Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny
Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training
I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood
That sounds better than what I can find here (S. CA). 12 Qt wide mouth jars are about $9 or $10, so you’re money ahead of us!
I wonder if the really cheap canners would be ok or do we have to invest in expensive ones? They’re as cheap as $50 new (I think it was a Ball brand kit).
ps. I hope you get to feeling better. I’m sure granny has a remedy for a cold!
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/6235
Wild Sweet and Sour Chicken
This recipe was submitted by one of our readers and has not been tested by our food editors. We are not responsible for errors in this recipe, but if you find one, please let us know in our feedback form.
This recipe has been in my family for more than 25 years. I love it because it is easy, delicious and it is a a one pot meal. This is my family’s favorite dish!!!
* 2 boxes of Uncle Ben’s Long Grain and Wild Rice
* 6, 8. or 10 pieces of meaty chicken depending on size (skin ON)
* 1 large can diced pineapple in syrup
* 1 large can Lesure peas with liquid
* 1 can mushrooms, stems and pieces with liquid
* 1 small jar of pimentos
* 1/2 stick of butter cut into pieces
* salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Pour rice from boxes into 13” x 9” casserole dish. Next, pour seasoning packets into rice and mix well. Arrange chicken evenly on top of rice (skin side up).
Pour entire can of pineapple and syrup over chicken. Pour entire can of peas with liquid over pineapple. Pour entire can of mushrooms with liquid over peas. Sprinkle pimento over the top of the food. Next, sprinkle butter pieces evenly over the top. Salt and pepper to taste.
Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. Check regularly
and bake until chicken is well done. Add water as needed to keep rice from sticking to pan. When the chicken is cooked, remove dish from oven. Place chicken on serving plates and stir the rice mixture well. Serve with biscuits or rolls.
Note: I once made this dish with skinless chicken but it wasn’t nearly as good as when I made it with the skin on. The chicken drippings are important to the wonderfully delicious result of this flavor combination.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.almanac.com/garden/flowers/hummingbird-plants
Plants that Attract Hummingbirds
Hummingbird
For centuries, gardeners have been fascinated with the beauty and aerobatics of hummingbirds.
* They are the tiniest of all birds, weighing less than an ounce and measuring only three inches long.
* Their brightly colored, iridescent feathers and quick movements make them appear as living sun catchers—hence their nickname, flying jewels.
* They have a unique ability to fly in any direction, even backward, with their wings beating up to a blurring 80 beats per second.
* Plus, they can hover in midair when sipping nectar from brightly colored flowers with their long, slender beaks.
* While whizzing about the garden, hummingbirds expend so much energy that they must eat at least half of their body weight each day to replace the 12,000 calories that they can burn up. This means eating almost constantly from sunrise to sunset and visiting over a thousand flowers every day.
The key to attracting hummingbirds to your yard is to plant lots of flowers and provide the habitat that will give them shade, shelter, food, and security.
* Herbs, flowering shrubs, dwarf trees, and vines all can be used to create an ideal tiered habitat from ground level to ten feet or more.
* Provide lots of space between plants to give hummingbirds enough room to hover and navigate from flower to flower.
* Hummingbirds love water, especially if it is moving. A gentle, continuous spray from a nozzle or a sprinkler hose is perfect for a bath on the fly.
Hummingbirds do not have a keen sense of smell and rely on bright colors to find their food.
* They are particularly fond of red and are often observed investigating red plant labels, thermometers, and even red clothes on a gardener.
* Brightly colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.
An often-asked question is, “Why do hummingbirds hum?” We really aren’t sure, but suspect that it might be because they don’t know the words.
Here is a list of plants that attract hummingbirds. Choose varieties in red and orange shades.
