Why Food Storage and the like

FOOD STORAGE BASICS AND BEYOND!

This blog comes to help us all deal with FS questions and to build up from a starting place & build a more complete and full FS & how to be more Self Reliant. Let us all get Prepared & ready for anything that may come our way. You never know when Mother Nature, Man Made Disaster or Money Problems may come and you would need your FS to get you through! I will talk about Emergency Preparedness also!

Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness, Other tips and Ideas. Let me help you get ready for what ever may come!

I started Food Storage over 15 years ago. I have taught many classes and been a speaker and helped many people over the years. This is a place where I can state things or address issues I want to cover.
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts

Friday, July 5, 2013

National Fried Chicken day

Well tomorrow according to the Holiday list of fun things to celebrate, is National Fried Chicken day. So on July 6 it is a great day to have some fried chicken. So on that note I thought I would post a fried chicken recipe and such. Why, well why not. Fried chicken is good and we all can learn the basics and make our own!

Simple and easy Fried Chicken recipe

Recipe Ingredients:
  • 2-1/2 to 3 pounds of broiler-fryer chicken cut, cleaned and dried
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • vegetable oil
Cookware and Utensils:
  • brown paper or plastic bag
  • black iron cast skillet or heavy bottom skillet
  • paper towels
  • plate
Recipe Instructions:
  1. Mix dry ingredients in brown paper or plastic bag. Drop 1 or 2 pieces of chicken into bag at a time and shake until meat is coated. Continue until all chicken is coated with your flour and seasoning mixture. Set chicken aside for cooking.
  2. Over high-heat, heat about 1-1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a black cast iron skillet. Skillet is ready to cook when a drop of water added to grease snaps, crack or pops. Add chicken to skillet in a single layer, don't overcrowd. Unless you have a large skillet you'll have to do to batches.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered until meat is browned on both sides. Throughout cooking turn meat using tongs to avoid burning. As a general rule, cook chicken for about 15 minutes on each side and wings and legs takes he least amount of time to cook. Before serving allow chicken to drain on paper towels.

 here are a few steps to preparing your whole chicken for frying.
  • Select a fresh young broiler-fryer whole chicken
  • Have the butcher cut chicken into 8 pieces (2 breast, 2 legs, 2 highs, and 2 wings). Or learn to cut up a chicken, it is really easy to do!
  • Rinse chicken under running cold water and remove any visible fat
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

National Blueberry Month

Since July is National Blueberry month here are a few recipes using Blueberries.

The blueberry may be small, but it’s no youngster. Botanists estimate blueberries burst onto the scene more than 13,000 years ago!

Blueberries are indigenous to North America and have deep roots in our country’s history. When Europeans arrived on the continent, the Native Americans were already enjoying blueberries year-round. They dried blueberries in the sun and added them whole to soups, stews and meat, or crushed them into a powder rubbed into meat as a preservative. According to legend, Native Americans gave blueberries to the pilgrims to help them make it through their first winter.

Blueberry Party Mix

 Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried blueberries
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup thin pretzels, broken
  • 1 cup granola or other cereal

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, walnuts, pretzels and granola
  2. Store in an airtight container
  3. Best if used within a week

Yield: 4 cups

Double Blueberry Pie

 

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen or homemade pie shell (9 inch)
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) blueberry jam or fruit spread
  • ¼-teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups fresh blueberries
  • Sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Following package or recipe directions, prebake pie shell
  2. Cool
  3. In a microwaveable dish, combine blueberry jam and cinnamon
  4. Microwave on high until mixture liquefies, about 1minute
  5. Stir in fresh blueberries
  6. Spoon blueberry mixture into prepared shell
  7. Chill
  8. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/blueberry-recipes/?gclid=CLWJ4Lz_p7cCFUyY4AodUWMAdQ


Thursday, June 27, 2013

Children's Corner Easy bake recipes

Well this month I thought I would share some easy bake recipes I found. My sister was asking me If I had any for her and so I thought maybe some other people may be wanting some ideas to use the easy bake ovens. Then since it is summer time and the children are out of school.


Easy Bake Oven Recipes -Barbie's Pretty Pink Cake

  • 5tablespoons Flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt
  • 5 teaspoon Red Sugar Crystals
  • 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 4 teaspoon Vegetable Oil
  • 8 teaspoon Milk
Directions:
Preheat Easy Bake Oven 15 minutes
Stir together cake flour, baking powder, salt, red sugar, vanilla, oil and milk until the batter is smooth and pink. Pour 3 Tbsp. of batter into greased and floured cake pan.
Bake 15 mins.
Repeat for second layer.
Makes 2 layers. 

