Kitchen Crafts 'n' More

Sunday, April 30, 2006 Beverage Recipes: Peppermint Martini

Peppermint Martini Recipe

A unique twist on a classical favorite - easy to make too.

6 parts vodka
2 parts white creme de menthe
Fresh mint sprigs

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice & shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with mint sprigs. :) Enjoy!

(From December 2005 Redbook Magazine)

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What is YOUR Favorite TV Show?

Okay, admit it. :) We all have those shows that we just CANNOT bear to miss. So, KCnMers - what shows do you love to watch? Post a comment and let us know!

As for me:

1. Amazing Race - I get all of the fun of travelling to exotic locales, but without the expenses OR the effort. (I also love shows on Outdoor Living Network for the same reason.)

2. Survivor - Oops, another reality show, but I get hooked on this one each and every season.

3. Food Network - in general, I love this channel. Rachael Ray is adorable, and such a great laid back cook. I also love Iron Chef America & Barefoot Contessa.

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Saturday, April 29, 2006 Copycat Recipe: Bennigan's Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Yum...I'm a huge fan of delicious, creamy mashed (or smashed) potatoes. The more garlic and butter, the better! Roberta just sent in this delicious garlicky mashed potato recipe. I've never even heard of Bennigan's Restaurant, but I'm pretty sure this was a recipe request in the newsletter...enjoy, you guys. (Thanks Roberta.)

*Bennigan's Garlic Mashed Potatoes**

Ingredients:
*1 lb. Red Potatoes
3 Tbsp. Butter
1/4 C. Half and Half, or Milk
4 cloves Roasted Garlic*

Preparation:
*To really get their flavor, these potatoes need to be baked, not boiled. So bake them in a 350-degree oven for about 20-30 minutes. This would be a great time to roast that garlic too. You can either use a traditional roaster, or you may wrap a bulb of garlic in foil and roast that, be sure to coat the bulb with some olive oil before you roast it. Remove potatoes from oven and allow them to cool. You can leave the peelings on or off; I like to leave a few of them on. Chop potatoes, add butter, and half and half, and mix with an electric mixture. Add cloves of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. You will want to heat these potatoes in a saucepan until they warm up again

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Tips & Hints - How Much Ice Do You Need?

If you're having a party and are stuck trying to figure out how much ice you'll need, this is a handy tip to keep in mind: if you're serving mostly cold beverages WITH ice, figure on at least 1 lb of ice per person. (Especially in summer months.) If you're serving other types of chilled beverages that don't need to be served with ice (such as white wine or champagne) then 1 5-lb bag of ice per every 10 people should be plenty.

It's nice to have lots of extra ice on hand though - at a BBQ it's nice to have a bucket filled with ice and then bottles or cans of water, soda, juices, beer, etc.

P.S. One crazy & cool tip I learned while watching Mythbusters was that by adding a good handful of salt to a bucket of ice and then submerging your beer or sodas in it, they'll get colder WAY faster. Don't ask me to explain - lol - I'm not much of a science genius. But on the show they got their beer cold in about 5 minutes by doing that.

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Beauty Tip: For Dewy, Healthy Looking Skin (Hints)

With summer just arond the corner, most of us don't really feel like wearing a heavy coat of foundation on our skin. Instead, get a bit of coverage and a whole lot of moisture by trying these trick:

  • Mix a few drops of your favorite foundation or a liquid highlighter and use that on your face instead of plain foundation. Give you a nice, natural glow without feeling so weighed down and heavy.

One of my favorite tips is to use bronzer year-round, not just in the summer months. It's a nice, natural looking blusher replacement -- I love how it looks! (I often just sweep a bit over my eyelids too. Looks great with brown or bronze eyeliner.)


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Friday, April 28, 2006 Lunch Recipes: Shrimp Pasta Salad

Big thanks to Sandy (one of our contributors) for this amazing recipe. Sounds like it would be a perfect light lunch or dinner on a warm summer day. Yum!

Shrimp Pasta Salad
1 pkg. 3 color pasta spirals
1 pkg. small elbow pasta
1 pkg. cooked, medium peeled shrimp
1 small to med. purple onion, chopped finely
2 med. cucumbers, chopped finely
3 small tomatoes, chopped finely, no seeds
4 hard cooked eggs chopped (optional)
1 - 8 oz. package shredded cheese, your choice. (I used a combination of Colby & Mild Cheddar)
Large Bottled Italian Dressing

Boil the pasta, rinse in cool water and drain well. Chop up all the other ingredients and add. Cut shrimp in half, so pieces are a good size. Mix well. Better if refrigerated overnight. Toss in shredded cheese just before serving. Serves about 8. (I tripled this recipe for a shower).

