2.5 lbs peeled, diced, and boiled potatoes
1/2 white onion diced
3 small sweet peppers diced
1/2 cup celery diced
1/4 cup green onions
1 tablespoon parsley
2 cups mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
Pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Do not over stir or you will mash all the potatoes. Chill for atleast an hour before serving. Serves 10+
2 cans plain sliced carrots
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup butter (see recipe)
Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Serves 4.
One important tool in every kitchen is the meat thermometer. However, having one is only half the battle. Knowing the safe serving internal temperature of various types and cuts of meat is crucial.
Raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F.
Raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to an internal temperature of 160 °F.
Poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
1 lb bacon, cooked how you like it
8 slices of toast
1 tomato sliced thick
4 leaves of lettuce
4 slices cheddar cheese
Miracle Whip
Put miracle whip on all slices of bread. Place one piece of cheese on 4 of the slices. Place one slice of tomato on top of each cheese slice followed by one leaf of lettuce. Divide the pound of bacon evenly between the four sandwiches placing on top of the lettuce. Place a slice of bread on top of the bacon. Cut the sandwich in half before serving. Makes 4 sandwiches.
1 lb black forest ham
1/2 lb Swiss cheese
6 hoogie buns, halved width wise
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup butter (see recipe)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking sheet. Place the bottom half of each hoogie bun on it. Place 2 slices of ham and a half slice of cheese on each bun then put the top on. In a sauce pan on medium heat melt the butter then stir in the mustard, onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over the top of each bun. Then sprinkle with poppy seeds. Place in the oven on the middle rack. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes 12 sandwiches. Serves 6.
1 package bratwurst
Sweet peppers 1 each red, yellow, and orange diced
1/2 onion diced
BBQ sauce
Aluminum foil
Hot dog buns
In a bowl mix together all the diced peppers and onions. Then lay each brat on a square of aluminum foil. Cut entire length of brat. Stuff center with pepper and onion mixture. Top with bbq sauce and wrap in aluminum foil. Bake on 375°F for 25 minutes. Serve on a hot dog bun.
My child's room tends to look like a bomb went off in it. Between clothes, toys, blankets, chairs, and miscellaneous child possessions there is barely a walk way through the room! It's time to empty it out and give the room a good scrubbing. If you have more than one child than only do one room per day or you may get overwhelmed and discouraged and quit before you ever get finished. This guide also works well for spare bedrooms. Follow the step by step instructions below for a well cleaned child's room.
Child's Bedroom:
To Begin: Strip the bed and wash everything including sheets, comforter, dust ruffle, and pillow cases. Also take down the curtains and wash according to instructions on tag. Remove all decorations from the walls and place out of the room (we will clean them later).
Mini Blinds: Take them down and put them in the tub. Run warm water and add 3 tbsp. of dish soap and 1 cup of vinegar. Fill just until the water level comes up over the mini blinds. Swish the blind around the sudsy tub and then let soak for one hour then rinse with clean water to remove soap residue. Give the blinds a gentle shake to remove some water, hang them back up and let them dry.
Rugs: Pick up all rugs, take them out side and shake the Hell out of them or beat them with a broom or stick. Smaller rugs can be washed in the washing machine. Bigger rugs should be hung outside on banister, clothes line, ect. to air out.
Clear spiders webs: run a broom along the ceilings and baseboards. Don't worry about touching it we'll get to that later.
Wash down ceilings and walls: In a bucket mix together 1 cup ammonia, 1 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 gallon water. Use rubber gloves and have the Windows open for ventilation. With a sponge mop start with the ceiling and work down the walls to the baseboard. Be sure to move the furniture out before starting.
Toy Box: Empty the toy box/bin/tote onto the floor. Make 3 piles keep, pitch, and donate. Only keep toys that work, are age appropriate, and that your child actually plays with. Throw away any broken or damaged toys. Donate toys your child has outgrown or no longer plays with. Return the toys you are keeping to the toy box. Take the pitch pile to the trash before your child sees it. Also move the donation box to the trunk of the car or the garage/shed.
Dust: Use an old wash cloth to dust all decorations, picture frames, nick-nacs, light fixtures, trim, baseboard, window sills, vent covers, t.v., stereo, computer ect.