Frostings

White Frosting
2 cups Powdered Sugar -- sifted
3 tablespoons Non-fat Dry Milk -- powder
6 tablespoons Shortening
In a medium bowl, combine icing sugar and milk powder. Stir with a wire whisk to blend. With a pastry blender, cut in shortening. Spoon about 1/3 cup mixture into each of 8 small containers or ziploc bags. Seal bags tightly. Label with date and contents.
Store in a cool dry place. Use within 12 weeks.
Makes 8 packages of Children's White Frosting Mix.
Directions
1 pkg. Children's White Frosting mix (above
3/4 teaspoon water
In a small bowl, combine mix and water. Stir well with a spoon until smooth and creamy. Makes about 1/4 cup frosting. A drop or two of vanilla may be added if desired.
Party Frosting
4 tsp Vegetable Shortening
2/3 cup Powdered Sugar
1/8 tsp Vanilla
2 tsp Milk
Colored sugar crystals for decoration
In a small bowl, mix together shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting on top of cake and continue with sides.
Sprinkle with colored crystal sugars.
Frosts 2 cakes
Pink Sparkles Frosting
4 tsp. shortening
2/3 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. milk
Pink sugar crystals for decoration
drop of red food coloring
Stir together shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in food coloring. Spread 2 tsp. of frosting on top of 1st layer. Add 2nd layer and continue frosting.
Sprinkle with colored crystal sugars.

BUTTERSCOTCH CANDY (6)

Ingredients:

1/4 c Butterscotch morsels
2 teaspoons Margarine
Directions:

Put margarine and morsels into the melting pan and place the pan on
the Warm/Melt area top of the oven. Heat for 15 minutes.  (You can also do this in the microwave stirring every 30 seconds)
Stir gently every 5 minutes. Using a spoon, fill the candy molds with melted butterscotch. Place the molds in the refrigerator for 30 mins. or until firm. Remove from molds.
 Makes approx. 6 candies--depending on the mold size.


DEEP  DISH PIZZA

When Barbie has Ken over this is what she fixes him for dinner. It's definitely his favorite. Your kids will enjoy making this fu pizza too. It's a favorite recipe for kids at our house.


Ingredients:

2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoons Baking powder
1 dash Salt
1 teaspoons Margarine
2 1/4 teaspoons Milk
1 tablespoons Pizza sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Stir together flour, baking powder, salt and margarine until dough looks like medium-sized crumbs. Slowly add milk while stirring. Shape dough into a ball and place into a greased pan. Use your fingers to pat the dough evenly over the bottom of the pan, then up the sides. Pour the sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake 20 mins. Remove. Makes 1 pizza.

Here is a link for some other recipes http://www.budget101.com/frugal/easy-bake-oven-mixes-187/


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

National Catfish Day

Today is June 25th and it is national catfish day. Today is a great day to enjoy some fried or baked catfish!

On June 25, 1987, President Ronald Reagan began a presidential proclamation with the words "More and more Americans are discovering a uniquely American food delicacy — farm-raised catfish."

So with that in mind here are a few Catfish recipes! Enjoy

 Buttermilk Slaw                                                
1 large cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, shredded 
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
Sea salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

There is one southern tradition I believe in and that is draining cabbage of its water before making slaw. Nothing worse than 'soupy' slaw after setting around a few hours. A head of cabbage has a lot of moisture and by tossing it with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt in a colander, letting it drain for an hour will remove the excess water allowing the slaw to remain nice and crisp throughout the meal, even for the next. Just be sure to rinse well under running water, drain and allow to dry on a towel before proceeding with the recipe.
Mix the carrots and cabbage in a large bowl. Stir the remaining ingredients together and mix into the cabbage coating well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours before serving.

Homemade Tarter Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons minced white onions
1/2 cup chopped bread & butter pickles, sweet or dill relish, whatever you fancy
Lemon juice to taste
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
Blend together and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Buttermilk Battered Fish Fillets

for each pound of fish fillets
good for catfish, brim, perch - any lake fish or fillets of choice

1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown mustard
1/2 cup plain cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperWhisk the buttermilk, vinegar and mustard in a wide bowl and add the fish fillets coating well. Let set for 30 minutes. Mix remaining ingredients in a shallow bowl and set aside.
Coat a broiling pan with olive oil. Heat broiler oven to 475 F.
Remove fillets one at a time and dredge in the cornmeal mixture. Place on the pan separating the fillets about an inch apart. Turn up the broiler to 500 degrees and place pan about 4 inches under the broiler. Cook about 4 minutes per side. Test fillets with a fork checking the thickest part of the fish. Serve with lemon wedges and tarter sauce.

Recipes from http://dricksramblingcafe.blogspot.com/2010/08/southern-oven-fried-catfish-with-tarter.html

 
Serves four
Ingredients
4 Mississippi pond-raised or wild catfish, skinned and deheaded (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
2 eggs
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup yellow cornmeal 
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 quarts peanut oil
8 scallions
3/4 cup Miracle Whip
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup pickle relish
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Procedure
Dickey Sauce: In a medium bowl, fold together the Miracle Whip, mayonnaise, relish, onion, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Catfish: Combine the eggs, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and milk together in a large bowl and beat it until frothy. In a shallow dish large enough to contain the fish, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper.
With a small knife, score both sides of the catfish four times across, deeply, about 11/2 inches apart. Dip the catfish into the egg wash, then dredge it completely with the cornmeal mixture, evenly coating the fish; set it aside.
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 325 degrees. Add the fish—one at a time for whole fish (if using fillets, two at a time)—and cook 7–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Serve with scallions and Dickey sauce.

Recipe from http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/fishing/2010/06/catfish-recipe-national-catfish-day


Monday, May 27, 2013

Food Storage Recipe for May

This months Food Storage recipe is going to be for Non Food Items.