Common Name Latin Name
Allium Allium
Aster Aster
Bee balm Monarda
Butterfly bush Buddleia
Catmint Nepeta
Clove Pink Dianthus
Cornflower Centaurea
Daylily Hemerocallis
False indigo Baptisia
Fleabane Erigeron
Floss flower Ageratum
Globe thistle Echinops
Goldenrod Solidago
Helen’s flower Helenium
Hollyhock Alcea
Honeysuckle Lonicera
Lavender Lavendula
Lilac Syringa
Lupine Lupinus
Lychnis Lychnis
Mallow Malva
Milkweed Asclepias
Mint Mentha
Pansy Viola
Phlox Phlox
Privet Ligustrum
Purple coneflower Echinacea
Purple loosestrife Lythrum
Rock cress Arabis
Sage Salvia
Sea holly Eryngium
Shasta daisy Chrysanthemum
Snapdragon Antirrhinum
Stonecrop Sedum
Sweet alyssum Lobularia
Sweet rocket Hesperis
Tickseed Coreopsis
Zinnia Zinnia
Related Content: flowers, gardening, hummingbirds, plants
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http://www.almanac.com/extras/2009/food/second_place.php
Second Prize in the 2008 Ethnic Recipe Contest<
Caribbean Stew
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 2 pounds lean ground meat (beef, pork, lamb, turkey, or chicken)
* salt and pepper, to taste
* 3 cloves garlic, peeled
* 1 or 2 large onions, diced
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 6 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
* 4 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
* 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
* 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
* 2 plantains, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
* 1-1/4 cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained
* 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, with liquid
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the meat, season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, onions, bay leaf, paprika, oregano, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Cover and cook until the onions are tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add the broth, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook 5 to 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the plantains, lentils, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
-Heather Cave, Kansas City, Missouri
Find more great recipes on our site.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/16614
7-Up Bread
This recipe was submitted by one of our readers and has not been tested by our food editors. We are not responsible for errors in this recipe, but if you find one, please let us know in our feedback form.
Yield: 10 or more nice slices
This came from an old beer bread recipe that we did not like. So I changed it a little and made a better tasting bread.
* 3 cups self-rising flour
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 can 7-Up
Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all ingredients together. Pour into a lightly greased and floured bread pan. Batter will be lumpy. Bake at 350° for 45-60 minutes. Top will be golden brown.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.almanac.com/advice/natural-remedies/cough-remedies
Cough Remedies
catnip
Coughs, while rarely serious, can be really annoying! Some of these herbal remedies can provide great relief from a cough, especially when you’re having difficulty sleeping.
* Lemon juice, sweetened with loaf or crushed sugar, will relieve a cough. —The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1852
* The root of sweet flag was often powdered or sliced and used as a ginger substitute or throat lozenge.
o Drink mullein flower tea.
o Catnip tea helps reduce mucus.
o To suppress a night cough, put 1 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon sugar into a mug. Pour in boiling water and let steep. The pepper will settle to the bottom. Sip, as needed.
o Horehound drops, made with the extract of the leaves of the bitter mint Marrubium vulgare, can be combined with honey for a soothing cough drop, or served as a tea with lemon.
o Hot and spicey foods act as expectorants, loosening up the lung’s secretions.
Now here’s a cure for a severe winter cough that comes from The Old Farmer’s Almanac archives: The Dirt Cure! Here’s how it works:
o Find a piece of land covered with bushes and small stones. When the land has a foot of snow but is not frozen solid, shovel off the snow. Then cut down the bushes and dig out the stones, turning up fresh and pure soil. Bring fistfuls of soil to our face and inhale the scent of fresh earth. Continue until you have cleared half an acre, and you will find yourself strong and hale, and entirely rid of your cough!
If you have had success with any cough remedies, please share! Just submit your comment in the box below.
See more natural remedies on how to relieve colds and how to relieve sore throats.
Related Content: remedies
Reader Comments
Comment from bubblegum Travier on December 21, 2008
is there anything you can tell me or anything i could use togrow my hair?
Comment from dick sarazin on December 29, 2008
what works for me is taking a dab of vicks vaper rub and swollow it takes the tickel a way been doing it for 70 years hasnt hurt me yet
Comment from Francis Pechulis on December 29, 2008
To relieve a night time cough, put Vicks Vapor Rub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Should give relief within 5 minutes and give relief for many hours.
Comment from Kathy Jacks on December 30, 2008
A teaspoon of mustard will kill a cough for about 3-4 hours
Comment from Judy Smith on January 7, 2009
Re: how to grow hair. Message olive oil into your scalp and wrap in a warm wet towel. after 1/2 hour or so wash your hair with Nizoral shampoo 2-3 times to remove the oil. Allow the shampoo to lie on the scalp for a while before rinsing and don’t use your fingernails on your scalp, only your fingertips. This may help regrowth.
Comment from Cristian Star on January 28, 2009
Let me tell you that I tried all of the remedies there and none of them works as it should. Th only thing that worked for was a drug treatment. Hope I never cough that hard in my life.