Polish: An old wash cloth works great for polishing wood too! In a spray bottle mix together 1 tsp. Olive Oil, 1 tsp. Liquid Castile Soap, 1/4 cup Vinegar, fill the bottle the rest of the way up with water and shake. Polish all wood surfaces this includes headboard and foot board, nightstands, dressers, doors, door knobs, light switch plates and any other wooden items.
Windows: In an empty spray bottle mix together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 cup water, shake to mix. Using crumpled newspaper spray and clean all Windows. If you have any mirrors in the room this works well for them too.
Vacuum: Start with bed. Sprinkle mattress lightly with baking soda and let sit. While waiting for the baking soda to do its thing use the hose attachment to sweep along all baseboard, make sure to get all those icky spider webs you knocked down earlier. Now sweep the baking soda up off the bed. When you are finished with that put the brush attachment on and vacuum lampshades from top to bottom. (Trust me you'll be amazed) Then put the hose away and vacuum the floor, be sure to sweep where the furniture normally sits while you still have it moved out to wash the walls. After you do that move the furniture back and finish sweeping the floor.
Dressers: Empty the contents of each drawer and wipe the drawer out with a damp cloth. As you are putting the clothes back into the drawers sort through them and pick out what you need to store until fall and what you want to donate to your local goodwill. Do this to each dresser in the room.
Nightstands: If you have the type of nightstand that has storage be sure to sort through it and throw away or move anything that isn't necessary such as old magazines, newspapers, books ect.
Closet: Depending on the size and disarray of your child's closet this could be the hardest part. Begin by pulling out all the clothes, shoes, and stored items. Empty that baby out! Now you can knock down the spider webs, wash down the walls, and vacuum the floors and baseboard. This brings us to the sorting. If you're child is like mine they'll have entirely way too much junk in their closet, clothes from years ago, ancient shoes, stuff you stored and don't ever remember using, and other random objects from over the years. It's time to organize! Make 3 piles keep, pitch, and store. The keep pile should be made up of spring and summer clothes that fit and that your child will actually wear. The pitch pile can be divided in two if you have items you would like to donate. The store pile should only be clothes for fall and winter that fit and that your child will actually wear. Once you have sorted through everything begin moving the clothes, shoes, and other items back in. The items you are pitching and storing need to be dealt with immediately. Bag up the pitch items and get them either to the trash or get them in the trunk of the car to be dropped off for donation next time you go out. The items you are storing need put into boxes or totes and moved to the attic, shed, basement ect.
To finish: Hang the curtains back up, hang all pictures and decorations back up. If you haven't already put the mini blinds back up. Put the rugs back down. Make the bed. Spray the room with your favorite air freshner or make your own by mixing 1/2 cup liquid fabric softer with 4 cups water in a spray bottle and shaking. (Also works good to spray on fabrics to reduce static electricity and freshen) Take a step back and look at what you accomplished! Day three of spring cleaning is complete!
PAS the serving sizes listed on my recipes are just an estimate because I always end up eating way more than one serving!
I learned the hard way to ALWAYS set the timer! I use the one built right into my cell phone so even if I leave the room I still know when it's time to take the food out!
I have a habit of not measuring things (gasp) this usually results in my overuse of pepper. Even though my husband is not afraid to tell me when this happens I still never measure! I'll never learn I tell ya!
Prevention:
Lean what the pants look like and avoid, avoid, avoid! (See picture)
Never burn plants dead or alive!
Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible when in wooded areas.
Bathe pets in soapy water if you think they have come in contact with one of these plants.
Wash any clothing or objects that may have come in contact with these plants.
Wear protective clothing and gloves when pulling up plants to dispose of. Make sure you get the roots too or they'll come back.
Home Remedies That Work on all Poison Rashes:
Aloe vera gel: Use aloe vera gel from the inner flesh of the leaves topically to relieve pain and itching.
Banana Peel: Rub inside of a banana peel directly on the rash.
Baking soda: make a paste with 2 tablespoons baking soda and 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar. Also sprinkle half a cup in your bath water.
Buttermilk: Use a cotton ball and apply directly to the rash.
Citrus Fruits: Rub the inside of the peels directly on the rash.