I have used these recipes for 6 months now. They are easy to make and really does not take up that much time.

FABRIC SOFTENER:
6 cups hot water (hot tap water is fine)
3 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups Hair Conditioner

Add Water (hot) into container, add conditioner, mix up, add vinegar, mix well. Put into resealable container. Like your old fabric softener bottle. Add the same amount you would normally use in the rinse cycle. Yes you can use this in HE washers, As that is what I have. Shake before each use.

You can buy cheap hair conditioner, any smell you like. Works good.



LIQUID LAUNDRY SOAP:

1 bar of Soap (Fels Naptha)
1 cup of Borax
1 Cup of Super Washing soda
2 cups of water
4 gallons of water
5 gallon bucket with lid
old cheese grater, old pot, old wooden spoon, old whisk.


Grate soap bar using an old cheese grater, add to a pot, add 2 cups of water. heat on low, mix and stir unitl soap is melted and combines with water.

Pour Borax, and Super washing soda into the bucket and mix up. Add the hot soapy water from the pot and quickly mix and thoroughly. Add 1 gallon of water at a time to the mixture and stir, until you add 4 gallons. Mix up well. Cover and let sit OVERNIGHT! Uncover in the morning, mix up with a spoon or whisk until well blended and the "big" chucks are small. Add to smaller containers, like old laundry detergent bottles. Shake to mix up before use! Use only 1/2 cup per load! It will not suds up! You can use in HE washers as it will not hurt it, and you use less detergent for a load. 5 gallons of soap will last me 3 months, for less than $3.00.

(DO NOT USE BAKING SODA! WRONG ITEM!)



Thursday, May 16, 2013

Budget 101 Idea for May

 The Budget 101 idea for the month of May is really easy and takes little to no time to do. Spend some time on the weekend and make up for your family to enjoy through out the week for that home cooked breakfast we all want to give to our families. What is I say to make this weekend.....

Waffles! yes I said it Waffles. Make your own waffles from scratch and freeze them in individual servings and toast in the toaster. Waffles are easy to make and taste so good! There are many waffle recipes out there, use your favorite. The best waffle recipes I have found and use is when you separate the eggs and beat the egg whites and fold them in last. But that is my opinion. 

Here is a recipe I have used. 
One of the Best Waffle Recipes:
1 1/3 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 3/4 cups milk

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
2. Separate the eggs, adding the yolks to the dry ingredient mixture, and placing the whites in a small mixing bowl.
3. Beat whites until moderately stiff; set aside.
4. Add milk and melted butter to dry ingredient mixture and blend.
.5 Fold stiff egg whites into mixture.
6. Ladle mixture into hot waffle iron and bake

Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy! 



Friday, August 31, 2012

Laundry Tips, homemade laundry soap

So we all have to do laundry. This is one thing everyone has to do, as with doing dishes. It is a never ending battle. Just after you get the laundry done, another load is waiting since you have to wear clothes everyday.
I have been trying out the best way to get clean laundry. Since we have moved to a hotter area with lots of humidity, my husband will come with sweat filled clothes. Trying to get out the perspiration, dirt and grim can be hard at times.

I use tide, borax and Pinesol on almost all my loads. But I needed a pre-treatment that did not cost a lot of money.

I found Fels-Naptha at the store yesterday. I paid maybe a dollar for it. Brought it home and have been researching it this morning and finding tips and other fun stuff about it and other things. I also bought some Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda. 



Here are some links for the Tips and websites I found. There is a site that has many make your own laundry detergent. Great all in one resource.

http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

Here is another blog about the Fels-Naptha http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/back-to-basics-fels-naptha

I will be trying out the Fels-Naptha this next week. I hope it works.

I was also looking to add laundry soap to my Food Storage. Since I already buy many of the things needed to make your own. I will be trying a few of the recipes and see what works for me. I now have a front loader washer that does not take as much water, or as much soap to run a load. This may be something I may do on a regular basis.

Now most people wash their clothes to much. We all wear under shirts, tank tops etc under our top shirt. So unless you are really dirty you can wear your shirt another day at least around the house. Pants unless dirty, meaning covered in dirt, grease, mud, sweat, etc can be worn more than one time! Of course your under clothes need to be washed after each use. Same goes for socks.
Sweaters, sweat shirts, etc can have multiple wearings. Have kids come home and change into play clothes they can wear more than once after school or going out in public. I even do this. I wear clothes out and about, come home and change into house clothes.



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Peanut Butter Recipes

Peanut Butter Recipes....

So now that you have Peanut Butter stored up, now
what? There is more than just eating PB and J sandwiches, PB on crackers, or just eating it on a spoon or on apples. 

Here are a few recipes I found to use up peanut butter. 







Cream of Peanut Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • Snipped chives
  • Chopped peanuts for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. MELT butter in medium saucepan. Cook celery and onion until onion is tender, but not browned. Stir in flour and cook about one minute. Whisk in chicken broth, cooking until thickened and bubbly.
  2. REMOVE from heat. Puree mixture in batches, in a blender, until smooth. Return to saucepan.
  3. ADD the peanut butter and milk, stirring to blend thoroughly. Heat through, but do not boil. Serve hot or cold. Garnish with snipped chives and chopped peanuts, if desired.

