, it is ideal for older and/or less expensive cuts. Because an oven isn’t used, the slow cooker proves to be economical.

There are so many possibilities with a recipe like this; add/remove vegetables to your own liking, or, change the ingredients around so you won’t be bored with this meal. Whatever you decide, this slow cooked meal is sure to dazzle you with it’s rich and juicy flavors!!

Difficulty (Scale from 1-10): 4

Ingredients 4 large sized Idaho potatoes - washed & cut in half.

Preparation Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown roast (about 10 minutes), turning frequently until browned.

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 9 hours

Total Time: 9 hours 25 minutes

3 pound boneless beef chuck roast

1/4 cup of olive oil

2 cups of baby carrots

one large Vidalia onion - quartered

2 cups of frozen peas

1 stalk of celery - cut into 2 inch long pieces

2 tablespoons of salted butter - melted

1 tablespoons of fresh parsley leaves - chopped

3 cloves of garlic - minced

3/4 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper

4 ounces of prepared horseradish

1 cup of water

Place vegetables in crock pot. Place beef on top of vegetables.

Mix butter, parsley, garlic, salt, cracked black pepper, and horseradish with one cup of water. Pour water mixture over the beef in the Crockpot.

Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until everything is tender, then serve.

Enjoy your meal!

Peter Alfieri is the host of the cooking show: Buon Appetito Providence, http://www.BuonAppetitoProvidence.com Pete cooks many different foods from several geographical areas; his specialty is Italian food which is also featured on the TV show. Be sure to check out other recipes on the show’s website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Alfieri

Crockpot Recipes - My Favorite Crockpot Recipes
By Diane Cantrell

Diane Cantrell is a freelance transcriptionist living in the Midwest. She has been writing articles and creating websites for over eight years. Working from home ... ...

Crockpots are such a wonderful invention! At last, a way to come home from a long day at work only to find a hot cooked meal ready and waiting for us! Crockpots save us money as well as time, and in these difficult economic times, any way to save money while not sacrificing flavor is an A+ in my book. Below are 10 of my favorite crockpot recipes. I hope you enjoy them as well.

16 BEAN SOUP
1 package 16 Bean Soup
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon crushed oregano
2 cans no-fat chicken stock
Additional water to cover
3 stalks celery chopped
3 carrots diced
1 large onion chopped
3 cloves garlic sliced
1 pound turkey Italian sausage sliced
2 cans stewed (or diced) tomatoes

Combine first 5 ingredients (liquid should cover mixture by 1”-2”) in Crock Pot Cook on high for 2 hours Add remaining ingredients and shift cooker to low and cook for additional 3 hours For more zing, add cayenne or crushed red pepper when adding second set of ingredients. Serve as complete meal or over rice. Freezes well.

BAYOU GUMBO
* 3 tablespoons Pillsbury Best All Purpose Flour
* 3 tablespoons oil
* 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 inch slices
* 2 cups frozen cut okra
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (12-ounce) package frozen shelled deveined cooked medium shrimp, rinsed
* 1 1/2 cups uncooked regular long-grain white rice
* 3 cups water

In small saucepan, combine flour and oil; mix well. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes or until mixture turns reddish brown. Place flour-oil mixture in 3 1/2 to 4 quart Slow Cooker. Stir in all remaining ingredients except shrimp, rice and water. Cover; cook on low setting for 7-9 hours. When ready to serve, cook rice in water as directed on package. Meanwhile, add shrimp to gumbo mixture in slow cooker/Crock Pot; mix well. Cover; cook on low setting for additional 20 minutes. Serve gumbo over rice.

CHEESE AND POTATO CASSEROLE
2 lb. pkg. frozen hash brown potatoes (partially thawed)
2 (10 oz.) cans cheddar cheese soup
1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk
1 can French fried onion rings, divided
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine potatoes, soup, milk, and half the can of onion rings; pour into greased slow
cooker/Crock Pot and add salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or high for 4 hours. Sprinkle the rest of the onion rings of top before serving. Makes 6 servings.

CHICKEN CHILI
2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, deboned, cut in 1/2” chunks
Celery heart
1 med. onion
2 cans stewed tomatoes, sliced
16 oz. med. salsa or picante sauce
1 can chick peas (or 1 pkg. pkg.
white kidney beans)
6 oz. mushrooms
Olive oil

Brown chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Chop celery, onion and mushrooms. Combine all ingredients in large slow cooker/Crock Pot, stir and simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours. Serve with bread or taco chips. *If you like it spicy, use hot salsa or picante sauce.

CHILI
2 lbs. ground beef
1 lg. onion
1 lg. green pepper
1 lg. jalapeno pepper
Chili powder to taste
Garlic salt to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Sugar to taste
2 cans crushed tomatoes
1 can tomato puree
1 can kidney beans
2 cans chili hot beans

Brown beef. Saute chopped onion and green pepper in grease. Mix beef, onion and green pepper. Add spices; let stand 1 hour. Add tomatoes, tomato puree, beans; cook in Crock Pot all day. Best if refrigerated and warmed the next day.

CREAMY SPINACH DIP
* 8 ounces Cream cheese, cubed
* 5 ounces Frozen chopped spinach
* 2 tablespoons Pimento, diced
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon Garlic salt
* 1/4 cup Whipping ceram
* 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
* 2 teaspoons Onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon Thyme

Combine cream cheese and cream in Crock Pot. Cover and heat until cheese is melted, 30 to 60 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and heat 30 minutes. Serve with raw vegetables, crackers, or bread pieces.

CROCKPOT BROCCOLI SOUP
4 c. water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1/4 c. chopped onion
2 c. diced potatoes
1 bag frozen, chopped broccoli
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2-1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed

Mix water, bouillon cubes, onions, potatoes and broccoli in a crock pot. Cook on high until broccoli is thawed. Add cream of chicken soup and cheese, to taste, to mixture. Turn crock pot on low and cook for 2 hours.

