TO CLEAN MICROWAVE OVEN AND REMOVE ODORS
Place a bowl of vinegar in the microwave and run on HIGH til it comes to a boil. Wipe the interior clean with a rag dipped in the vinegar.
TO CLEAN COFFEE MAKERS
Drop an EFFER-DENT denture cleaning tablet in a 10 cup coffee maker and add hot water it instead of cold. Brew as usual then rinse.
APPLESAUCE AS SUBSTITUTE FOR OIL
You may substitute up to 50% applesauce or fruit puree in place of oil when you bake to reduce fat content, i.e.: 1 c. oil called for in recipe, use 1/2 c. applesauce.
REMOVING SPAGHETTI SAUCE FROM CLOTHING
Rub regular Dawn Dishwashing Detergent into the spaghetti stain; put some also into lukewarm water and stir. Soak clothing overnight. Repeat if necessary. DO NOT ever put clothing in dryer if it has a stain or you will set the stain. NOTE: You can use Simple Green in the same manner or try adding 1/4 c. Simple Green to your washing machine load and if there are any stains you may have missed, the Simple Green will help remove them.
CONVERTING REGULAR COOKING TO CROCKERY COOKING
Original recipe calls for 15-30 minutes of cooking time: cook on low 4-8 hours or 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hours on high. For 30-60 minutes of cooking time; cook on low 6-8 hours or 3-4 hours on high. For 1-3 hours of cooking time: cook on low 8-16 hours or 4-6 hours on high.
GENERAL SHELF LIVES FOR COMMON ITEMS (From The Food Marketing Institute In Washington DC)
1.) Flour unopened: up to 12 months. Opened: 6-8 months.
2.) Whole Wheat Flour unopened: 1 month. Opened: 6-8 months if refrigerated.
3.) Sugar unopened: 2 years. Sugars do not spoil but eventually may change flavor.
4.) Brown sugar unopened: 4 months.
5.) Confectioners sugar unopened: 18 months.
6.) Solid shortening unopened: 8 months. Opened: 3 months.
7.) Cocoa unopened: indefinitely. opened: 1 year.
8.) Whole spices: 2-4 years. Whether or not opened.
9.) Ground spices: 2-3 years. Whether or not opened.
10.) Paprika, red pepper and chili powder: 2 years when kept in refrigerator.
11.) High acid canned items such as fruit juice, tomato soup and things in vinegar unopened: 12-18 months.
12.) Baking soda unopened: 18 months. Opened: 6 `months.
13.) Baking powder unopened: 6 months. Opened: 3 months.
14.) Cornstarch: 18 months. Whether or not opened.
15.) Dry pasta made without eggs unopened: 2 years. Opened: 1 year.
16.) Dry egg noodles unopened: 2 years. Opened: 1-2 months.
17.) Salad dressing unopened: 10-12 months. Opened: 3 months if refrigerated.
18.) Low acid canned items such as soup, meats, gravy and vegetables unopened: 2-5 years.
19.) Honey: 1 year. Weather or not opened.
20.) Worcestershire sauce: 1 year. Weather or not opened.
21.) Ground, canned coffee unopened: 2 years. Opened: 2 weeks, if refrigerated.
22.) Instant coffee in jars or tins unopened: 12 months. Opened: 3 months.
23.) Bottled water unopened: 1-2 years. Opened: 3 months.
24.) Pudding mixes unopened: 1 year. Opened: 4 months.
25.) Jams, jellies and preserves unopened: 1 year. Opened: 6 months if refrigerated.
26.) Peanut butter unopened: 6-9 months. Opened: 2-3 months.
An jar of peanut butter doesn't last more than 3 weeks in my pantry...before it's empty!