  •  Prep Time: 20 min

  • Cook Time: 15 min


  • Yield: 6 Cups

  • Recipe from http://www.jif.com/Recipes/Details/420



  • Crispy Peanut Butter Pretzel Chicken
    Serves 6
    3 tablespoons fig jam
    2 tablespoons prepared stone ground mustard
    6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thighs or legs
    8 ounces sourdough pretzels, coarsely crushed
    1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
    1 large egg
    1/2 cup water
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
    1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
    1/2 cup flour
    1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
    1. Preheat oven to 400°. Mix together fig jam and mustard in a small bowl; set aside.
    2. Place pretzels in a food processor, and pulse until coarsely ground. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
    3. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, egg, water, salt, pepper and hot sauce.
    4. Place flour in a large plastic bag. Add chicken breasts and shake to coat evenly. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then dredge in the pretzel crumbs, pressing coating lightly to adhere to chicken. Place coated chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet. Bake until chicken is cooked through, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
    5. To serve, divide fig mustard among six plates, and using the back of a spoon, smear it in a line across center of plate. Place a piece of chicken on top of jam, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
    Recipe from http://peanutbutterlovers.com/


    Oriental Chicken 'N Noodle Salad

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces angel hair pasta or vermicelli
    • 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts
    • 2 Tbsp. PLUS 3/4 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing
    • 3/4 cup sliced green onions
    • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger*
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro or parsley
    • 2 Tbsp. Skippy® Creamy Peanut Butter
    • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
    • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
    • 1 Tbsp. sherry
    • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
    • 2 medium carrots, sliced
    • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

    Directions

    1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
    2. On broiler pan, arrange chicken. Brush with 2 tablespoons Dressing, then broil, turning once, 6 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
    3. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, heat remaining 3/4 cup Dressing and cook green onions and ginger over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes or until tender. Stir in cilantro, Skippy® Creamy Peanut Butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, sherry and crushed red pepper. In large bowl, toss pasta with green onion mixture, carrots and red pepper. To serve, arrange on platter, then top with sliced chicken. Garnish, if desired, with additional sliced green onions.
    • *SUBSTITUTION: Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and decrease crushed red pepper to 1/8 teaspoon.

    Peanut Butter Energy Bites (Makes approximately 15 cookies)
    Ingredients
    • 1 c. peanut butter
    • 1/2 c. sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 c. wheat germ
    Directions
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
    • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir together until everything is fully mixed. The dough will be very thick.
    • Scoop dough by the tablespoon onto the cookie sheet.
    • Bake for 10 – 12 minutes until the sides of the bites begin to brown.
    • Let cool and enjoy!


    Saturday, August 18, 2012

    Whats for Dinner

    So what is for Dinner this week?

    This weeks menu is:

     Chicken Parmesan with noodles with marinara sauce, Salad.
    http://www.hellmanns.com/recipes/detail/8366/1/

    Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, fresh vegetables.

    Breaded pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.
    http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/breaded-pork-chops

    Bratwurst, mac and cheese, baked beans, salad.
    http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/velveeta-ultimate-macaroni-cheese-52089.aspx

    Salad with grilled chicken and vegetables.

    Catfish, rice, fresh vegetables.
    http://allrecipes.com/recipe/oven-fried-catfish-2/detail.aspx

    All meals are served with a bread, either biscuits, bread, rolls, or crackers.
    All meals have fresh or canned fruit.
    All meals have fresh or canned vegetables offered at each meal.
    All meals are served with cottage cheese, yogurt, milk or cheese.

    So whats for dinner at your house?




    Thursday, July 26, 2012

    Margarita Punch, Non Alcoholic!

    Margarita Punch


    This Punch is a good substitute for lemonade. It is non alcoholic so great for kids. It is really easy to make and everyone will love it! I make a batch and have to have another one ready to go! It will go fast.  

    Ingredients

    • 6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate
    • 6 ounces frozen limeade concentrate
    • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    • 3 cups crushed ice
    • 1 liter carbonated lemon-lime beverage
    • 2 thinly sliced limes

    Directions

    1. Combine the concentrates, powdered sugar, and crushed ice in a large freezer proof container.
    2. Cover tightly and freeze for at least one hour (or for many days depending on how early you're planning ahead).
    3. Place the frozen mixture into a large punch bowl.
    4. Slowly pour in the soda and add the lime and/or lemon slices.
    5. Serve in chilled (salt rimmed optional) glasses.

    Thursday, October 6, 2011

    Nutritional Idea Oct




    As Fall is here and this month is Halloween, Harvest Parties and fun things to do for the whole family.
    This is a great time to remember and to be sure to serve a great nutritious meal before heading out for the evenings activities. Make a fun meal themed around Harvest, Halloween, Fall. 

    This time of year, apples, pears, pumpkins, squash, stews, cider etc are a good place to start. 
    You can do a simple internet search and find some fun and new recipes to try. be sure to have something that will fill you up. Be sure to eat fruits and vegetables, a starch and a protein. In the cooler nights eating a stew, chili, casserole, or soup will warm you up before heading out. 

