Kitchen Crafts 'n' More

Oldies but Goodies from Old KCnM Newsletters

2011-12-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Here are a variety of favorite tips and recipes - some submitted by loyal Kitchen Crafts 'n' More readers. View any or all archived issues of the newsletter at: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/newsletter.html

REMOVING BURNT FOOD STAINS OFF STOVETOPS
From a 2006 issue, Marilyn in Florida wrote that to remove burnt on food stains on stovetops, to simply create a paste with baking soda and water, and rub the paste into the stain. Let it sit for about half an hour, and then come back and it'll simply wipe away!

SIMPLE CRAFT IDEAS
Create a beautiful homemade Apple Pie Potpourri that is reminiscent of Mom's apple pie! It's made with natural (and inexpensive) ingredients like home dried apple slices, and a variety of whole spices. http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/applepotpourri.html

Chocolate Dipped Coffee spoons make any cup of delicious coffee even sweeter! (And turns any regular coffee into gourmet mocha.) Learn how simple it is to make these lovely treats - and even infuse the chocolate with liqueurs for a fancier treat - at http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/crafts.html - scroll down a few recipes until you find the coffee spoons craft project.

Make Homemade Vanilla Extract with a few simple ingredients. It's far cheaper to make your own, and it'll taste so much better than artificial vanilla flavored extracts. Find out how at http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/vanilla.html Make a pretty gift anytime by using uniquely shaped bottles to store your vanilla, and add a homemade gift tag.

Removing Laundry Stains - Removing Baby Stains from Clothing

2011-10-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here are two awesome tips submitted by readers on getting out some of the toughest and nastiest stains ever - baby stains!

Baby Stain Remover - TIPS
"Try mixing some dry meat tenderizer with a small amount of water and then rub onto the formula stains. Scrub a little and let it set a little while. Then wash as usual. Used to work for me when I was a young mom. Hope it works." Submitted by Peg.
"Fill your washer with the hottest possible water....add one cup of bleach and a cup and a half of ganulated automatic dishwashing detergent...and a little laundry detergent...add the clothes and agitate for a few minutes and turn off...let sit overnight. Then run the washer full cycle...stains should be removed and this also works on perspiration stains on adult's clothing." Submitted by Janice

Two Ways to Remove Pet Hair from Furniture

2011-10-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

Here are two helpful hints for any pet owners who are faced with the problem that we all are - pet fur on the furniture, and how to remove it:

Removing Pet Fur/Hair from Furniture
1. "Tell the reader that an alternative to the rollers is using a washable/cleanable mit or brush. They can be found at places like Pet's Mart for around $5." (Submitted by Kendy)
2. "For my couch and chair, I use a rubber glove and a small bucket of water (to be able to easily rinse off the glove). It works wonderfully - I get the fur and the layer of dust that settles on everything. Perhaps you could find a larger rubber item, like a piece of piping or maybe some shoe covers, and just dip it/them into a bucket of water, give a quick shake, and then run it over the carpet. The fur will stick together and ball up, making it easy to remove. Also, buy one of those shedding loops and a couple of different brushes, and brush your dog outside AT LEAST once a week. I'd also try bathing more often, if you have the time."(Submitted by Jennifer)

Handy cooking and baking tips

2011-10-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

At http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/recipe052.html we have listed some amazingly helpful cooking and baking tips, including tips on how to freeze frozen bananas, make bananas ripen more quickly and how to prevent your eggs from exploding when you try to hard boil them!

5 Ways to Use Q-Tips to Clean

2011-10-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Over on my Happy Slob's Housecleaning blog I've listed 5 Ways to Clean Using Q-tips. Know of any other tips to share? Please post them there or here!