CROCKPOT CHEESY BACON DIP
2 pkgs (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, cut into cubes
4 cups shredded Colby-Jack Cheese
1 cup half-and-half
2 T mustard
1 T chopped onion
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

Place cream cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, half-and-half, mustard, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper sauce in crock pot. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, on low 1 hour or until cheese melts. Stir in bacon; adjust seasonings. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

CROCKPOT CORN CHOWDER I
6 slices bacon, diced
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 c. diced peeled potatoes
2 pkgs. (10 oz each) frozen whole-kernel corn, broken apart
1 can (16 oz) cream-style corn
1 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. water

In skillet, fry bacon until crisp; remove and reserve. Add onion and potatoes to bacon drippings and saute for about 5 minutes; drain well. Combine all ingredients in CP; stir well. Cover and cook on Low setting for 4 to 7 hours. Makes about 1 1/2 quarts.

Is your mouth watering? Are you on your way to the kitchen to start preparing one of these delicious meals for your family? Well, how about 470 Crockpot Recipes all at the click of a mouse and all for the price of a cup of coffee? If that sounds good to you, click here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Cantrell

Pork Recipes For the Crock Pot
By Lisa Paterson Platinum Quality Author

Oh, you have to love pork! For so many delicious foods to come from one place is remarkable. Pork is one of the easiest foods to prepare, as there is much you can do with it. From barbecue sandwiches to roasts to sausage, pork provides so much variety that making it is not the hard part; it’s the deciding what to make next that will present the problem! Cooking pork in the Crock Pot will render some of the tenderest meat found anywhere and you’ll want to serve it again and again. If you’re in a bind for what to do next with pork, here are a few simple pork recipes for the Crock Pot.

The first suggestion to come to mind has to do with how wonderful pork and apples go together, as though they were made for each other from the beginning. If making something in the slow cooker with pork, whether it’s pork chops, a roast or ham, how about using apple juice combined with a small amount of corn starch to pour over it? Make sure to add some chopped apple for some extra flavor. To really dress things up a bit, toss in some fresh cranberries, honey, cloves and nutmeg for an aromatic fall meal.

Another nice idea for pork would be some good-sized ham steaks with pineapple juice and chunked or mashed pineapple on top. Have some cherries ready on the side to add some bright colors to this tasty meal. Kids and most adults as well, love ham. Adding these few simple items will turn a good meal into a great meal! Your family will love you for it and you’ll love the ease in clean up following a slow cooker meal. A wonderful substitute for the ham steaks could be a pork roast. The juices from the pork roast will enhance the good flavors emanating from the roast will blend, blending with the other ingredients to help create an appealing gravy for mashed potatoes.

Barbecue pork for sandwiches is always a welcome meal in any household and it’s one the whole family will enjoy. This particular recipe, however, will take longer than the usual four to six hours due to the firm belief that any good barbecue, no matter the cut, is best served in the manner of “slow and low”. The “slow” in this phrase means over as much time as possible without ruining the meat while the “low” means at the lowest temperature possible, without drying out the meat. In this recipe, start it the night before, on the lowest setting possible, and prepare to abandon yourself to it when you come home the next evening.

In the Deep South, where Elvis and Barbecue is King, great pride is taken in the preparation of their barbecue and recipes are handed down from one generation to the next. When preparing the meat (generally the cut is a pork loin or small shoulder), create a mixture of vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, powdered garlic and powdered onion, finely chopped onion and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the pork cut in this for several hours, adding your favorite barbecue sauce only in the last two or three hours, if at all. In the south, it’s preferred to add the barbecue sauce to the sandwich, rather than the meat, and a good dollop of Cole slaw on the sandwich is always welcome.

If you are new to Crock Pots, don’t let them intimidate you for they can become one of your best friends in today’s harried world. With a bit of creativity and a desire to try new things, some of the most delicious pork recipes you’ve ever had are within your reach.

Lisa Paterson is an avid home cook who loves to share her favorite recipes with the rest of us. Find all her crock pot recipes at http://www.A-Crock-Cook.com. And be sure to try one of her Pork crock pot recipes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Paterson

Three Beef Recipes For the Crockpot
By Audrey Okaneko Platinum Quality Author

Audrey Okaneko has worked at home since 1983. She has a wide variety of interests, including scrapbooking, crocheting, reading and cooking. Audrey is mom to ... ...

I am a meat lover. I love steaks, roasts, burgers and even hot dogs. I also really enjoy cooking with my crockpot. You can put in the meat, in the morning and by dinner time it’s ready. I’d like to share three recipes for cooking roast in the crockpot.

Roast in Beef Broth

3-5 pound brisket
2 cans beef broth
1 cup red wine
Cut up onions and celery

Cook on low about 8 hours.

This is one of the simplest recipes, yet is very tasty. We have substituted a tri tip roast for the brisket and it also came out quite well.

Roast with Mushroom Gravy

2-3 pound roast
1 packet Lipton’s Onion Soup mix
2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Cook for 8 hours on low.

Both of these recipes are so simple to make with only the few ingredients, yet full on flavor.

Roast in Beer Sauce

2-3 pound roast
1 package of Good Seasons Garlic Dressing
1 package of Italian (or Zesty Italian) Dressing
1 can of beer (do not use dark beer)
Cut up vegetables
Water

Pour one envelope of the salad dressing in the bottom of the crockpot. Place the roast on top. Pour the other package of salad dressing over the meat. Add your cut up vegetables. Then pour the beer over the top. Add enough water so that your crockpot has enough liquid in it, (I fill my crockpot about 3/4 full) Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

When you cook a roast all day in the crockpot it becomes very soft, so the cut of meat you buy is not important. If there is fat on the roast, I trim it off before putting the roast into the crockpot. Watch for sales at the store on roasts.

When we cook roasts in the crockpot, we add onions, celery, carrots and sometimes baby potatoes or red potatoes. The potatoes can be pierced before cooking. They then absorb in the liquid. If you like bell peppers, consider adding red or green bell peppers to your recipe.

Enjoy these very simple yet delicious recipes.

Audrey’s mom always entertained when she was growing up. Audrey learned to prepare for large groups and has often entertained 15-30 people in her home at a time. You can find more great recipes at http://www.recipe-barn.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Okaneko

Three Simple Dessert Recipes For Your Crockpot
By Audrey Okaneko Platinum Quality Author

Audrey Okaneko has worked at home since 1983. She has a wide variety of interests, including scrapbooking, crocheting, reading and cooking. Audrey is mom to ... ...

I love to surprise my family with a tasty dessert that tastes like it took hours to make but was actually done from the crockpot.