    Take a thermos filled with hot chocolate or apple cider to warm up while out in the cool nights. just do not forget the cups! 

    Here are a few fun recipes I found on the net! 

    Mummy-Face Pizzas 


    What You Need

    1 plain bagel (3-1/2 inch), cut in half
    2 Tbsp. pizza sauce
    2 Kraft Singles Mozzarella Cheese Slice
    4 slices black olives

    Make It

    HEAT oven to 400ºF.
    SPREAD bagel halves with sauce. Cut cheese into thin strips; place in random criss-cross fashion on tops of bagels to resemble mummy bandages. Trim ends with kitchen shears. Add olives for the eyes.
    PLACE on baking sheet.
    BAKE 5 min. or until bagels are crisp and cheese is melted.

    http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/mummy-face-pizzas-114042.aspx 


      Hot Dog Mummies
    Feast your eyes, if you dare, on these Hot Dog Mummies. They're the perfect energy food before an evening of collecting candy.
    Ingredients
    • 1 11-ounce can of refrigerator breadsticks
    • 1 12-pack of hot dogs
    • Yellow mustard
    Instructions
    1. For each mummy, separate one breadstick from the roll and use kitchen shears or a knife to slice it in half lengthwise to create two thinner strips.
    2. Wrap one strip at a time snugly around the hot dog. Depending on the size of the hot dog, you may not need all of both strips. Leave about 1/2 inch of hot dog exposed for the face area and continue wrapping the top of the hot dog.
    3. Bake the mummies on a cookie sheet at 350º for 15 to 18 minutes or until the breadstick wrapping is golden brown.
    4. Remove the mummies from the oven and cool them for 5 minutes. Add yellow mustard eyes just before serving. Makes 12 mummies.
    Mummy Meatloaf 


    Before heading out with your kids for a night of trick-or-treating, put a chilling spin on some classic comfort foods. Serve our Mummy Meatloaf and a side of cheesy swamp creatures, and your little tricksters won't be able to stop ogling their food! (Or will it be ogling them?)
    Ingredients
    • Meatloaf from your favorite recipe (ours used about 2 pounds of meat)
    • American cheese
    • Olive slices
    Instructions
    1. Make your favorite meatloaf recipe and shape the loaf to resemble a mummy's body with crossed arms. Bake the loaf until it's cooked through.
    2. Let it rest about 3 minutes, then lay 1-inch-wide strips of American cheese across the body as shown, leaving a narrow space on the head for the olive slice eyes. Trim any overhanging cheese with scissors and return the mummy to the still-warm oven to slightly melt the cheese, about 1 minute.

      http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-recipes/halloween-dinners/mummy-meatloaf-929692/


      Swamp Creatures

      Create a spooky Halloween supper with these cheesy critters, the perfect accompaniment for our Mummy Meatloaf.
    Ingredients
    • Macaroni and cheese
    • Sautéed spinach
    • Olive slices
    Instructions
    1. Mix up a batch of macaroni and cheese, then spoon it into greased muffin cups and bake until firm, about 25 minutes.
    2. Let the creatures rest for about 10 minutes, then gently remove them from the tins. Place them upside down on a swamp of sautéed spinach and add olive slice eyes.
    http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/swamp-creatures-929705/



    Saturday, September 24, 2011

    Food Storage Recipes Sept Oats

    Today is a day to share Food Storage Recipes. Now Food Storage is anything you have have in your pantry, cupboards, etc on a regular basis. Sometime we buy things that we know we need to have but really do not know how to use that ingredient. Today I will post some Oatmeal recipes. A really good source is the companies that make and sell oatmeal. Here is a link www.quakeroats.com . Now just go to your favorite producer of the Oats you purchase and see what recipes they have. Of course there are generally recipes on the packages to try also.

    This is a great time of year to buy and use Apples. Here is arecipe using both:

    OATMEAL APPLE CRISP
    3 C. sliced apples, (Yellow Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Honey Crisp)
    3 Tbsp. flour
    1/4 C. sugar
    1/2 tsp. cinnamon
    1/8 tsp. salt
    1 Tbsp. water
    1/2 C. rolled oats
    1/4 tsp. salt
    1/4 C. butter
    1/3 C. brown sugar
    Combine apples, flour, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, 1/8 tsp. salt and water. Place in a greased casserole dish (I doubled the recipe to fill the 9 x 13 pan).
    Cut the remaining ingredients together with a pastry blender and sprinkle over the top of the apple mixture in pan. Bake 35 minutes in 375 degree oven.

    Oatmeal Bread - By Hand
    Ingredients: 5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2-1/2 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) 1/4 cup granulated sugar, Two 1/4-ounce packages (about 4- 1/2 teaspoons) quick-rising
    yeast, 2-1/2 teaspoons salt, 1-1/2 cups water, 1-1/4 low-fat milk, 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) margarine or butter. Preparation Steps: In large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, oats, sugar, yeast and salt; mix well. In small saucepan, heat water, milk and margarine until very warm (120ºF to 130ºF).