Comment from jim jones on January 30, 2009
cough-cold meds. sliced,diced onion in bowl adding sugar and stirring to juice it. leave at room temperature. tsp of juice every couple hours. finish bowl eating all of onions. another is whiskey,honey, lemon juice mix. tsp every couple hours. another is sugar cube with drop of fuel oil OR drop of iodine either is ok. another is boiling water in bowl with small amount of vicks vapor rub or ben gay added, hand towel over head and then breath deeply the vapor. good for colds, sinus and coughs. hot ginger tea is good also.
Comment from andrea burrill on February 5, 2009
eucalyptus oil in a snall pot of water , put a towel over your head and inhale. you can also put this oil in some vaseline and rub it on your chest or feet. or diffuse it in a room for kids .
Comment from Paul Press on February 18, 2009
gargle with a salt solution every hour for getting rid of the phelgm and mucus
Thanks for coming to read the thread, you are welcome to join in any time.
http://www.almanac.com/advice/pets/recipes-dogs-cats
Pet Recipes
dog
cat
Give your furry friends a special treat for the holiday season, their birthday, or just because!
Canine Cookies
* 3 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
* 3 cups rolled oats
* 1/2 cup powdered milk
* 1/2 cup bacon grease
* 2 teaspoons cod-liver oil
* 2 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups instant beef or chicken bouillon, or chicken stock
Combine all the ingredients into a sticky dough. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees F for 50 minutes. Cool on rack and store in plastic bag. Makes about 30 cookies.
Cat Crunchies
Find food-quality bonemeal, a good source of protein, at natural-food supermarkets or pet stores.
* 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
* 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
* 1/4 cup wheat germ
* 1/4 cup bonemeal
* 1/2 cup teaspoon brewer’s yeast
* pinch of catnip (optional)
* 1/2 beaten egg
* 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or cod liver oil
* 1/2 cup chicken stock
* 5 ounces boneless mackerel or canned tuna, packed in oil; or chopped cooked chicken
Mix dry ingredients and catnip, if using, in a large bowl and add egg, oil, and chicken stock. Mash fish or meat with a fork and add to mixture in bowl. Blend well. Shape into dime-size balls. Place onto a lightly greased baking sheet and press to flatten. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes, until golden, turning once. Let treats cool before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or wrap in foil in packets of 10 and store in the freezer. Makes about 60 treats.
Cat’s Canapes
A feline digestive system needs plant fiber, though most commercial cat foods contain minimal amounts of meat and nary a single vegetable. This recipe can supplement kitty’s regular diet.
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
* 1-1/2 slices whole-wheat bread, crumbled
* 1/4 finely chopped broccoli or string beans, or grated carrots
* 1 teaspoon brewer’s yeast
* pinch of catnip (optional)
Mix all ingredients well, mashing with a fork or your fingers. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 minutes. Cool. Break treats in half before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days, or freeze.Makes about 36 treats.
If you have any pet recipes to share, please submit your comment in the box below!
If you have any holiday traditions with your pet, join our pet blog
Reader Comments
Comment from ann hicks on December 6, 2008
This is a variation on the Canine Cookies—
Barney’s Best Biscuits
3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 1/2 cup rolled oats 3 tablespoons wheat germ 1/4 cup instant nonfat dry milk 4 tablespoons rendered chicken fat or bacon grease 1 egg 1 cup pureed carrots or spinach 2 cup chicken or beef stock 1 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients thoroughly. It will be sticky. Turn dough out on heavily floured board and pat to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out cookies with a dog bone-shaped cutter. Place on greased cookie sheet. Prick with fork. Bake in 325 degree oven for 60 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Makes 26 4 1/2 inch “bakers’ dozen” dog biscuits.
Comment from Beverly Daly on December 12, 2008
Homemade Dog Biscuits
3 Cups Whole Wheat Flour 2 Cups Oatmeal 1/4 Cup Wheat Germ 1/4 Cup NonFat Powdered Milk 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
Toss together in a large bowl to blend thoroughly. Add:
1 1/3 Cup Water 1/3 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter l Large Egg (Measure Water in a large glass measuring cup, then add Peanut Butter to raise level to 1 2/3 Cups.) Stir well, then add egg and stir again.
Add water mixture to dry ingredients until well blended. (It will be thick - use hands!) Dough will be stiff, a little moist and slightly sticky.
Roll or pat dough to @ 1/2” thick rectangle. (Can be rolled thinner for small dogs) Cut out biscuit shape using a 3” bone shaped cookie cutter, or cut to desired shape.