I’d like to share a few very simple to make recipes for desserts.

Apple Cranberry Crisp

3 apples
1 cup cranberries
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup rolled oats (quick cooking)
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Peel, core and slice the apples. Place the apple slices and cranberries in the bottom of the crockpot. Mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and sprinkle over the top of the apple and cranberry mixture. Place 4 or 5 paper towels over the top of the uncovered crockpot. On top of the paper towels, place a wooden spoon. Place the lid of the crockpot on top of the spoon. This allows the steam to escape. Turn crockpot on high and cook for about 2 hours.

Corn Pudding

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 1/2 oz package corn bread mix
16 ounce can cream style corn
2 1/3 cups frozen sweet corn
1 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Lightly grease your crockpot. In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, eggs and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into crockpot. Cover and cook on high 3 to 4 hours.

Chocolate Brownie Cake

2 1/2 cups fudge brownie mix
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 cup chocolate chips

In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup water, brown sugar and cocoa. Bring to a boil.

In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Mix well. This creates your batter. Lightly butter the crockpot. Spread the batter on the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the boiling mixture on top of that. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Turn off crockpot and allow cake to sit in crockpot for 30 minutes before serving.

One of the reasons I love desserts in the crockpot is because you just throw it all in and it comes out wonderfully. Using your crockpot during holiday times for dessert frees up your oven for turkeys, hams or whatever else you might be preparing.

I hope you enjoy these simple desserts made in your crockpot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Okaneko

Delicious Crockpot Chicken and Ham Chili
By Frank Ernhart Platinum Quality Author

This very simple chili is made with chicken and ham but ground beef could be substituted for the chicken and or ham if desired. The recipe was based on a number of (edible) experiments in an attempt to match a particular commercial chili originating in Texas. This brand is so popular that I am told that some people who have moved out of the area ordered cases of cans of it shipped to their new residences. I believe the “magic” ingredient that makes this dish stand out is the use of refried beans in place of pinto beans. Because of the high starch content, the refried beans help thicken this dish and also hel spread the marvelous flavor. It’s so easy to make, I don’t see any reason to buy commercial canned chili, not that I have anything against it. How long has it been since you ate “a steamin’ hot bowl of X brand chili” Ah -that’s too long. Try this one, I think you will like it. To find 600 plus other free recipes visit my website. Hope you’ll like the website too!

Crockpot Chili

16 oz. ham, cooked, diced

2 cps chicken, cooked, diced

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 cps, yellow onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp cumin

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 cp chicken stock (or water)

(1) 28 oz can of diced tomatoes

3 cps refried beans, cooked

2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1 - Combine all the ingredients in the crock pot and cook on high for 5 hours

Comment - This chili can be made with some sauted ground beef if desired. The taste is great either way. Hope you like it!

The author is a retired chemical engineer who in retirement has become the chief and only cook and bottle cleaner in the family. After watching hundreds of cooking shows and reading thousands of cookbooks I am generating and publishing my own plus lots of other already published recipes, mostly pre WWII. I do this on my website which also includes cryptogram puzzles, reform political commentary, auction stuff and UFO (Used Furniture Outlet). We live near Hecla, PA but this is a different UFO. Hope you like the recipes and that you will visit my site to find the over 600 recipes (and rising) free of charge. I hope you will click on some advertising links while there to help me maintain the website and continue to make it grow. The website is http://www.frankernhart.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frank_Ernhart

Crockpot Macaroni Cheese Recipe and 3 More Delicious Crockpot Recipes

By Lucille Green Platinum Quality Author

I know that a lot of you have at least one of these efficient and time saving appliances hidden away somewhere in your kitchen collecting dust. You probably thought that the Crockpot was just for making soups or stews.

Well, below are some easy to prepare and delicious Crockpot recipes you can try at home:

1. 16 Bean Soup

Ingredients:

- 1 package 16 Bean Soup
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon crushed oregano
- 2 cans no-fat chicken stock
- Additional water to cover
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 3 carrots diced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 pound turkey Italian sausage sliced
- 2 cans stewed (or diced) tomatoes

Directions:

- Combine first 5 ingredients (liquid should cover mixture by 1”-2”) in Crock Pot Cook on high for 2hours.
- Add remaining ingredients and shift cooker to low and cook for additional 3 hours

- For more zing, add cayenne or crushed red pepper when adding second set of ingredients.

Serve as complete meal or over rice.

Freezes well.

2. All Day Crockpot Delight

Ingredients:

- 2-3 lbs. boneless chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1/2 c. flour
- 1/4 c. butter
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 c. beer
- 1/4 c. flour

Directions:

- Coat beef cubes with the 1/2 cup flour.
- Brown in melted butter.
- Drain off excess fat. In crock pot, combine browned meat with onion, salt, pepper, garlic and beer.
- Cover and cook on low 5-7 hours (all day) until meat is tender.
- Turn control to high.
- Dissolve remaining 1/4 cup flour in small amount of water.
- Stir into meat mixture, cook on high 30-40 minutes.
- Serve with rice and salad.

3. All Day Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded sharp Chedder Cheese
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 1 /2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

- Place the cooked macaroni in crockpot that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the remaining ingredients, all except 1 cup of the cheese, mix well.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and then cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours or until the mixture is firm and golden around the edges.
- Do not remove the cover or stir until it has finished cooking.

4. Apple Brown Betty

Ingredients:

- 3 lbs. cooking apples
- 10 slices of bread, cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 3/4 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted

Directions:

- Wash apples, peel, core, cut into eighths; place in bottom on crock.
- Combine bread cubes, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, sugar, butter; toss together.
- Place on top of apples in crock. Cover.
- Place crock into outer shell.
- Cook on low setting 2 to 4 hours.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Want more recipes? You welcome to visit our website: The Recipes Package and Affordable Pasta Salad Recipes for more delicious recipes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucille_Green

Easy Apple Butter Recipe and 2 More Delicious Crockpot Recipes
By Lucille Green Platinum Quality Author

Preparing delicious and long lasting meals is easy when using a Crockpot. Apple butter, apple coconut crisp and apple cranberry compote recipes are 3 great Crockpot recipes. Here are the 3 recipes for you to prepare at home:

1. Apple Butter

This can be made in a slow cooker/Crock Pot or oven at 325 degrees for 3-4 hours.