    Add to flour mixture. Blend on low speed of electric mixer until dry ingredients are moistened. Increase to medium speed; beat 3 minutes. By hand, gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough.
    Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 to 8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Shape dough into ball; place in greased bowl, turning once. Cover; let rise in warm place 30 minutes or until doubled
    in size. Punch down dough. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Divide dough in half; shape to form loaves. Place in two greased 8 x 4 or 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. Cover; let rise in warm place 15 minutes or until nearly doubled in
    size. Heat oven to 375ºF. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until dark golden brown. Remove from pans to wire
    rack. Cool completely before slicing. Cook Tips and Variations: If desired, brush tops of loaves lightly with melted margarine or butter and sprinkle with additional oats after placing in pans. 2 Loaves


    Chewy Chocolate No-Bakes
    1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 5 tablespoons margarine or butter, 16 large marshmallows, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked).1 cup (any combination of) raisins, diced dried mixed fruit, shredded coconut, miniature marshmallows or chopped nuts.
    In large saucepan melt chocolate chips, margarine and large marshmallows over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Stir in vanilla. Stir in oats and remaining ingredients.
    Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours. Let stand at room temperature about 15 minutes before serving. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. 3 dozen

    So here are a few Recipes i use all the time for using my Oats in my food Storage. A simple way to use Oatmeal is use it and it is not just a breakfast food. by a few key strokes you can be find great recipes on the net and using Oatmeal, Oats, and the like in your daily cooking.




    Tuesday, September 20, 2011

    Canning Idea Sept


    As September is coming to a close and Canning and harvest season is still going strong, but coming to an end. Here are a few things to keep in mind and remember while storing your home canned goods.

    Avoid storing canned food near a furnace, water heater or hot water pipes. Jars need to be kept cool for longer storage life and to protect against spoilage. Be sure to store in a dry place. Rusting of the lid or band can cause seal to break.

    To avoid freezing in extremely cold storage environments, wrap canned jars with newspaper and place in heavy cardboard boxes. Cover boxes with a heavy cloth of blanket if necessary.


    Fiesta Salsa Small Batch

    Makes 2 (16 oz) pints

    When you only want to make a couple of jars of salsa, combine 2 pounds of tomatoes with 1/4 cup Ball® Fiesta Salsa Mix. Enjoy right away, or preserve with water bath canning.
    You will need:
    2 lbs fresh tomatoes (about 6 medium) to yield 4 1/2 cups finely diced
    3 Tbsp white vinegar (5% acidity) 
    1/4 cup Ball® Fiesta Salsa Mix
    2 Ball® Pint (16 oz) Fresh Preserving Jars with lids and bands
    Directions:
    1. PREPARE canner, jars, and lids according to manufacturer's instructions.
    2. COMBINE tomatoes, vinegar, and contents of pouch in a large saucepan.
    3. HEAT to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
    4. LADLE hot salsa into jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars. Apply bands and adjust to fingertip tight.
    5. PROCESS in boiling water canner for 35 minutes, adjusting for altitude

    QUICK TIP: Make your salsa medium or hot by adding hot pepper sauce or hot pepper flakes to taste!

    Thursday, September 1, 2011

    Nutritional Idea for the Month






    Nutritional Idea of the month: Serve Ice cold Water with your meals. If you need to have something other than water make some Fresh homemade lemon aid, instead of soda.

    Lemons, sugar and water. The most simple lemonade recipe, and yet so refreshing. Your drinks don't have to be complicated to be refreshing. Make up a jug today, and relax on the patio.


    Simple Lemonade Recipe:
    Ingredients: 
    6 lemons 
    6 cups cold water 
    1 cup sugar
    Preparation:
    Juice your lemons, and you should get about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. You can use bottled if you must, but the flavor won't be as crisp. In a large pitcher, mix lemon juice, water and sugar. Stir lemonade well and serve over ice, with a lemon slice or two to garnish.


    OLD-FASHIONED-STYLE SUGAR-FREE LEMONADE
    2/3 cup water
    1/2 cup Splenda granular
    4 to 6 cups cold water to taste
    1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)

    In a large glass measuring cup, combine 2/3 cup water and the Splenda. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes on high. Using caution, remove from microwave and stir the mixture to see if Splenda is completely dissolved. If not, return to microwave and heat an additional 45-60 seconds. Fill a pretty, large pitcher with ice. Pour lemon juice over the ice. Add the Splenda mixture and stir well. Add 4 cups (1-qt) of cold water. Stir well to blend. Taste and add additional water to suit your taste.


    Thursday, July 7, 2011

    Carrot Recipes

    All kinds of Carrot Recipes!
     With it being summer time and gardens will start to give off their crops and there are farmers markets, deals in the stores. Here are some really fun ways to cook all those carrots. I have a side note or funny story to add here. I was talking to someone who thought that carrots grew on trees. I was no honey carrots are a root vegetable and they do grow in the ground. I have seen it, I have grown them, planted them, weeded them and harvested them and even canned and dried them up. She had a hard time believing me that they grew in the ground. She did have to go and google it, just to make sure. So yes people carrots grow in the ground and you pull them up out of the ground, wash them and then you can eat them. 