Coffee: If you have any leftover (cold) coffee in your cup, pour it on the rash.
Cucumber: Slice a piece off, wipe it on and let dry.Relieves itch.
Miracle Whip: Put a teaspoonfull on the affected area, spread it around and leave it a few minutes. Then wash it off with Dawn Dishwashing liquid.
Milkweed: Extract the milky juice and apply it directly to the rash.
Oatmeal: Apply a paste of cooked oatmeal to the rash to help draw the toxins and relieve the itching.
Vinegar: Mix equal parts Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar with a dash of salt. Use a cotton ball and apply directly to the rash.
Common Myths:
Rash can be spread from one person to another: False! Once the contaminated clothes have been removed and washed and the contaminated person has been bathed they are no longer contagious to others. Even if the blisters break open and puss comes out it isn't contagious!
Dead plants are safe: False! Dead plants are not safe they still contain some of the oil for up to 5 years after death and can give you a rash if you come in contact with them.
Burn the plants to remove them: False! The oils can be spread through the smoke. You can end up with it in your mouth, throat, lungs, and skin from coming in contact with the smoke.
Scratching the rash will spread it: False! Only the original oils from the plant can spread it. After you have washed with soap and water and removed the contaminated clothes you can't spread it to any other parts of yourself even if you scratch open the blisters on the rash.
If you come in contact with it you'll know immediately: False! For most people, the symptoms are delayed at least 12 hours after exposure, and it usually takes up to 3 days for symptoms to appear. For a first time sufferer, it generally takes even longer for the rash to appear – as much as 7 to 10 days!
Pets can infect you: True! Oils can accumulate on their fur, and transmit it to unwitting owners. This is especially true for off-leash dogs and cats that might find a lush patch of poison oak just off the trail. All you have to do is come in contact with them or something they have touched like furniture.
1 box brownie mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup water
16 Oreos, quartered
5 Oreos, crushed
1 cup marshmallow fluff
1 cup chocolate covered mini marshmallows, frozen
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13" baking dish. In a mixing bowl mix together brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water. Divide the batter in half. Spread the first half evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add all the quartered Oreos. Put globs of the marshmallow fluff all over the Oreos. In between the globs of fluff put the chocolate covered mini marshmallows. Put spoonfuls of the rest of the brownie batter on top spreading out as best you can. Sprinkle the top with the crushed Oreos. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting. Makes 16 brownies.
1lb ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons minced dried onion
1 tablespoon chives
1 tablespoon basil
1 tablespoon parsley
1 cup beef broth
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13" baking dish. In a large mixing bowl mix together all ingredients expect the beef broth. Once mixed roll meat into 24 small balls and place in baking dish. Pour beef broth over top of meatballs. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve or freeze immediately. Serves 6+.
1 lb potatoes washed
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup butter (see recipe)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400°F. Use a sharp knife and cut 3/4 the way through the potato width wise the entire length of the potato. Place onto a baking sheet with at least 1" sides. Drizzle with olive oil letting the extra puddle around the potatoes. Place a thin slice of butter between every cut. Sprinkle with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Bake for 1 and a half hours. During the last couple minutes turn on the broiler and broil on high for 3-5 minutes on the middle oven rack. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. One potato per serving.
1 Angel food cake from your favorite bakery, sliced in 1" thick pieces
5oz Creme de Brie Spreadable cheese
1 container strawberries, diced
1/4 cup sugar
In a medium bowl mix diced strawberries with sugar. Stir to mix thoroughly then set aside. Lay Angel food cake slices out on a serving platter.Spread a layer of brie on each slice. Top each slice with a scoop of the strawberry mixture. Serve immediately. Serves 10+
Batter:
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crumbled
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
Egg wash:
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk (see recipe) or (this recipe)
In a small bowl mix together beaten eggs and buttermilk.
Directions:
1lb sliced green tomatoes
Egg wash
Batter
Cooking oil
Frying pan
Spatula
Paper towels
Plate
Put a half inch of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. When the oil is ready (about 15 minutes) start by dipping the tomato slice in the egg wash. Then rolling in the batter. Make sure the slice is completely covered in batter. Take from the batter directly into the hot oil. It only takes 30 seconds per side. Count it for each one. The first time you don't count you're going to burn it! Remove from pan onto a paper towel to absorb the extra oil. Makes roughly 6 servings. Eat immediately. No need for dipping sauce they are so delicious, but if you must ranch dressing goes with them excellently!