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Recipe Found: Turtle Pretzel Sticks (Candy)

Another recently requested recipe, filled by our recipe researcher Connie! Man, do THESE sound good!

Turtle Pretzel Candy Sticks
1 (14 ounce) bag caramels
2 teaspoons water
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (10 ounce) bag pretzel rods
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable shortening (not butter or margarine)
1 cup very finely chopped pecans

Unwrap caramels and place in a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Add water. Microwave on HIGH (100 percent) power for 2 to 3 minutes,stirring every minute, until caramels are melted and smooth. (For ease of stirring, coat spoon with cooking spray.)Coat a sheet of foil with cooking spray. Dip half of each pretzel into hot caramel; twirl to coat. Let excess drip from pretzel, andthen place on coated foil.Place chocolate chips and shortening in a clean 2-cup glass measuring cup. Microwave on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or untilshortening melts, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate melts. Dip caramel-coated end of pretzel sticks in chocolate; rolltips in nuts. Refrigerate immediately. Remove from refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving.Yield: 24 pretzel sticks

Find more recipes at our Recipes: Lost & Found section: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/recipesfound.html

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Recipe Found: Vanilla Stained Glass Fudge

Vanilla Stained Glass Fudge
~Submitted by Recipe Researcher Connie~

1 1/2 pounds vanilla-flavored candy coating
14 ounce sweetened condensed milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups mini gumdrops, multi-colors (no black ones!)

In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt vanilla coating with sweetened condensed milk and salt. Stir in vanilla extract andgumdrops. Spread into a wax paper lined 9-inch square pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm.Turn onto cutting board; peel off paper and cut into squares. Store covered at room temperature.Makes 2 1/2 pounds.Microwave: In 2-quart glass container, melt vanilla coating with sweetened condensed milk and salt on HIGH for 3 to 5 minutes,stirring after each 1 1/2 minutes. Proceed as above.

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Thursday, April 27, 2006 Household Hints: Baking Pans

Baking Pans

  • When baking in a glass pan, reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees F.
  • Breads and pies bake best and will have the best crust when baked in a dark colored pan that absorbs heat well. Cookies, biscuits and cakes do better in a shiny pan that reflects the heat for a more delicate browning of the crust.
  • When a recipe calls for a "greased" pan, be sure to grease the pan with solid shortening or an oil unless otherwise specified.
  • Line baking pans such as cookie sheets, loaf pans and layer cake pans, with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

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Tuesday, April 25, 2006 Crockpot Recipes: Herbed Beef Stew

FROM: SUE B.


HERBED BEEF STEW

INGREDIENTS: 2 to 2 1/2 lbs. lean chuck or round steak, 1/4 cup flour, salt and pepper to taste, 6 slices bacon chopped, 2 onions chopped, 2 cups beef broth, dash of ground cloves and nutmeg, 4 tbsp's. herb or wine vinegar, 2 tbsp's. brown sugar, 1 tsp. dried oregano, 1 tsp. dried thyme, 1 cup of small button mushrooms (optional).

DIRECTIONS: Cut meat into cubes, dredge in flour mixed with a little salt and pepper. Place bacon in skillet and fry a few minutes. Add pieces of meat and brown on all sides. Add onions and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to crock pot. Stir in beef broth, water, spices, vinegar, brown sugar and seasonings. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours. Thicken juices with a mixture of flour and cold water if desired. Serve with potatoes or noodles.

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Household Hints: Vinegar Uses for Gardening & Yard

1. Clay Pot Cleaning Remove white salt buildup on old clay pots by soaking them in full strength vinegar.
2. Kills grass. Undiluted vinegar will kill grass between bricks and sidewalk cracks.
3. Kills weeds. Spray full strength on weeds - be careful not to spray it on the surrounding grass as it will kill that too.
4. Deter Ants Spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along other areas where ants are known to gather.
5. Keep Cats Away Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on areas you don't want the cat walking, sleeping, or scratching on.
6. Freshen Cut Flowers Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.