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Newsletter for July 20, 2011 - Natural Skin Toners and Cool Beverages for the Hot Weather

2011-07-20T18:19:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Newsletter

"Recipes, crafts and help around the home."
Issue #504
July 20, 2011
~10,000+ SUBSCRIBERS~
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Hey everyone,

Here's a slightly changed version of the newsletter. I've been working on it since Monday, but due to technical difficulties (and let me admit - it doesn't seem hard for me to find these!) I wasn't able to post to the http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/ site. So...here's a blog version instead. Enjoy the juicy, cold drinks and the equally refreshing facial treats.

Take care,

Christina

In Today's Issue:

- Delicious Cold Drinks to Satisfy Every Sweet Tooth this Summer

- Natural Skin Toners: No recipe needed! Just easy natural ones you can buy for about a buck.

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KCnM Classifieds

Ads in the newsletter are as low as $15.00 each.

E-mail christina@happyslob.com for details.

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Going shopping?
Check our auction deals.
Huge savings, up to 90% off retail.
http://www.craft-n-bid.com/

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Delicious COLD DRINKS for SUMMER

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Banana Split Milkshakeshave all the classic flavors of your favorite summertime dessert blended up into a gorgeous drink!

Coffee Sodas are a coffee lovers dream come true! Blended iced coffee and coffee ice cream (plus other delectable additions like whipped cream) make this a special summertime coffee shop favorite. Plus - scroll down on that page to find a fabulous Frappuccino copycat recipe.

Classic Lemonadeis a frugal option, as it's composed of just water, sugar and fresh lemons - but wow, are the results ever refreshing on a hot day! Or, get double lemony flavor and freeze some of your leftover lemonade for lemonade ice cubes.

Natural Skin Toners

After recently trying a pricey sample of a luxurious skin brand toner (okay, I'll fess up and even tell you the brand name! It was Arbonne), I decided that there just had to be a natural alternative! Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive brands, try one of these natural skin toners instead:

Witch Hazel as a Skin Toner

Yes, a bottle of regular witch hazel can be used as a skin toner. Bottles can cost just a dollar or two and should last months. Test a small, inconspicous area of the inside of your arm before testing on delicate facial skin, though. (This is always a good idea - especially if you're prone to allergic reactions or have extra-sensitive skin.) Just pour a little onto a cotton ball, and gently wipe across your face to remove impurities. It's also said that witch hazel is very effective against acne. Instead of using skin treatments that are filled with chemicals, try this very natural choice instead.

Rosewater as a Skin Toner

Rosewater is a gentle and natural skin toner, a good option for anyone who wants something truly natural and without additives. Use it in a similar way as you did the witch hazel - first cleanse the skin with a gentle skin cleanser, and then pour a little rose water onto the cotton puff, and gently wipe across the skin. Rosewater is basically just what it sounds like - and recipes for making your own rosewater are easily found on the Internet. If you don't have fresh non-pesticide treated roses to make your own rosewater, then commercial rosewater is also easy to find. Check in pharmacies or natural health and natural food stores.

OR...If you'd like to try a commercial product:
Burt's Bees makes a nice gentle combination toner that has Rosewater and glycerine...so if you prefer a natural, pre-made product that might be the one to try! I also just love their original Burt's Bees lip balm.

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More goodies to be found:

- Debt busters! I just posted a new set of tips for getting rid of credit card debt on the Frugalites blog at: http://frugalites.blogspot.com/

- Coffee lovers love it over at http://coffeecreations.blogspot.com/ because we share copycat recipes, like for the famous Tim Horton's Iced Cap. Plus, some quirky coffee-related gift ideas appear once in a while.

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KCnM Newsletter: Coffee Art, Gourmet Pancakes, Homemade Facials

2011-03-04T13:10:00.001-08:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Newsletter
for Friday, March 4, 2011

Whether you're looking to pamper yourself with a ground oat facial, or need to whip up some pancakes for a fast and easy meal - today's newsletter has you covered! As always, suggestions, questions, ideas & recipes can be submitted to christinam@nucleus.com.