Adjust oven rack to lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 275 deg. Place biscuits on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for @ 1 1/2 hours. For crisper, dryer biscuits, bake for an additional 1 1/2 hours. (Recommended 2 hours total)
Comment from Beverly Daly on December 12, 2008
NEW Dog Biscuit Recipe
1 1/2 Cups Flour 3/4 Cup Oatmeal or Quick Oats 1/4 Cup Honey Crunch Wheat Germ 1/4 Cup Peanut Butter 1/4 Cup Salad Oil 1/4 Cup Honey 1 tsp. Baking Powder 1/2 Cup Water
In large bowl, mix 1 cup flour and remaining ingredients with 1/2 cup water until blended. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup flour.
Preheat oven to 350 deg. With floured hands, knead dough on floured surface till it holds together. Roll dough 1/4” thick. Cut out with bone shaped cutter - as many as possible.
Bake on a large ungreased cookie sheet for 20 minutes. Turn oven off and let cookies remain in oven for 1 hour. Remove bones from cookie sheet to wire rack.
Makes about 20 dog bones.
Comment from Beverly Daly on December 12, 2008
MICROWAVE Doggie Donuts
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour 1 Egg, lightly beaten 2/3 Cup Beef or Chicken Broth 3 TBSP Oatmeal 1 tsp. garlic powder
Place flour in a bowl. Add egg and broth, mixing well.
Blend in oatmeal and garlic powder. Shape dough into a ball and roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Re-roll scraps and repeat. Arrange on a microwavable plate, wax paper or parchment paper. Microwave on HIGH for 8 to 10 minutes or until firm. Let cool until hardened. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Comment from Kim Burggraf on January 13, 2009
I don’t know if it’s that good for animals to have whole wheat or white flours, maybe brown rice flour or possibly cooked brown rice with the other ingredients.
Comment from Darlene Garrison on February 13, 2009
I have a wire hair dachsund and have been feeding her slliced raw carrots all of her life. She just loves them and almost every fruit and vege she can get. SHE EATS VEGE SOUP ON HER DRY DOG FOOD IN THE WINTER IF IT DOESN’T HAVE TO MANY TOMATOES IN IT. We have 3 dogs and three cats and the only one that is picky is Miss Puss.She is sort of finicky(?). She looks like Garfield, right down to the waddle when she walks. I’m going to try some of these dog treats recipes.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/14543
Fennel Seed Bread
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
“A recipe that has been handed down for four generations. This wholesome whole-wheat bread is sold by the loaf at our inn.” —Lincoln House Country Inn, Dennysville, Maine
* 2 tablespoons dry yeast
* 1/3 cup warm water
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1/4 cup oats
* 1/4 cup cornmeal
* 1 tablespoon wheat germ
* 1/4 cup molasses
* 2 tablespoons Crisco
* 1/4 cup dry milk powder
* 1 tablespoon fennel seed
* 3 cups hot water
* 5-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
* 3 to 4 cups white flour
Combine yeast, 1/3 cup water, and sugar in small bowl and set aside. In large bowl combine next 8 ingredients, add 3 cups hot water, and stir well. Add yeast mixture to large bowl. Add to this the whole-wheat flour and mix well. Cover and set in warm place and allow to rise to double its bulk — about 45 minutes. Pour onto floured board and knead in white flour for 10 minutes. Divide into 2 loaves and place in greased bread pans. Cover and allow to rise until double in bulk. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and brush tops with butter.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/11806
Egyptian Pizza
Yield: Makes 16 to 20 servings.
What Minnie Biggs says about this spinach comestible is that it “looks like green rubber-soled shoes and tastes like heaven on earth,” We leave the shoe allusion to you but certainly agree that the end result is mighty tasty and, cut up small, makes a lovely hors d’oeuvre.
* 2 packages chopped frozen spinach, thawed (fresh chopped spinach or beet greens may be substituted)
* 1 cup onion, finely chopped
* 1 cup celery, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons celery seed
* 2 tablespoons dried basil
* 1 tablespoon oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
* 2 tablespoons dried coriander
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/3 cup chopped garlic
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 to 6 eggs
* 1 cup grated stale blue or cheddar cheese
* Sesame seeds or poppy seeds or fine bread crumbs (about 1/2 cup)
Mix spinach and chopped vegetables together with the assorted herbs and spices. Add eggs and cheese and mix well. Spread in a 9x13-1/2-inch pan. Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or bread crumbs. Bake in slow oven (225 to 250 degrees F) for 4 to 5 hours. The spinach mixture will dry out and become like crackers or biscuits. Cut the pizza into squares when cool, and freeze if desired.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/16963
Jam Bread
Yield: 1 loaf
An old-time recipe for putting jam into bread. You can use jelly or marmalade as well.