Big thanks to Treva for these tips!
For our entire collection of vinegar tips & hints, visit: Vinegar Household Hints

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Saturday, April 22, 2006 Breakfast/Brunch Recipes: Ham & Cheese Omelet Bake

Here's a recipe from our regular contributor, Sue B. :) This would make a lovely dish to serve at a family breakfast or brunch. The only thing I would change is to use fresh sliced mushrooms instead of canned. (I've never been a big fan of canned mushrooms.)


FROM: SUE B.


HAM 'N CHEESE OMELET BAKE

INGREDIENTS: 1 (10 oz.) box Green Giant Frozen Broccoli & Cheese Flavored Sauce, 1 (10.2 oz.) can (5 biscuits) Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Refrigerated Original Biscuits, 10 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 tsp. dry ground mustard, salt and pepper to taste if desired, 2 cups diced cooked ham, 1/3 cup chopped onion, 4 oz. (1 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese, 4 oz. (1 cup) shredded Swiss cheese, 1 (4.5 oz.) jar Green Giant Sliced Mushrooms drained.

DIRECTIONS: 1. Heat oven to 350° F. Cut small slit in center of broccoli and cheese sauce pouch. Microwave on HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes rotating pouch 1/4 turn once halfway through microwaving. Set aside to cool slightly. 2. Meanwhile, spray BOTTOM ONLY of 13x9-inch (3 quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Separate dough into 5 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces. Arrange evenly in sprayed dish. 3. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper with wire whisk until well blended. Stir in ham, onion, both cheeses, mushrooms and cooked broccoli and cheese sauce. Pour mixture over biscuit pieces in dish. Press down with back of spoon making sure all biscuit pieces are covered with egg mixture. 4. Bake at 350° F. for 40 to 50 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown and center is set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares.
MAKES: 8 servings.

Find MORE Breakfast & Brunch Recipes Right HERE . Lots of yummy favorites like pancakes, waffles, more breakfast casseroles - everything you can think of! :)

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Whipped Cream Pound Cake

Whipped Cream Pound Cake
This would be DELIGHTFUL with a hot cup of tea. You could jazz this up with berries and more whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even some warmed up apricot jam.

1 cup whipping cream
2 sticks butter
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
3 cups flour
2 tsp vanilla

Whip cream and set aside. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and eggs alternately, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Bake in a large tube pan which has been greased and floured. Bake at 325 deg about 1 1/4 hours.

To find your favorite lost recipes, visit our Recipes Lost & Found section on the KCnM site!

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Thursday, April 20, 2006 Sunburn Remedies (Health Beauty Household Hints)

I had loads of helpful suggestions sent in from newsletter readers last year for ways to treat a sunburn, but no place to put them in the newsletter. Here they are!


  • For really bad sunburns... use Desitin Baby Rash Ointment
    It draws the heat out really well.
    I also saw somewhere online to use Witch Hazel but I haven't tried that. (Submitted by Lisa H.)
  • I have tried all the things recommended by friends, I always go back to NoxzemaIt feels cool and I never peal when using it. A cool shower, pat dry, apply a thick coating of Noxzema and pull on a loose tee shirt to protect the sheets, and sleep comfortable. (Submitted by Wanda)
  • (All the following tips submitted by Beth) There are many home remedies for sunburn, but the following are some of the best of what we have tried:

    Lavender Essential Oil. Use 6 - 10 drops per ounce of water. Pour the essential oil into a clean bottle and add distilled water. Shake before using and spray on the burn. This essential oil may also be added to aloe vera gel or yogurt, or to a bath. Use 10 drops in the tub.

    Oatmeal - Tie 1/2 cup of oatmeal in a cloth. Put it in the tub as you're filling it. After it's soaked for a bit, squeeze the bag to release more oat "juice." Oatmeal is good for so many skin conditions.

    Yogurt - Spread plain yogurt on the burn and let it set for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse off in the tub and bathe in it.

    Potatoes - Grate potato and spread on burned skin. Let it sit for 15 - 20 minutes before rinsing off.
  • One more home remedy for sunburn: Gently dab the burn with a cotton ball saturated with apple cider vinegar. You can add 1 cup to bath water, as well.
  • Aloe Vera Gel from a freshly cut stem will take the sting out and providecooling relief on contact, but for healing power Lavendar essential oilcan't be beat! Using both gives you immediate and long term healing. You maystill flake after a couple days but you shouldn't have the painful peeling.I've used this method not only for sun burns but for minor kitchen greaseand oil burns as well with no blistering. (Submitted by Dana)


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Household Tips and Hints: Removing Glue Residue

Go to the hardware store and buy a bottle of "Goo Gone"........smells good and removes ALL of the sticky stuff. It's a yellow liquid in a plastic squeeze bottle.