Home Decor a la Cafe: Three cute, coffee inspired wall art products are showcased today at the Coffee Creations Blog While you're there, check out some of the yummy recipes and ideas for coffee lovers.
Pancakes to the Rescue: Pancakes are an obvious choice for a delicious and leisurely breakfast, but they can also be whipped up for an easy dinner! Visit our Pancake Recipes Page to try out a new recipe.
Home Selling 'Smells': Learn the pro's secret tips on the smells that make your home sell faster by reading this article.
Frugal Food Tips: How to Bake Your Own Bread Learn how to make your bread more interesting and delicious at the Frugalites Blog.
Pampering Facials: Discover how to use pantry ingredients to create luxurious, spa worthy facial treatments at our Homemade Facials page.

5 Delicious Pies and 5 Household Hints You Need to Know

2011-02-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More
for February 2, 2011

If you have a recipe or tip to share, please send it to me at christina@happyslob.com - and thanks in advance for your contribution. :)

Better Baking: 5 Wonderful Pies

Whether you're taking them to a potluck dinner, or treating a friend to a fresh slice with a cup of steaming tea...a delicious pie is always a treat.

5 Household Hints that Really Help

Frugal gift ideas will allow you to give a perfect gift without breaking the bank
Get rid of all that excess pet hair with these tips from readers.
How to open tight jar lids.
Save more money with a money jar. It's amazing how quickly this money will add up!
How to remove stinky garlic and onion odors from your hands.

Extreme Couponing - How Extreme Would You go to save money?

2011-01-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

Extreme Couponing is all the rage, and I watched the TLC show with great interest. Who wouldn't be impressed by someone who could get over $1000 worth of groceries for under $20!?!

But, the extreme WORK and DEDICATION to this were also obvious. And it seems downright stressful.

So, what do YOU think? How extreme is your couponing? Would you be willing to put in more time and energy to research and collect coupons in order to save the big bucks?

Personally...I think I'm somewhere in the middle. I like using coupons when there are already good sales on, so the overall price is very low. But, as for carts and carts of products...well, I just couldn't be bothered! ;)

Easy Healthy Mixed Berry Sauce/Compote

2011-01-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

Making a simple, delicious and healthy berry sauce is only a few minutes away - thanks to the microwave! I make this sauce all the time, and it's one of the easiest 'recipes' you'll ever find. Use this delicious blend to top ice cream, yogurt, pancakes or waffles.

Easy Healthy Mixed Berry Sauce

About 2 cups of frozen mixed berries (The kind I get usually contains strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries)
About 2 teaspoons of honey (more or less to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a microwave safe container (I use a Pyrex measuring cup), pour in the mixed berries. Add a healthy squirt of natural honey, and mix. Microwave for 2-4 minutes, until the berries are warmed through. Add the vanilla extract and stir.

A deliciously 'Chilly' Jam - Freezer Berry Jam

2011-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

Use fresh berries (available year round now) to whip up a summertime treat in the dead of winter - an easy and frugal recipe for freezer strawberry jam can be found here. Slather freshly made jam on a toasted English muffin for a yummy treat.

Newsletter: Cat Litter, Oil and Vinegar Dispensers, and Cleaning Brass

2010-12-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More

for December 23, 2010

Tip of the Day: Cleaning a Glasstop Stove
Here's an oldie but goodie tip, from a newsletter from back in 2006. A fabulously frugal way to clean your glasstop stove...Marilyn in Florida suggests:"I know that most people know about the virtues of baking soda, but I would like to put my two cents in! I have spent countless hours trying to scrub my ceramic cook top to get all the burnt on foods off. I've used the commercial cleaner that came with my stove, SOS pads and even the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. I finally poured baking soda on the food, dampened it with water to make a paste, and let it sit for 15 minutes or so. The burnt food came off in one wipe! I am now a true believer in the power of baking soda! I've saved money, time and my elbows."