Ingredients:

- 4 qts. unsweetened applesauce
- 7 C. granulated sugar
- 1-1/3 C. brown sugar
- 5-1/3 T. cider vinegar
- 5-1/3 T. lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon. cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon. allspice
- 1 teaspoon. ground cloves

Directions:

- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker/Crock Pot or roasting pan.
- Cover and cook 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and continue cooking until excess liquid cooks away (turn to low as necessary) Slow Cooker 5-8 hours, oven 3-5 hours Seal mixture in hot jars and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Makes approximately 8-10 pints

2. Apple Coconut Crisp

Ingredients:

- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled & coarsely sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butterscotch or caramel ice cream topping (fat-free is fine)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 cup quick rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions:

- In a casserole 1 1/2-quart baking dish that fits in the slow cooker/Crock Pot, combine apples with
coconut, 1 tablespoon flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Drizzle with the ice cream topping.
- Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl with a fork or pastry cutter and sprinkle over apple mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until apples are tender.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.

3. Apple Cranberry Compote

Ingredients:

- 6 cooking apples, peeled, slice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
- 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cups port wine
- sour cream , (low fat)

Directions:

- Arrange apple slices and cranberries in slow cooker/Crock Pot.
- Sprinkle sugar over fruit.
- Add orange peel, water and wine. Stir to mix ingredients. Cover, cook on low 4-6 hours, until apples are tender.

Serve warm fruits with the juices, topped with a dab of sour cream. Serves 6.

Next, you welcome to visit our website: The Delicious Recipes Package and Cheap Meal Ideas Recipes for more delicious recipes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucille_Green

Lucille Green - EzineArticles Expert Author

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/SausageandPeppers.html

Sausage and Peppers

Here is a great way to cook your Italian sausage. The vegetables make it a meal. Serve with a fresh salad and some crusty Italian bread to soak up the juices.

Ingredients:
# 6 tbsp olive oil
# 1 ½ lbs sweet Italian sausage links
# 2 green bell peppers, thickly sliced and cut to bite site pieces
# 1 onion, sliced
# 4 garlic cloves, chopped
# Salt & freshly ground pepper
# ½ tsp dried oregano
# 1 can 14 ½ oz Italian-style diced tomatoes, save juice
# red pepper flakes

In a large skillet, combine 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the sausage links, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, simmer until sausage is cooked through – about 7 minutes.

Remove the sausages from the pan and cut into bite-sized pieces. Pour off any extra liquid and return the sausage to the skillet.

Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet with the sausages. Add the bell pepper and the onions and sauté until the sausages and vegetables are nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is tender.

Season with salt & pepper to taste. Add the oregano, tomatoes, and sprinkle in some red pepper flakes – depending upon how hot you want to make your sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes, then simmer for a couple of minutes more uncovered until the tomatoes reduce to a slightly thick sauce.

Serve immediately.

If you liked Sausage and Peppers, try these other meat recipes.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/Seafood-Sausage.html

Seafood Sausage

Sausage doesn’t have to just mean pork. Seafood sausage is an interesting twist to the usual Italian sausage we all know. Here is a simple recipe for making sausage from shrimp or other shellfish if you prefer.

Ingredients:
# 2 lbs raw shrimp, fresh or thawed if bought frozen
# 1 red bell pepper
# 3 cloves garlic
# 1 small sweet onion or shallot
# ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
# 3 eggs beaten
# 1 tablespoon flour
# pinch of sea or kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

You can easily thaw frozen shrimp but placing them in a bowl of cool water. After a few minutes, pour off the water and fill up the bowl again with cool water. The shrimp will thaw in about ten minutes or so.

Peel the shells from the raw shrimp and grind. Once ground, keep the seafood chilled. Finely chop the red bell pepper and mince the garlic and onion or shallot. Finely chop the parsley and mix all ingredients in with the chilled, ground shellfish. Form sausage patties or stuff into casings.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/Chicken-Sausage.html

Chicken Sausage

Sausage from chicken makes a lighter sausage yet still has a nice flavor. I like to use my fresh herbs from the garden to make this sausage delicious.

Ingredients:
# 2 lbs chicken meat
# ¼ lb pork fat
# 3 cloves garlic
# 1 small sweet onion
# ¼ cup chopped fresh oregano
# Freshly ground pepper
# Sea or kosher salt
Grind the chilled chicken and fat separately and keep chilled in refrigerator after grinding.

Mince the garlic and chop the oregano. Add with the other ingredients to the chilled chicken and fat. Blend with an electric mixer just until blended. You do not want to over mix the meat and fat. You can form sausage patties or stuff into casings.

To test the flavor of your sausage, take a tablespoon of the sausage mixture and cook it in a small skillet. When browned, taste to see if you want to adjust any seasoning.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/Mild-Italian-Sausage.html

Mild Italian Sausage

This sausage is easy to make with an electric meatgrinder and it is delicious. I usually make this sausage in bulk. as it makes quite a bit of sausage, then freeze some of it for easy meal prepping later. You can buy casings and make your own links if you prefer.

Ingredients:
# 2 ½ lbs pork
# ½ lb pork fat
# 6 cloves garlic
# ¼ cup fennel seeds
# 2 tablespoons dried oregano
# freshly ground pepper
# sea or kosher salt
Chill the pork and fat in your refrigerator before grinding. You want to make sure your ingredients are cold because the grinding will heat the pork and fat, and you don’t want them to melt while grinding. While they are chilling, mince the garlic and measure your other ingredients.

Grind the chilled pork and fat separately.

Add the garlic and the other ingredients to the chilled pork and fat. Blend with an electric mixer just until blended. You do not want to over mix the meat and fat. You can form sausage patties or stuff into casings.

To test the flavor of your sausage, take a tablespoon of the sausage mixture and cook it in a small skillet. When browned, taste to see if you want to adjust any seasoning.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/HomemadeItalianSausage.html

Easy Homemade Italian Sausage

This Easy Homemade Italian Sausage recipe is great for those who don’t have a meat grinder. You can find pork already ground with fat that is perfect for making sausage. The disadvantage is you cannot control the amount of fat or the quality of the pork, but it is a tremendous timesaver over grinding your own meat and you can still determine the other ingredients and flavor your sausage anyway you like.