Clean mushrooms:
1lb morel mushrooms, halved
1 tablespoon salt
1 gallon water
Cut mushrooms in half length wise. Soak 24 hours in salt water. Rinse with running water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Egg wash:
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk (see recipe) or (this recipe)
In a small bowl mix together beaten eggs and buttermilk.
Batter:
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crumbled
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
Directions:
1lb clean mushrooms
Egg wash
Batter
Cooking oil
Frying pan
Spatula
Paper towels
Plate
After soaking, cleaning, and drying mushrooms put a half inch of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. When the oil is ready (about 15 minutes) start soaking the mushrooms in the egg wash. Let them soak for at least 1 minute before rolling in the batter. Make sure the mushroom is completely covered in batter. Take from the batter directly into the hot oil. It only takes 15 seconds per side. Count it for each one. The first time you don't count you're going to burn it! Remove from pan onto a paper towel to absorb the extra oil. Makes roughly 6 servings. Eat immediately. No need for dipping sauce they are so delicious!
1lb ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon tarragon
1 tablespoon basil
1 tablespoon chives
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup water or beef broth
1 cup ketchup
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13" baking dish. In a large bowl mix meat, eggs, and crackers thoroughly. Next add minced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, tarragon, basil, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Move meat into prepared baking dish, form into loaf, and pour water or beef broth on top. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and discard the aluminum foil. Cover the top of the meatloaf with the ketchup and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. Remove from oven and onto a platter. Slice and serve. Makes 8 slices.
CREAM CHEESE SPREAD:
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 C shredded cheese Italian blend
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon diced red chilli peppers
1/2 cup mayonnaise
OTHER INGREDIENTS:
4-6 ounces each of salami, Calabrese, and Capicola Sliced
8 slices of Italian flat bread
DIRECTIONS:
Blend the cream cheese mixture in a food processor. Spread the mixture on the flatbread, spreading all the way to the end. Lay several slices of the various meats on the cream cheese mixture. Roll them up tightly. Using a bread knife, slice them about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to set them up. Makes roughly 36 Pinwheels.
2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced
2 tbsp. sugar
1 loaf of French bread sliced
8 oz. Spreadable Brie
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup minced basil leaves
Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small bowl; toss to combine. Let the berries sit for 30 minutes so that they begin to release their juices.
While waiting on the strawberries, spread a thin layer of brie on top of each bread slice. When the strawberries are ready top each slice with spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top each slice with the basil leaves and enjoy!
1 frozen limeade concentrate
1 frozen pineapple juice concentrate
6 cans 7up
1 can sweet and condensed milk
1 can pineapple chunks
Blue food coloring
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and stir until blended. Serve chilled with a pineapple chunk.
1 box German Chocolate Cake mix
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup diced pecans
1/2 cup oil
2 large eggs
In a large mixing bowl mix together eggs, oil, and cake mix together. Stir in white chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. If dough is too dry and crumbly stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach desired consistency. Roll into balls and space 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake on 350°F for 9 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 24 cookies.
6 frozen bananas
1 bag chocolate chips
4 tablespoons Cisco
Colored Sugar (see recipe)
Wooden sticks
Wire cooking rack
Peel bananas, cut in half, and insert a stick. Pour chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and melt in 30 second bursts on high setting stirring between each burst. Once melted stir in the Crisco until the chocolate is smooth and silky looking. Pour chocolate into a tall cup. Dip each banana in the chocolate and put the stick through the wire rack to hold it up. After you have dipped each banana once start back over with the first banana and dip them all again. This time before returning it to the rack sprinkle with colored sugar. After all the bananas have been dipped twice and sprinkled with sugar move the rack with the bananas to the freeze for at least an hour before serving. Serves 12.
4-6 cooked pork chops
1 cup of your favorite bbq sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Buns
Use two forks and shred the pork chops. Add your favorite bbq sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir together until all the pork is coated. Serve on buns.