    Baby Carrots
    Baby Carrots ingredients list:
    3 lb of baby carrots.
    4 tablespoons of butter.
    3 tablespoons of mint.
    Salt and pepper.
    Water.
    Instructions for Baby Carrots:
    Put the baby carrots in a saucepan and just cover with water.
    Add four tablespoons of butter, then cover.
    Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and cook for 12-15 minutes until the carrots are still firm but can be pieced with a fork.
    Remove the cover and boil down until all the water has evaporated.
    Season with mint, salt and pepper. Serve.


    Baked Carrots
    Baked Carrots ingredients list:
    4 cups of carrots, sliced.
    ½ cup of water.
    6 tablespoons of butter.
    2 tablespoons of sugar.
    1 teaspoon of nutmeg.
    1 teaspoon of salt.
    Instructions for Baked Carrots:
    In a casserole dish, mix the sugar, nutmeg and salt with water.
    Add the carrots and dab them with butter.
    Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes.
    Allow to rest for 3-4 minutes. Serve.

    Carrot and Raisin muffins
    Carrot and Raisin Muffins ingredients list:
    3 medium eggs.
    1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour.
    1 ½ cups of shredded carrots.
    1 cup of powdered sugar.
    ¾ cup of granulated sugar.
    ½ cup of raisins.
    ½ cup of milk, plus 2 tablespoons of milk.
    ½ cup of melted butter, plus 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
    ¼ cup of cream cheese, softened.
    2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
    1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder.
    ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
    ½ teaspoon of salt.
    ½ teaspoon of vanilla.
    Instructions for Carrot and Raisin Muffins:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    Combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
    Beat together the eggs and the granulated sugar.
    Add the shredded carrots, raisins, ½ cup of milk, and ½ cup of melted butter; mix thoroughly.
    Add the flour mixture and stir until the dry ingredients have moistened.
    Spoon the batter into twelve greased muffin cups.
    Bake for 20 minutes.
    Mix together cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter.
    Stir in the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over top of the cooked muffins.

    Carrot Bread
    Carrot Bread ingredients list:
    4 medium eggs.
    2 ½ cups of flour.
    2 cups of carrots, shredded finely.
    1 ½ cups of sugar.
    1 ¼ cups of corn oil.
    2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
    2 teaspoons of baking powder.
    1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda.
    ¼ teaspoon of salt.
    Instructions for Carrot Bread:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°F).
    Cream the corn oil and sugar.
    Add each of the four eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each is added.
    Blend in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
    Fold in the shredded carrot.
    Bake in a greased loaf pan for about 90 minutes.
    Allow to cool on a wire rack.

    Carrot Marmalade
    Carrot Marmalade ingredients list:
    1 ½ lb of brown sugar.
    3 cups of chopped carrots.
    4 medium oranges.
    1 large lemon.
    Water.
    Instructions for Carrot Marmalade:
    Chopped the carrots, oranges and the lemon.
    Mix with sugar.
    Allow to stand overnight.
    In the morning, cook until the mixture gels.
    Seal while hot.

    Carrot Salad
    Carrot Salad ingredients list:
    1 ½ lb of carrots, peeled and grated.
    ¼ cup of non-fat mayonnaise.
    2 ½ tablespoons of freshly-squeezed lemon juice
    1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
    Pinch of salt.
    Instructions for Carrot Salad:
    In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, maple syrup and a pinch of salt.
    Add the carrots, tossing to mix.
    Allow to stand for about 45 minutes.Serve.

    Carrot Sandwich Spread
    Carrot Sandwich Spread ingredients list:
    ¾ cup of finely grated carrots.
    ¼ ounce of cream cheese, softened.
    1 stick of margerine, softened.
    2 tablespoons of green olives.
    2 tablespoons of grated onion.
    Dash of white pepper.
    Instructions for Carrot Sandwich Spread:
    Mix all of the ingredients together throughly.
    Chill the mixture in a refridgerator.
    Spread into a sandwich, onto toast or however you desire.


    Pickled Carrots
    Pickled Carrots ingredients list:
    1 ½ lb of carrots, scraped.
    4 cloves.
    1 ½ cinnamon sticks, broken.
    1 cup of granulated sugar.
    1 cup of white vinegar.
    1 cup of water.
    1 ½ tablespoons of mustard seed.
    Instructions for Pickled Carrots:
    Cut carrots into thin three-inch sticks.
    Blanch in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes. Drain and and put in a bowl.
    In a saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, water, mustard seeds, cloves and cinnamon.
    Bring to boil.
    Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes.
    Pour over the carrots.
    Allow to cool, then cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours.
    Drain well before serving and discard the cloves and cinnamon.

    Spicy Carrot Soup
    Spicy Carrot Soup ingredients list:
    8 carrots, roughly chopped.
    5 celery sticks, cut into pieces.
    2 cloves of garlic, chopped.
    1 large onion, chopped.
    4 cups of water.
    1 tablespoon of olive oil
    1 teaspoon of curry powder.
    Salt.
    Instructions for Spicy Carrot Soup:
    Heat up the olive oil in a frying pan; then fry the chopped garlic and chopped onion for 4-5 minutes.
    Add a teaspoon of curry powder, then stir.
    Add all of the remaining ingredients except the salt and cook until the vegetables are tender.
    Mix in a blender until the soup is smooth.
    Add salt to taste and serve.