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Wednesday, April 19, 2006 Gardening Hints for a Rock Garden

Question: I have a small to moderate area where I would like to start a rock garden. I would like as much colors as possible from spring to fall. Do you have any suggestions for plants?

Answer: Good choices for rock gardens include aethionema (stonecress), androsace (rock jasmine), aquilegia (dwarf columbine), arabis (rockcress), armeria (sea pink), Aurinia saxatillis (basket of gold), campanula, dianthus, dryas, dwarf erigeron (fleabane), lewisa, heuchera (coral bells), Papaver burseri (alpine poppy), saxifrage, sedum, Silene acaulis (cushion pink) and thyme. Each of these plants will make a lovely addition to your rock garden.

Find more Gardening Hints Here, including a natural weed killer recipe!

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Rose Petal Iced Tea Recipe

Doesn't this sound amazing? Shannon shared her Rose Petal Iced Tea recipe in Today's Issue of the Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Newsletter. Just remember: use organic roses that haven't been treated with any chemicals, and be sure to wash the roses well before beginning. :) Yum!

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Baking Soda Hints: for Bee Stings

Sent in to me by Amy:

Hi, I was browsing and noticed all the uses for baking soda. One of the uses says it works for Mosquito bites...it also works on wasp/bee stings. My daughter got stung last July and good ol' Grandma mixed up a thick paste of baking soda and water. (Let it sit and start to dry. Then rinse off with cool water) Within minutes, the pain was gone and the swelling went down. By the end of the day, we couldn't even tell where the sting was!

Check out the baking soda uses page our readers love at: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/bakingsoda.html

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Tuesday, April 18, 2006 Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

3 & 1/3 cups flour
1 & 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 & 1/2 cups margarine
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 (6 oz.) box instant pudding (your choice of flavor)
1 & 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 pkg. chocolate chips

Mix flour with baking soda. Combine margarine, sugars, pudding mix and vanilla in a large bowl; beat until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually add flour mixture; then stir in chips. Drop by ice cream scoops full onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake
between 350 to 375 degrees F. for 10 minutes (Temperature depends on your oven). Remove from oven, allow cookies to sit on cookie sheet 3 minutes more. Remove from sheet. Cool completely.

Visit our Site for all sorts of recipes!

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Copycat Shake and Bake for Chicken Recipe

A great way to bake your chicken - it tastes similar to shake and bake, and kids love it!

1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon Season-All type salt
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon crushed oregano
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper



In a plastic bag, mix bread crumbs and flour together; add spices and mix. Dip chicken pieces in water and then shake in mixture in bag to coat. Bake in shallow baking pan in 375ْ oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until chicken is done.

Our Copycat Recipes Page is one of the most popular on the Kitchen Crafts 'n' More site! Visit today to see why...

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Unusual Bath and Tile Cleaner

One of my favorite bath and tile cleaners is very unusual indeed! Check out what it is on my Happy Slob's Housecleaning blog for today! One hint? Okay -- it smells FABULOUS!

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Cleaning Oven Racks

Cleaning Oven Racks in a Garbage Bag

Recently a reader asked about the secret 'ingredient' that is used to clean oven racks. Here is what one reader, Brenda, had to say:

The 'ingredient' that goes into the garbage bag to clean the oven racks is ammonia. I usually lay down (inside the bag) an old dish towel, lay the racks on top, pour some ammonia, a cup or two, onto the old rag, seal it up tight (phewwwwie!), and leave all night or a day or two, doesn't matter. ALL the gunk will wipe right off. You can open the bag outside and hose off the racks. If you have to do it inside, make sure there is plenty of ventilation!! I have also found this to work on greasy, crusty, stove tops if the burners are sealed and nothing will leak down into the stove itself. Lay a few paper towels around and pour on a little ammonia, lay a garbage bag over entire area and let set overnight or longer. Peel off the bag and wash up the stove top. Absolutely everything will clean up and no damage to your surface. Again, allow for lots of ventilation!


More FREE Cleaning Tips

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Sunday, April 16, 2006 Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe

Crockpots or slow cookers make cooking a breeze - they do all the work for you, while you get on with your busy day!