Ingredients:
# 1 lb ground pork
# 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
# 1 tablespoon oregano
# 1 tablespoon thyme
# 3 cloves garlic minced
# ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions:

Keep the pork refrigerator until you are ready to make your sausage. It is much easier to work with when it is cold.

Dump the pork into a large mixing bowl. Add the other ingredients and mix with an electric mixer just until blended. You do not want over mix the sausage.

To test the flavor of your sausage, take a tablespoon of the sausage mixture and cook it in a small skillet. When browned, taste to see if you want to adjust any seasoning.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/turkey-tetrazzini.html

Turkey Tetrazzini

Here is a great way to use up your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner. Tetrazzini is not from Italy but rather an Italian-American creation often made with cheddar cheese, but I modified this recipe with ingredients which give it an Italian flair.

Ingredients:
# 2 garlic cloves, chopped
# 1 onion, diced
# 2 cups cooked turkey meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
# 3 tablespoons sherry
# 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
# 8 oz spaghetti.
# 2 cups chicken broth
# 1 tablespoon olive oil
# 3 tablespoons butter
# 2 tablespoons flour
# 1 cup heavy cream
# 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
# freshly grated nutmeg to taste
# ¼ cup Italian flavored bread crumbs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Butter a large casserole dish or ceramic baking dish.

Add spaghetti to a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook until al dente, then drain. While spaghetti is cooking, heat 1 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, add the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper, sauté stirring often until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are slightly golden, about 5 - 8 minutes.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add flour and cook roux, whisking with a wire whisk until the roux is golden brown and smells nutty. Warm the chicken broth in your microwave for about 1 minute, then Whisk into the roux and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the broth thickens. Add cream, Parmesan, Sherry, pinch of salt, pepper and nutmeg, then simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.

Add the chopped turkey and mushrooms to the sauce and toss together with the spaghetti, then transfer to casserole or baking dish. Sprinkle the top of your dish with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Bake until sauce is bubbling and top is lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/TurkeyPiccata.html

Turkey Piccata

In this recipe I have used turkey breast cutlets instead of the usual chicken because they are such a great time-saver. You can usually find them very thinly sliced which is great because they are ready right out of the package and require no prepping. I also love to use turkey cutlets in place of chicken or pork because they have a nice light flavor and are moist and tender when cooked. If you haven’t tried them before, look for them in your meat section. They are a delicious, healthy and time-saving option.

Ingredients:
# Turkey breast cutlets, sliced thin
# ¼ cup lemon juice
# 1 teaspoon lemon zest
# 1 tablespoon olive oil
# 1 tablespoon butter
# ½ cup dry white wine
# ½ cup chicken stock
# ¼ cup flour
# Salt & pepper
# 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
# 3 tablespoons freshly chopped Italian parsley
# Slice lemons for garnish
Directions:

Pour the flour in a large, flat bowl. Dredge the turkey breast cutlets in the flour to thoroughly coat both sides. Place the coated cutlets on a platter or baking sheet and season both sides with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, place the cutlets in the skillet and cook both sides until lightly brown - about 3 minutes per side.

While turkey is cooking, zest the lemon and squeeze to collect ¼ cup of lemon juice. Choppe the fresh parsley and set aside. Rinse the capers and drain.

When the cutlets are nicely brown, place them on a platter lined with a paper towel, cover with foil and set aside.

Add the wine to the skillet and scrape the bottom with a flat-edge spoon to deglaze the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and continue to deglaze the pan until everything has dissolved. Add the lemon juice and capers and stir in one tablespoon of cold butter. Add the lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the cutlets on a platter and pour the sauce over the top. Sprinkly with the fresh parsley and serve.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/Italian-Meatballs.html

Italian Meatballs

Meatballs are easy to make and can be made in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for several months if kept in an air-tight freezer bag. Precook your meatballs before freezing, and you can quickly thaw them for spaghetti sauce; saving you time later when you don’t want to cook meat for your sauce.

Ingredients:

# 5 slices of Italian bread – one or two day-old or lightly toasted fresh
# 1/4 cups chopped fresh Italian parsley
# 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or marjoram
# 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
# 3/4 lbs lean ground beef
# 3/4 lbs ground veal
# 3/4 lbs lean ground pork
# 6 cloves garlic
# 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
# freshly ground pepper to taste

Soak the bread in water or milk for 1 minute, then squeeze out the liquid. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley and oregano.

Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Form 2 inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet, lightly coated with cooking spray and cover the meatballs with foil. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes in the oven set at 375°F. Then uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes until browned. Place the baked meatballs on a paper towel to soak up the extra fat.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/Rosemary-Chicken-Meatballs.html

Rosemary Chicken Meatballs

These rosemary chicken meatballs are lower in fat and cholesterol than typical meatballs yet they still have a delicious flavor. Homemade meatballs can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a few days, or frozen for a few months if kept in an air-tight seal or vaccum bag.

Ingredients:
# 6 cloves garlic
# 1 small onion or 2 shallots
# 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
# 2 lbs ground chicken
# 1/4 cups chopped fresh Italian parsley
# 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
# 1 cup mashed potatoes
# freshly ground pepper to taste

Mince the garlic cloves and onions or shallots. Finely chop the rosemary leaves.

Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Form 2 inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet, lightly coated with cooking spray and cover the meatballs with foil. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes covered in the oven set at 375°F. Then uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes until browned. Place the baked meatballs on a paper towel to soak up the extra fat.

Meatballs can be made in advance, kept in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for a few months if kept air-tight.

http://www.italian-cooking-made-easy.com/Classic-Beef-Meatballs.html

Classic Beef Meatballs

These beef meatballs are great with spaghetti and can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a few days, or frozen for a few months if kept air-tight. Homemade meatballs are not difficult to make and taste so much better than storebought.

Ingredients:

# 3 cloves garlic
# 5 slices of Italian bread – one or two day-old or lightly toasted fresh
# 1/4 cups chopped fresh Italian parsley
# 1 1/2lbs lean ground beef
# 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
# freshly ground pepper to taste

Soak the bread in water or milk for 1 minute, then squeeze out the liquid. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley.

Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Form 2 inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet, lightly coated with cooking spay and cover the meatballs with foil. Bake for 30 minutes covered in the oven set at 375°. Then uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes until browned. Place meatballs on a paper towel when cooked to soak up the extra fat.

