Kitchen Crafts 'n' More

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Reader's Question - How can I remove smoke odors from a box of cookbooks?

Here's another excellent reader's question:

Hi Christina,
I have a question for the newletter:
I purchased a box of cookbooks at a garage sale today. They smell badly of cigarette smoke. How can I get the smell out?
Thanks in advance, Linda


Hi Linda,

I know I'll get more replies to this from other KCnM readers, but I'll tell you what has worked best for me. One day my husband had gone to visit an old friend, and that friend happened to smoke like a chimney! I thought most definitely that I'd have to tote that suit to the drycleaners...but, I didn't have to.

The only thing that worked at getting that smoke odor out was my handy dandy Lampe Berger. I've mentioned these mini air purifiers here on the blog before, but I'll likely mention it again and again! :) They've become one little home appliance I can't live without.

Basically, the Lampe Berger was first created for hospitals in France in the 1800s. It's a small lamp filled with an alcohol-based formula. There's a wick that goes inside, plus a small ceramic burner that sits on the top, called the catalytic converter or catalytic burner. You fill the lamp about 2/3 full with your choice of Lampe Berger oil, and then light the wick and let it get activated. You'll see a large flame -- you blow it out after about two minutes or so, at which point it will be completely activated. Then you put 15-60 minutes on the timer, depending on how bad the odor is you want to get out!

I've never seen anything work better at removing tough odors. Like I mentioned before, my husband's suit came out smelling great. You couldn't smell even a hint of lingering smoke -- and you know firsthand how tough getting out smoke smells can be!

Besides the Lampe Berger...I would recommend trying a bowlful of either vinegar or baking soda left in a small space with the box of books. It will also help to absorb the odors.

Hope this helps Linda!
Take care,
Christina

More Handy Smoke Removal Tips from our Website:
Removing Smoke from Clothing

Using Vinegar to Remove Smoke Stains

Using Bowls of Vinegar to Remove Smoke Odors from Walls and Air

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Posted by HappySlob :: 8:19 AM :: 0 comments

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Reader's Question - How can I get my purse straps to stay up?

Over on my Household Hints Blog a reader recently asked the following question. If any of you can help, just e-mail me or post a comment right here with your answer. Thanks!

I really enjoy the site. I have a problem I hope someone else has solved. The straps on my leather purse keep slipping off my shoulder. so irritating. Any suggestions?? Thanks Keep up the good work. Burnel

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Posted by HappySlob :: 8:17 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, September 05, 2007 Paula's Favorite Angel Food Cake Recipe - Reader's Submitted Favorite Recipes

Here's a recipe that I found from a KCnM subscriber named Paula. This is her easy no-cook dessert using store bought angel food cake! Hope all of you enjoy this yummy sounding treat...

I just got around to looking at my personal emails and your site is one of my favorites.

Just wanted to let you know that for the angel food cake/pudding recipe in this edition, I have a slightly different angle to it. I think it is a little faster (no cooking at all!!)

store bought angel food cake
box of instant pistachio pudding mix
large can of crushed pineapple w/juice
two 8 oz containers of cool whip

cut cake into thirds.

Blend pudding mix, pineapple and one container of cool whip.

spread mixture onto tops of each layer of the cake. set layers one on top of the other.

spread one container of plain cool whip around sides of cake to seal.

dot top with crushed pecans and/or maraschino cherries.

Enjoy

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Posted by HappySlob :: 5:31 PM :: 0 comments

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Homemade Beauty Recipes - Facial Refresher Spritz

Facial Spray Refresher
Thanks to Dorina for this beauty of a recipe!

8 drops each essential oil of choice (peppermint, lavender)
2 cups bottled mineral water

Combine ingredients in a glass jar with a spray pump.

More Beauty (Facial) Recipes from our Site:


Using Apple Cider Vinegar as a Facial Spritzer/Spray
Homemade Facial Recipes - Facial Treatments

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Posted by HappySlob :: 5:27 PM :: 0 comments

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Lemon Cake - Delicious Served with Berries - Subscriber Submitted Recipes

Lemon Cake (Source: ivillage.com)
Submitted to KCnM by Dorina



This recipe makes two 8-inch loaves of the perfect summer dessert! Serve it with lemon curd, fresh raspberries or just enjoy it with a cup of tea.

Serving: 16
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes





½ pound unsalted butter at room temperature
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1/3 cup grated lemon zest (6 to 8 large lemons)
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ cup buttermilk at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice





1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8 ½ x 4 ¼ x 2 ½ inch loaf pans.

2. Cream the butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs, one at a time, and the lemon zest.

3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine ¼ cup lemon juice, the buttermilk and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.

4. Combine ½ cup granulated sugar with ½ cup lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves.

5. When the cake is done, let them cool for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a rack set over a tray, and spoon the lemon syrup over the cakes. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

6. For the glaze, combine the confectioner's sugar and lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour over the top of the cakes and allow the glaze to drizzle down the sides.




Based on individual serving.
Calories: 390
Total Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Protein: 5 g

More delicious cakes on our website:

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Posted by HappySlob :: 5:22 PM :: 0 comments

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Kitchen Perk Ups - Pitchers and Jugs filled with Flowers

I love a gorgeous white pitcher filled with fresh flowers. It just seems so perfect, so earthy, so casual and yet beautiful at the same time. So, grab a beautiful new pitcher and fill it with your favorite 'happy flowers' and brighten up your kitchen in an instant!

Here are some especially lovely jugs and pitchers to fill with flowers...Hope you enjoy them too, and that they'll spark your creativity. (P.S. Of course they aren't all white! I love colorful pitchers too...)



And of course these are handy for serving milk, juice and other bevvies too! I just love to see a beautiful pitcher....

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Posted by HappySlob :: 4:46 PM :: 3 comments

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