CROCKPOT CHICKEN STEW

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 can (14 & 1/2 oz. size) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
5 medium carrots, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 cans (4 oz. size) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
2 low-sodium chicken bouillon cubes
2 teaspoons sugar, or Artificial Sweetener equivalent
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups cold water

In a 5-quart crockpot, combine the first 12 ingredients. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into chicken mixture. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Ten servings.

One 1-cup serving equals: 123 calories, 209 mg sodium, 25 mg cholesterol, 16 g carbohydrate, 11 g protein, 1 g fat, 3 g fiber.

Want more great crockpot recipes? Favorites such as Cranberry Glazed Pork Roast , Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken and Crockpot Caramel Pie are sure to become big hits with your family!

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Jelly Bean Confetti Cake

Jelly Bean Confetti Cake

3/4 cup miniature jelly beans, cut in half
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 & 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Generously grease and flour a 12-cup fluted tube pan.Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup and level off.In small bowl, toss jelly beans with 2 tablespoons of the flour; set aside.In large bowl, beat sugar, butter, cream cheese and vanilla extract until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add remaining flour, baking powder and salt; blend well. Spoon 1 cup of the batter evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Stir jelly beans into remaining batter, and spoon into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in upright pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto serving platter. Cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

For Bars & Squares Recipes ...For more Cake Recipes

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Thursday, April 13, 2006 Vermont Coffee & other coffee treats

Over on my Coffee Creations Blog I shared some fabulous new coffee treats today! First, is a delicious Vermont Coffee recipe with maple syrup and dark rum. (YUM!!!) Next, an easy way to brew freshly brewed coffee without a coffeemaker or even a filter! (I love that tip - great for coffee lovers who are camping.)

Finally, I also want to hear YOUR opinion on the best STARBUCKS drink. Which Starbucks coffee do YOU order when you visit that ever so popular coffee shop? :) Please post a comment and let us all know!

Hugs,
Christina (yes, I AM drinking coffee right now - lol)

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Wednesday, April 12, 2006 Baby Shower Gift: Make a Baby Gift Basket

Baby Gift Baskets
Need a great baby shower gift? You can never go wrong with making a baby gift basket! Here's a great article on the KCnM site on how to create one of your own:
http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/babygiftbasket.html

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Champagne Trivia & Champagne Tips

If you love champagne, you'll love these - trivia and hints about champagne:

  • Champagne was first made by MISTAKE! In the 17th century, French monks created champagne by mistake when the still wine they were making fermented again inside the corked bottle, trapping carbon dioxide inside. What a delicious mistake it was!
  • Real champagne comes from the Champagne region in France.
  • Many other areas of France (and countries around the world) create similar sparkling wines, but only sparkling wine from Champagne can be called such.
  • Why use those fancy champagne flutes? There's a method to the madness: the thin and tall champagne flutes help to preserve those delicious bubbles the best!
  • Opening a bottle of champagne isn't as difficult as you might think. Don't shake the bottle - there's plenty of pressure inside as it is, and by shaking the bottle you'll just end up losing a lot of that delicious wine inside. Instead, keep one hand firmly on the cork, while using the other to gently turn the bottle. That accululated pressure inside will push the cork out quite easily this way.

Enjoy! :)



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Monday, April 10, 2006 Aromatherapy Recipes

These Aromatherapy Recipes will show you easy ways to make your own perfumes, colognes, massage oils, aftershave and even an herbal foot bath. That one is really soothing for tired feet.

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Lemon Air Freshener

This Lemon Air Freshener made with real lemon juice and peels will add a burst of freshness to any room in your home!

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Thursday, April 06, 2006 Making Organic Rosewater - Craft Project

Making Rosewater
Big thanks to Shannon for sending in all sorts of fabulous rose creations, including this rosewater craft recipe. She includes a reminder to only use organic roses - ones that have had no chemicals sprayed on them. :) This is a beautiful idea for using roses once the gardening season really gets under way...

Rosewater Method I
You'll need:
2 cup distilled water
1/4 cup 80 proof vodka
1/2 cup fresh rose petals

Place the rose petals in a large glass jar with a lid. Add the vodka and the water. Place the jar in a sunny window for 24 hours or so. Strain and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Note: The vodka acts as a preservative.

Want more gardening tips? We have lots of natural tips & recipes at KCnM Gardening Tips & Recipes for Weed Killers & More!


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Coffee Cookies Anyone?