* 3 cups flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup fruit juice (cranberry, orange, etc.)
* 1-1/4 cups jam
* 4 tablespoons melted butter (1/2 stick)
* 1 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350°. Sift together dry ingredients. Beat in egg, juice, 1 cup jam, and butter. Stir in nuts. Pour into greased 9-inch loaf pan and bake 50 to 60 minutes. Spread top with remaining jam and return to oven to 5 minutes to glaze. Or, add all the jam to batter and frost with White Icing.
White Icing
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 2 tablespoons warm milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
A simple frosting for sweet breads, coffee cakes, and rolls.
Sift sugar, add milk and vanilla, and blend until smooth. For a thicker or thinner icing, adjust amount of milk used. For colored icing, add a drop or two of food coloring. Makes 2 cups.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/15756
Corn Salsa
This recipe was submitted by one of our readers and has not been tested by our food editors. We are not responsible for errors in this recipe, but if you find one, please let us know in our feedback form.
Yield: 40 to 50 servings
This recipe is very simple to put together and somewhat healthy.
* 1 can yellow corn
* 1 can white corn
* 1 can black beans (drained & rinsed)
* 1 can petite diced tomatoes (flavor of your choice)
* 1/4 cup of balsamic Italian dressing
Drain corn, drain and rinse black beans, do not drain tomatoes, add to bowl and stir together. Next add balsamic Italian dressing and combine. Let sit at least an hour in refrigerator and serve with Tostito Scoops or other favorite chip.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
[I think that I would have to play with this one, it needs chopped celery, onion and that leftover rice, or barley that is already cooked, or use noodles or macaroni.
granny]
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/3388
Stuffing Balls
This recipe was submitted by one of our readers and has not been tested by our food editors. We are not responsible for errors in this recipe, but if you find one, please let us know in our feedback form.
Yield: 23 to 25 stuffing balls
My Aunt Pat made these for our family’s Thanksgiving for many years. (This is half of the recipe we normally make and even this makes a lot!)
* 2 cups chopped onion
* 2 cups chopped celery
* 3 sticks butter, melted
* 4 14-ounce cans creamed corn
* 2 cups water
* 4 teaspoons poultry seasoning
* 2 teaspoons pepper
* 2 16-ounce bags Pepperidge Farm Seasoned Stuffing
* 9 beaten eggs
In a saucepan melt 2 sticks of butter. Add onion and celery and saute. Add creamed corn, water, poultry seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil.
In a very large bowl, pour this mixture over stuffing mixture. Toss lightly then stir in eggs. Shape into tennis ball-size rounds. Place on a sheet pan. Brush with 1 stick melted butter. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes.
Comments
To prepare in advance, omit brushing with melted butter. Place stuffing balls in fridge. When ready to serve, remove from fridge, then brush with melted butter, and bake.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/753
Double Chocolate Potato Party Squares
Yield: 24 to 36 medium-size squares
* 12 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup light-brown sugar, packed
* 2 eggs
* 1 cup mashed potatoes, at room temperature*
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10x15-inch baking pan and dust it with flour. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Add mashed potatoes and vanilla; continue to beat until smooth. In a mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda. With the mixer on medium speed, add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating just until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Scrape batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake in preheated oven 22 to 25 minutes, until the top is springy when lightly touched and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. While still warm, cut into 24 or 36 squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. These squares can be stored covered at room temperature for two days, or can be frozen.
*For this recipe you can use instant mashed potatoes, prepared according to package directions. Or, if you have them on hand, use leftover mashed potatoes. You can also use regular milk.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/14564
Pineapple Bread
Yield: Makes 2 small or 1 large loaf
Tastes like pound cake and adds a fancy touch to any meal. The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, Massachusetts
* 1/4 pound butter
* 1 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
* 2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* Pinch salt
* 1 cup crushed and drained pineapple
* 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped nuts
Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs in one at a time. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding flour mixture and pineapple to egg mixture. Add nuts. Pour into greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-60 minutes.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/320
Super Bran Bread
Yield: 2 loaves
A perfect substitute for the more traditional brown bread, this goes especially well with baked beans. It’s best made with bread flour, which contains more gluten than all-purpose flour.