Meatballs can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator for a few days, or frozen for a few months if kept air-tight.

http://www.your-vegetable-gardening-helper.com/organic-fertilizer.html

Organic Fertilizer Tea

Organic fertilizer tea can be made with compost, animal manure or green matter such as comfrey or stinging nettles. These teas have concentrated nutrients that are beneficial to your garden soil and vegetable plant growth.

Benefits:

* Makes your compost or animal manure go further especially if you only have a limited amount.
* Gives your soil nutrients that the vegetable plants can then use to boost their growth.
* Can reduce transplant shock when given to young transplants when they are first planted.
* Can control pests, insects and disease on your vegetable plants.
* Using plants that can be a garden intrusion such as comfrey or borage to make an organic fertilizer tea.

RECIPES

“Compost or Manure” Tea:
Fill a bucket or garbage can 1/3 full of fresh compost or animal manure (do not use cat, dog, pig or human waste) and then fill it full of water. Mix well, cover and let is sit overnight. This makes a rich brown liquid that can be diluted in the watering can or put directly on to your young seedlings, fruiting vegetables or in your containers and hanging baskets. Once you use all the liquid refill the bucket or garbage can with more water. It can be refilled until the liquid is no longer a rich brown color. Put the left over sludge from the bottom of the bucket on to your compost pile and start over again with fresh manure or compost.

“Green” Tea
Take a large bucket with a lid and throw in comfrey, borage, stinging nettles, Lucerne hay,grass clippings or a combination of all of these. For 1 part of green matter add 10 parts water. Cover with a lid. When the water is a rich brown or yellowish color it is ready to use, usually within a few weeks. As you use up the liquid keep adding more water until it no longer turns the brown or yellowish color. The sludge at the bottom is great to add to your compost pile or to put directly on your garden beds.

Get more information on individual vegetable fertilizing requirements.

http://www.your-vegetable-gardening-helper.com/vegetable-protection.html

10 ideas for vegetable protection:

Vegetable protection is an important step when setting out your transplants as well as when they are growing. Learn more about starting your vegetable seeds and transplants. To ensure your plants are safe from heat, cold, frost and pests use the following list of vegetable protection ideas.

1. Cardboard box
1. Cut the bottom on 3 sides so it can be opened during the daylight hours.
2. Place the box upside down on the plant.
3. Protects from the cold, heat, bugs and birds.

2. Metal cans
1. Cut both ends out of the can, large coffee can is great.
2. Push it into the soil around the plant.
3. Will keep out pests and protect from wind and cold.

3. Piece of wood
1. Prop up a piece of board or shingle to shade seedling from heat.
2. Use this to protect young transplants if planted on a sunny day.

4. Paper bags
1. Cut the bottom out of the paper bag.
2. Push 4 stakes into the ground around the plant
3. staple the bag to the stakes
4. Will protect your plants from wind, cold and heat.

5. Plastic containers
1. Cut out the bottom and cut off the handle of a plastic milk jug.
2. Place a stake through the handle hole to secure it to the ground.
3. Do not use plastic container in hot weather.
4. Will protect seedlings from the wind, cold, slugs and birds.

6. Cloth sheets
1. Use old bedding or curtains to cover the plants, removing during the day.
2. These are light weight so will not harm the plants
3. Secure the corners of the cloth with rocks or soil

7. Tarpaper or carpet collars
1. Cut the tarpaper or carpet into 3 inch sqaures.
2. Now cut the square on one side so you can slip it around the base of the plant.
3. This will help prevent cabbage root maggots and cutworms from climbing on to the plant.

8. Remay

1. Remay is a lightweight fabric used to protect seedlings from the cold, heat and insects.
2. This will protect your vegetable transplants from flea beetles, aphids, thrips, cabbage worm butterflies, carrot rust fly, and cabbage root maggot flies.
3. It can lay directly over the plant or attached to plastic pipe to make a mini greenhouse.

9. Greenhouse plastic
1. Plastic sheeting can be placed over or attached to a wood or plastic pipe framing.
2. Make sure you open it up during the day as it may get too warm.
3. Used to protect plants from cold and frost.

10. Fencing
1. Will keep animals out of your garden - deer, raccoons, cats, dogs, rodents for example.
2. Wood, electric, metal, and wire are some examples of fencing.

http://www.diy-home-remedies.com/pet-treatment.html

Home pet treatment for fleas

In addition to the above, I am also a pet groomer working with a mobile pet grooming service up and around Portland, Oregon.

Over my part time work, I have extended my knowledge of pet treatment and dog remedies even further than my previous personal experiences.

Dogs fleas and sensitive skin are probably the two most common health problems I see with our appointments. They are also easily treatable at home!

How about those cat fleas and dog fleas? There are a few effective things you can do at home to eliminate fleas from your pet and your home.

To start, you will want to bathe your pet between three and four times per month. If your pet has dry and sensitive skin, be sure to do it less often.

The purpose here is to kill all living fleas, and dislodge their nests on a regular basis so new ones are unable to hatch.

The gestation period of a flea larvae is two weeks. Bathing your pet every week or two will not likely kill the eggs, but will effectively wash them down the sink! :)

If your cat or dog has sensitive skin, be sure to use a hypoallergenic shampoo, as it is very gentle and won’t irritate their skin.

If your pet has a normal coat and skin, use whatever human shampoo is in your shower. No matter what they tell you, a cheap Suave or Herbal Essence shampoo isn’t going to kill Fluffy. :) I promise.

Keep in mind though, being bathed too often can dry a coat and irritate skin, so be sure to pay attention to how often your pet can handle. But really, you don’t need expensive pet shampoos! :)

Now the trick to killing fleas is a little beyond just the shampoo. If your pet currently is suffering from a coat full of them, here is a little something you can try:

Dish soap. Yes, you heard correctly. Bathe your pet with a generous amount of plain old dish soap and those pesky micro crawlers will be defunct for sure! Pet treatment has never been easier. ;)

The thing you should know about this method, however, is that it shouldn’t be done more than twice per month. (Unless it is clear that your pet’s skin and coat can handle it.)

Dish soap is not a feather light shampoo, it can cause a lot of dryness and itchiness if done too often. Save this method for rampant flea infestations, and otherwise use shampoo.