Yum...these delicious coffee cookies combine rich coffee (or espresso if you have it) with dark chocolate for a dense and mouth watering treat. Find the recipe on my Coffee Creations blog. Enjoy!

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Wednesday, April 05, 2006 Chili Potato Wedges

Chili Potato Wedges

Makes 4 servings
These spiced-up potato wedges are oven-baked, so they're crispy but very low in fat. They're high in energy-boosting carbs, though, packing 5 grams of fiber per serving. What a dish!

Ingredients:4 baking potatoes, cut lengthwise into 12 wedges each
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

To Make:Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and oil. Toss well to coat. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and red pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the potatoes, tossing well to coat.
Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the potatoes over and bake for 15 to 17 minutes more, until crisp.
Per serving: 109 calories, 12 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein, 5 g total fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 6 g dietary fiber, 610 mg sodium

Hint: If you like spicy foods, add more ground red pepper (cayenne)
Find our ENTIRE collection of recipes online at Free Online Recipes

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Caesar Pasta Salad

A perfect combination of two salads in one - Caesar salad (with loads of garlic) and pasta salad. This would go great with just about anything! (Did I mention how much I love garlic? Yummm...)

Caesar Pasta Salad

Using Caesar dressing gives this pasta salad a garlicky tang. Use light dressing for a healthier version of this tasty salad.

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. small pasta shells or macaroni
1 can (15 1/4 oz.) Del Monte® Sweet Peas, drained
1/2 cup coarsely shredded carrot
1/2 cup julienne-cut zucchini
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup sliced green onion
3/4 cup Caesar salad dressing
lettuce (optional)
shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain.
Toss with peas, carrot, zucchini, green pepper and green onion. Add dressing; toss to coat evenly.
Chill 2 hours or overnight. Serve in lettuce-lined bowl with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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Tuesday, April 04, 2006 Eggshells for Houseplants

Take four or five empty eggshells and put in 4 cups of water. Let stand for 24 hours. Water the plants with this mixture. It will help revive sick house plants.

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Make Coconut Lip Balm

Coconut Lip Balm Craft

Making lip balm isn't as hard as you might think! Just a few basic ingredients, and you're on your way...kids & teens love this craft project!

1 teaspoon Beeswax
2 teaspoons coconut oil
About 10 drops of coconut extract

In a small heat-proof bowl, melt the beeswax, either in the microwave on low heat (stirring after each 20 seconds) or over a pot of simmering water. Stir until well melted and smooth. Take the glass bowl off the heat and add the coconut oil. Stir well to combine the mixture. Add the coconut extract and stir again.

Spoon mixture in tiny lip gloss pots or jars or any tiny container.
That’s it! You’ve made your first batch of coconut lip balm! You can double, triple or quadruple this recipe to make a bunch of lip balms all at once.

Posted by HappySlob :: 12:13 AM :: 0 comments

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Monday, April 03, 2006 Baking Soda Bath Salts

Baking Soda Bath Salts
Have a beautiful bath with this ULTRA simple, yet wonderful bath salts formula using baking soda! Use essential oils or fragrance oils to make it even more special. Baking Soda Bath Salts

Posted by HappySlob :: 4:55 AM :: 0 comments

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Removing Ink Stain from Clothes

Thanks to Francy for this tip!

In response to a couple of the readers questions -- for the lady trying to get out ink, try spray on brake cleaner. You can get it at a auto parts store or in the auto section at your local K-Mart, Wal-Mart, etc. I know it sounds crazy, but I have used it to get stains out of a lot of things. Just spray it on (if it is a tough one, take a cloth and rub it out) and then wash as normal. For the lady with the rust on a pink skirt -- I've used this on whites, but I don't know about pink. Wet the stain, rub table salt into the stain sort of like a paste and put it out in the sun to dry. You can also try a product called Rust Out that works really well.

For LOTS of cleaning tips, be sure to visit http://www.happyslob.com & my cleaning blog at http://happyslob.blogspot.com :)

(Tags: rust removal, stain removal, clothing stains, tips laundry stains, remove tough stains)

Posted by HappySlob :: 4:44 AM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, April 02, 2006 For Coffee Lovers Only!

:) I've gone and started a coffee blog!
Check it out at: http://coffeecreations.blogspot.com for all sorts of coffee tips, recipes, products - pretty much anything at all to do with coffee!

Posted by HappySlob :: 4:21 PM :: 0 comments

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