* 2 cups All-Bran cereal
* 1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
* 1 cup molasses
* 1-1/2 cups boiling water
* 2 eggs
* 2 cups bread flour
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 8-inch by 4-inch loaf pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, shortening, and molasses. Add the boiling water and stir until the shortening is melted. Add the eggs and beat well. Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Pour into the prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a tester inserted near the center of the loaves comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to finish cooling.
Copyright ©2009, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
100 Special use Search Engines:
http://www.collegeathome.com/blog/2008/06/19/100-useful-niche-search-engines-youve-never-heard-of/
* 100 Helpful Web Tools for Every Kind of Learner
* 100 Useful Niche Search Engines to Focus and Finetune Your Academic Research
* 100+ Job Resources for Librarians
* 50 Google Charts Tricks for Your Next Classroom Presentation
* 50 Useful iPhone Tips for Librarians and Researchers
http://www.collegeathome.com/blog/2008/06/
Making Math Fun – Free Online Math Gaming Sites to Improve Skill and Ability
The ability to perform basic mathematical tasks is of the utmost importance for students of all ages. Engaging students can be an increasingly difficult endeavor as they grow older, especially if the basic skills required are not as solid as they should be. This is where we return to square one in order to get students back on track. Sometimes it is the method of delivery that needs to be changed.
Getting students to play math games in order to increase their abilities is fun and interactive, and helps to sharpen skills necessary to move forward with more difficult mathematical processes. What follows is a list of some sites where educational mathematical games can be found and played for students of all ages and skill levels.
Funbrain: Funbrain has games for students in grades K-12 that are fun and challenging. Students can expect to increase their abilities in basic math with the games available and have fun while honing these much-needed skills.
Aplusmath: The folks at aplusmath have a variety of games for students of varying ages and abilities. Java and non-Java versions of these games are available for play, and include games for basic multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, as well as higher-level games for algebra and geometry.
Coolmath4kids: This particular website has games for math students of varying ages and includes on-screen flash cards and many other fun and interesting games to increase students’ math skills.
Math Playground: Math Playground is another fantastic website with many games for students of mathematics. Percentage games, algebra games, and basic geometry games are available, as well as games that help students with more basic math skills.
Gamequarium: For many practical mathematical applications, Gamequarium is a go-to website for math students. From money games and problem-solving games, to more adavanced math games, this site provides learners of all ages with many opportunities to learn while gaming.
Primary Games: The Primary Games website has fun and interactive games that help introduce younger math students to advanced problem-solving and logic, as well as basic math skills.
Of course, the use of games in mathematical instruction should be supplemental, and cannot replace the value of classroom instruction. However, try utilizing some of the games on the sites listed above as a fun way to help students to enjoy the learning process while honing skills and getting in much-needed practice at the same time.
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Gardening Question of the Day
Is it harmful to water my household plants with softened water?
Softened water could harm some plants if that’s all you use on them. It is most likely to do harm to any plant that really prefers a light or sandy soil. The sodium ions in softened water tends to cause the soil to become compacted, destroying its... READ MORE
Softened water could harm some plants if that’s all you use on them. It is most likely to do harm to any plant that really prefers a light or sandy soil. The sodium ions in softened water tends to cause the soil to become compacted, destroying its aeration and its ability to hold water. So, we would advice caution if you’re using softened water. Don’t use cold water to water your plants. The best temperature is room temperature!
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http://www.Almanac.com/getrecipe/6231
Peach Cuppa Cobbler
This recipe was submitted by one of our readers and has not been tested by our food editors. We are not responsible for errors in this recipe, but if you find one, please let us know in our feedback form.
Yield: 6-8 servings.
I got the basic recipe from my grandmother when I was just starting to cook. It was one of my first successes. I like it because it’s quick and easy to do and so easy to remember.
* 1 cup flour
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup milk
* 3 #303 cans sliced peaches
* Liquid or melted margarine
* Cooking spray
Combine dry ingredients. Add milk and beat until smooth. Spray a 13x9 baking pan with cooking spray. Pour mixture into pan. Add all three cans of peaches, distributing them evenly. Drizzle with liquid margarine.
Bake at 350 degrees or until top is golden brown.
Sometimes, I just dump equal amounts of flour, sugar and milk and use a couple of the large cans of peach slices. I’ve also used the same basic recipe with canned sweet plums and sweet cherries. It turns out great every time.
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