Another little tip: If you think you’re pet will need it, lather up a bit of your conditioner and allow it to sit for 5 minutes after the bath, then rinse. This is simply good canine treatment when dealing with long hair.

This will prevent dryness and irritation from starting in the first place. It’ll also make it easier to brush out!

A little hint about bathing your pet: You don’t need to pay the big bucks for a professional groomer to do it!

(Shhhh, don’t tell them I told you that! ;) ) A quick plop in the sink or backyard garden hose will do the trick, depending on how big your pet is. :)

Be sure to keep your pet’s bedding clean, and your carpets well vacuumed.

If you’re facing an entire houseful of fleas, try dropping flea bombs every 4-5 days for 2 1/2 weeks. (Yes, you will definitely want to be permanently out of the house during this time! Cancun, anyone??)

Stay flea-free and happy washing!

http://www.diy-home-remedies.com/ear-mite-home-remedies.html

Ear Mite Home Remedies

Helpful Ear Mite Treatment At Home

Ear mite home remedies are a natural way to kill ear mites and stop infections in your dog or cat.

If you decide to take your pet to the vet, they will most likely prescribe one or both of these two medications:

The first is Ivermectin, a prescription medication that can be applied topically into the ear or injected into the body. If you are not completely opposed to using commercial medicine, this is a good way to go because it is very effective.

The second prescription medication likely to be prescribed is a product called Revolution. Revolution is a topical liquid applied to the skin on the back of the dog or cat’s neck.

Courtesy of ClownFish, Creative Commons

It works by soaking into the blood stream through the skin, and killing a variety of parasites. Not only will Revolution treat ear mites, it also effetively kills fleas, flea larvae, heartworms, mange mites, and intestinal worms.

If you are certain you would like to try ear mite home remedies before going to the vet, be assured that there are a few things you can do that should help.

You should still ask your vet before self treating your pet, and if you do not start seeing results, it would be wise to seek professional medications.

The first thing you should do is be sure that your pet actually has ear mites. Scratching at the ear and shaking the head are good signs that they do.

You will also see a dark, waxy buildup inside of the ear. This definitely signifies the presence of ear mites. If the waxy buildup is more of a yellow color, the problem is most likely a yeast infection, not ear mites.

As a home remedy, mineral oil works very well in treating infections from dog and cat ear mites. Apply a dropper ful to your pets ear, massage it in well, and then use a cotton ball to clean the ear of wax and debris. Both ear mites in cats and ear mites in dogs can be treated with this method.
Courtesy of Eva101, Creative Commons

This should be done once or twice per day until the infection seems to be completely healed. You should also give your pet regular baths to ensure that any adult mites are killed and washed away.

These steps in the ear mite home remedies process are essential. If forgotten, it will be quite easy for the mites to quickly come back!

If you have other pets, it’s very important to keep them healthy and clean as well. Ear mites are extremely contagious, and will move from animal to animal quickly.

Also rememeber to keep your pet’s bedding very clean, as mites will often remain there and thus come back after treatment.

http://www.diy-home-remedies.com/home-remedy-to-kill-ants.html

How to Get Rid of Ants With Natural Ant Killer

The first step of the ant control process is to get them off of your counters and away from your food.

Courtesy of Larry&Flo, Creative Commons

It may take a couple of days before the ants are completely eradicated, so starting by protecting your food is a good place to start.

Garlic juice is a great natural ant repellent. They don’t like the smell or acidity of it, and will stay away. This method will work well for areas such as corners and on the floors.

You may not want to use garlic juice on your counters to ward off the ants from your food, so consider using ground chili powder for this. Sprinkling a bit around your bread, fruit, and other counter food items will deter them.

Another option is to use white chalk. Ants typically never cross a white chalk line, so this can be a useful way to protect your home.

You can make circles around your counter food, as well as doors, windows, and entry cracks.

How to Take Down an Ants House and Mix Up Natural Ant Killer

This is a great home remedy to kill ants! To keep ants out of your house, find the cracks and holes they enter through, and use plaster to seal them. Sealing off their entryways will eventually move them to a location other than your home.

Courtesy of ViaMoi, Creative Commons

If you don’t mind killing ants (as relocating is rather difficult!), baby powder works very well.

If you see a group of ants scuttling around in a particular area, sprinkling baby powder over them will fix the problem. Then you can sweep them up and be rid of ants in your home.

Another way of naturally exterminating carpenter ants, black ants, and sugar ants is to feed them corn meal. They aren’t able to digest this fibrous product, so it soon expands and kills them.

This is a quick way of efficiently killing large masses of the ants at once without using chemicals.

http://www.diy-home-remedies.com/home-remedies-for-killing-ants.html

Another trick to try is to spray vinegar or baking soda mixed with water over their mounds. These ingredients are poisonous to them and will stop them completely.

It may also be a good idea to collapse their mounds and tunnels with a pot of boiling water, if you can. This is sure to send them packing as they look for other places to make their home (outside of you home of course!)

http://www.diy-home-remedies.com/skin-care-recipes.html

Courtesy Creative Commons

It’s never true! Frankly, I’ve had tremendous success mixing and creating fun ingredients for various remedies at home.

All of my skin care recipes have given me real results in a short matter of time, and most of them only cost $1 to $5 to make!

With all the crazy chemicals they’re putting in our “health” products today, I don’t think I’ll ever use a store-bought skin care product again!

I have created and discovered great natural skin care recipes for almost every skin and hair problem (plus many body and health problems too!) They are far more effective, cheap, and organic than store products. I won’t be looking back! :)

Here are five of my favorite kitchen created skin treatments.

A home remedy to lighten skin

For a long time, lemon has been known for its natural lightening effects on a variety of things, including skin!

Courtesy Creative Commons, Vanessa
Lemon can be used as a facial cleanser and to lighten dark patches to create a more even skin tone. It can also be used to gently fade away freckles and discolored marks on the skin.

While lemon is a great lightener, it can also make your skin very sensitive because of its acidity.

To use on a daily basis, mix 1 tsp lemon juice into 1 1/2 cups of your daily moisturizing lotion. Use this mixture daily to lighten your complexion.

The perfect wrinkle and eye puffiness combo recipe!