    Raisin and carrot salad
    Raisin and Carrot Salad ingredients list:
    5 cups of carrots, shredded.
    1 ½ cups of celery, chopped.
    1 ½ cups of mayonnaise.
    ¾ cup of raisins.
    ¾ cup of walnuts, chopped.
    2 teaspoons of sugar.
    1 teaspoon of mustard.
    ¼ teaspoon of salt.
    10 lettuce leaves, to serve on.
    Instructions for Raisin and Carrot Salad:
    In a bowl, combine the carrots, celery, raisins and walnuts.
    Add the other ingredients (except lettuce leaves) and mix thoroughly.
    Serve on lettuce leaves.

    Scalloped Carrots
    4 C. sliced carrots
    1 medium onion diced
    3 T. butter
    1 can cream of celery soup
    1/2 t. salt
    1/8 t. pepper
    1/2 C. cheddar cheese grated
    3 C. herb stuffing
    1/3 C. butter melted
    Cook carrots in salted water until almost tender. Drain.
    Cook onion in the 3 T. butter until soft. Stir in soup, salt, pepper and cheese. Stir in carrots.
    Place in a 2 qt. buttered casserole dish. Toss bread stuffing with the melted butter. Spoon over the carrots mixture.
    Bake at 350°F. for 20 minutes.

    Carrot Fritters
    1 lb. carrots peeled and cut in small pieces
    salt
    1 C. flour
    1 t. baking powder
    1/2 C. sugar
    1 t. vanilla
    2 t. butter melted
    1 egg beaten
    1/2 C. olive oil
    Cook carrots in a small amount of salted boiling water, until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let stand until cool.
    Puree carrots in a food processor until smooth. Combine with the rest of the ingredients except olive oil. Mix well.
    Heat the oil to 375°F in a skillet. Drop carrot mixture by tablespoonful into the oil. Cook, turning once, until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.
    Makes 18 fritters.

    Carrot Patties
    1 cup cooked mashed carrots
    1 cup fine cracker crumbs
    1 tablespoon finely minced onion
    1 egg beaten
    1 teaspoon celery salt
    Combine all ingredients; shape into patties.
    Roll patties in additional cracker crumbs.
    Fry in a small amount of oil until brown.
    6 servings


    Carrots Au Gratin
    1/3 cup Corn Flake Crumbs
    3 tablespoon margarine, melted
    1/3 cup chopped onion
    3 tablespoon flour
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1/8 teaspoon pepper
    1 1/2 cups milk
    2/3 cup shredded American Cheese
    4 1/2 cups cooked, sliced carrots, drained (about 1 1/2 lbs.)
    1 tablespoon parsley flakes
    In small bowl or shallow pan, combine Corn Flake Crumbs and 1 tbsp of margarine. Set aside.
    Add onion to remaining margarine. Saute over low heat. Add flour, salt and pepper. Stir in milk. Increase heat to medium; cook until bubbly and thickened, stirring constantly. Add cheese. Stir until smooth.
    Stir in carrots and parsley flakes. Spread in shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with Corn Flake Crumbs mixture.
    Bake at 350°F about 20 minutes or until bubbly and crumbs are golden brown. Serve warm.


    Chinese Noodle and Carrot Salad (4 servings)
    6 medium carrots; water; 9oz linguine style pasta; 3 tablespoons soya sauce;
    3 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons grated pared ginger root
    2 tablespoons crushed garlic; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
    8oz water chestnuts (drained, sliced); 4 medium onions (sliced);1 teaspoon hot chilli oil
    Method: Trim and pare carrots, cut into thin, long diagonal slices. Add carrots to 2 pints of boiling water, return to boil and simmer for 5 minutes until tender. Drain and flush with warm water. Bring 2 further pints of water to boil in kettle. Cut bundle of noodles once or twice across to shorten. Slip noodles into boiling water and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse.
    In bottom of a salad bowl combine soya sauce, sesame oil, garlic, sugar and sesame seeds. Mix to blend then add carrots, noodles, water chestnuts and onion. Toss well and add chilli oil to taste. Cover salad and chill at least 4 hours to let flavours develop.


    Carrot and Lentil soup 
    4 large carrots; 4 ounces of orange lentils; 1 large onion; 1 large tin of tomatoes; 2 pints of vegetable stock.
    Method: Chop the onion into medium size pieces and place into a saucepan.  Use non stick -  you don't need to add any oil so its healthier.
    Fry the onions until they are soft and translucent then add the carrots you may want to add a little stock just to wet them and carry on cooking until you have them warmed through. Add all the stock and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and add the lentils, cover with a lid and leave to simmer for 15 minutes.
    The lentils will go soft and absorb most of the liquid.  Blend the soup in the saucepan with a hand blender and then add  any extra liquid (either water or stock) to the thickness you want. 
    Add the tin of tomatoes and carry on blending until you have a smooth orange soup. The soup now is complete and should be brought back to the boil for a few moments to ensure the tomatoes are heated through.
    If you wish this is the time to add any extra flavourings that you may like such as garlic or herbs but do taste the soup beforehand as the flavour is so good it doesn't really need much else. To garnish you could add chives and a little blob of crème fresh but again that is optional.
    Serve with your favourite bread either hot or cold and you have a filling, nutritional and healthy meal.