Unfortunately, many of us are in need of some good skin care recipes to reduce puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles around our eyes.

Here is something each of us can do about it.

You may have seen on TV or heard from your mother that cucumber is great for reducing puffy eyes. This is true! But, there is a better way.

Using both avocado and cucumber together can effectively eliminate both eye puffiness and wrinkles! Avocado has natural oils that can plump and rejuvenate skin to erase those ugly wrinkles.

Cucumber rehydrates, cools and soothes the skin. This helps both reduce the puffiness, and also adds water to the skin to plump it and help the wrinkles fade.

Begin by using an avocado-honey paste around your eyes to sooth the skin, plump it, and begin erasing those wrinkles. After 20 minutes, gently rinse it off.

Then, try the traditional method of lying on your back with cucumber slices over your eyes. Leave these on for an additional 15 minutes.

After this home spa treatment, you should feel healthier skin and see more beautiful young eyes! :)

Soften delicate skin- skin care recipes

Use 1 to 3 teaspoons of warmed honey on sensitive and thin skin to soften, hydrate and cleanse.

Courtesy of Creative Commons, Vanessa

This recipe can be used daily or a few times per week for great results! Delicate areas such as the face, neck, and upper chest bone area will benefit from this home remedy.

Honey is known for its ability to both cleanse and soften skin. It is a good skin facial and face wash follow-up recipe. It’s also a great way to come out looking and smelling fabulous! :)

Skin care recipes for the pesky pimple!

While a preventative acne clearing program is essential for staying pimple free, we all have those spontaneous ones that crop up out of nowhere.

For these, you really just want to have it heal as soon as possible with a home quick fix.

Dab a little toothpaste on any blemish you find has appeared, and allow it to sit for up to an hour.

Don’t use this as a spread on your face if you have many blemishes though! It could really dry out your skin. My free acne eliminating daily program will show you how to completely prevent acne from occuring in the first place, and clear the entire affected area! :)

Got razor burn? Skin care recipes to your rescue!

Razor burn is undeniably annoying, and not so great to look at. This imminent result of shaving can cause sensitive, unsightly skin in the worst of places.

It can also cause painful ingrown hairs from the hair growing the wrong way. Here is a helpful ingrown hair home remedies advice page that can help.

To calm razor burn, blend 1/2 of a banana, two teaspoons of olive oil, and three teaspoons of honey in a blender. Apply generously to the razor burn, and let it heal your skin for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat daily until it is fully healed.

This recipe will last you for several treatments, so be sure to seal and refrigerate it well.

Home Remedies to Treat Ingrown Hairs Quickly and Easily

How to Treat Boils with Skin Abscess Treatment

*NEW* Home Remedies for Fever Blisters and Cold Sores!

http://www.diy-home-remedies.com/skin-care-home-remedies.html

The Softest Skin Ever Recipe

Courtesy of Jenster181, Creative Commons

One of my favorite skin care home remedies is this recipe for soft skin. This dry skin home remedy is practically free, (assuming you have a few standard items in your shower), and is a miracle worker for rough, flaky, or marked skin. (Or even if you have great skin, and want to make it perfect for a romantic night out!)

You will need:

- A shower brush or loofah
- Gentle soap
- A bit of shampoo
- A razor if you need it for the specific area
- A moisturizing lotion
- To be in your shower or bath! :)

The first step in this recipe is to clean your skin and prep it for the whole process. Begin by soaping up the area you’d like to soften, and work it into a nice rich lather to remove oil, dirt and dead skin cells.

After rinsing off the soap, add a dollop of shampoo to your brush or loofah. Work the brush around and around in two inch circles over the entire area. Exfoliating this way is important, so be sure to do this for about two or three minutes.

If you need for this specific area of the body, shave carefully as usual. After you have finished shaving, exfoliate again in small circles for one minute. This will help to completely soften the skin.

Don’t forget this step! After you’ve gone through the exfoliation process, apply your skin moisturizer liberally to the area. Let it soak in for 20 to 30 minutes, and enjoy how soft and healthy your skin looks and feels!

The Closest Shave Ever Recipe

Another of my favorite personal skin care home remedies is all about getting the closest and smoothest shave possible.

It’s really frustrating to spend so much time shaving your legs for a great night, only to find that the stubble has returned within 12 hours. In retaliation of this pesky annoyance, I created a formula to get the closest and longest-lasting shave possible.

Natural Skin Care

To get the closest shave with my skin care home remedies, you must begin with exfoliation to remove skin, dirt and oils. The process is the same as the exfoliation process in the above recipe, using body scrub to remove dead skin.

Courtesy of Norma Iriz, Creative Commons

Start by soaking your skin in hot water for 5-15 minutes.

Add soap or shampoo to your shower brush/loofah, and scrub your skin in two inch circles for a few minutes. Pay special attention to knees, elbows, ankles, and feet as these areas get particularly rough.

Next you will want to turn on cool water. It doesn’t need to be dead cold, but it should be cold enough to give your healthy skin light goosebumps.

Using a good amount of soap or shaving cream, carefully shave the entire area of skin.

When you are finished shaving, rinse with warm water. Then exfoliate again, the same way as above. This process allows your razor to get closer to the skin by exfoliating first, and also gives you a closer shave with the use of cool water.

As the last step, gently dry your skin with a towel, and apply moisturizers to the area you shaved. Allow it to soak in for 10 or 15 minutes. You will notice that you were able to get an incredibly close shave followed up with amazingly silky skin with this home recipe. Enjoy your natural beauty!

New home remedies for hives are here!

New home remedies for vericose veins and spider veins.

http://www.diy-home-remedies.com/home-remedies-for-fever-blisters.html

Cold Sore Remedies

The first thing you should know is that the bacteria within the cold sore can be killed. This can help your skin begin to heal sooner than it would take for your body to ward it off naturally.

You may try using tea tree oil as cold sores treatment. Tea tree is well known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. However, it will dry out your skin so proper moisturizing will be needed.

Hydrogen peroxide is another item you may have in your medicine cabinet that can help. Dip a Q Tip into the bottle and apply to the fever blister twice per day, following up with a moisturizer.

You can even consider trading off using tea tree oil and hydrogen peroxide as fever blister home remedies. If you are in need of a natural moisturizer, olive oil works well and will promote healing.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.