Favorite Things: Lampe Berger Lamps
One little appliance can do so much! Lampe Berger lamps originated in France, originally intended to help hospitals keep the air clean, and to remove odors. Now available widely in North America, people use them for keeping the air in their homes cleaner - they are proven to remove 67% of airborne bacteria, and they add a lovely scent to your home. Learn more about this handy home helper, at 3 Ways I Use My Lampe Berger Burner . The scented fuels available range from grapefruit or green apple, to fresh linen or luxurious perfume blends.

Kitchen Gadgets That You'll Use - Let's be honest; some gadgets only look good in the store, but then live a pretty boring life in your kitchen cabinets! But some gadgets are really useful. The gadget of the day is: The Trudeau Perfect Mix oil and vinegar bottle - it perfectly pours out just the right proportions of oil and vinegar. This is one of the hottest, handiest gadgets of the season! It is just right for any salad lover...

A Few Cleaning Hints

Cleaning plastic toys, made easy! (And all-natural at the same time.)
How to clean brass.
How to make cleaning the cat litter easier (and less stinky!)

Frugal, Filling Lentil Soup - Finally, here's a filling and delicious soup to make while the weather is so cold! It's inexpensive, healthy and makes a lot - so you can fill the freezer with leftovers to heat up for a simple supper another time.

Frugal and Filling Lentil Soup

2010-12-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just crave a bowl of hot soup, fresh and steaming? Are you looking for frugal meals to put on the table that are both nourishing and filling? Here is a simple, delicious lentil soup that I've created myself, and have been making often. It's nothing fancy, but boy does it taste good on a cold day! As with many homemade soups and stews, it tastes even more delicious the second or third day.

Frugal and Filling Lentil Soup

4 quarts water (approximately - more or less to fill your soup pot)
olive oil
1 large or 2 small onions, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (or garlic powder to taste)
1 or 2 chicken or beef stock cubes
1 or 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small package red lentils
salt and pepper to taste
hot sauce to taste
fresh parsley, optional

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a pot (the one I use is a 5 1/2 quart lime green Le Creuset - a definite investment, but oh so worth it when making homemade soups).

Saute onions, celery, carrots and garlic until softened. Add water, stock cubes and let soup simmer together to blend flavors. Flavor with salt and pepper and hot sauce, all to taste. Add in chopped potatoes and cook about 5 minutes. Add in the entire package of lentils. Simmer together until soup is the consistency you like - I like the potatoes cooked down and quite soft, as they also help to thicken the soup.

In the last few minutes of cooking, throw in some fresh chopped parsley, if you have it around. Makes a TON of soup - great for leftovers for lunch the next day, or to stock the freezer. :) Enjoy, soup lovers!

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Keep your grocery costs under control, and
learn how to make a frugal life more fun!
Please check out my book, Living Large on Less:

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Treat of the Day 2 Ways: Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate or Brown Sugar Hot Chocolate

2010-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a post that should have everyone smiling...an ooey gooey treat of the day. Today it is gourmet Ghirardelli premium hot chocolate that will comfort you on the coldest, snowiest winter's day. Top with a fluff of freshly whipped cream or a few marshmallows, and you have guaranteed comfort in a cup.

Or, if you feel like whipping up a hot chocolate treat instead of buying it, how about Brown sugar hot chocolate, which you'll find on our Beverages Recipe Page

KCnM Newsletter: Financial Help, Coupon Tips and Hints and

2010-12-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Newsletter

for Sunday, December 19, 2010

Since everyone is trying to save more money, or make do with a lot less - here are some useful resources from our website to help you out!

Brand new article: "Does Using Coupons Really Save You Money?" 5 Tips and Hints to Help Discover how to use coupons to their maximum benefit to really save mucho money on the grocery bill.

In The Simple $10 Debt Elimination System, you'll learn how just an extra ten bucks on your debt can help reduce the overall time you're left paying off debt.

Grocery Shopping on a Budget gives you some more ideas on stretching your grocery dollars even further - something all families are looking to do!

Looking for further inspiration on having a happier life, while spending less? My new book Living Large On Less: A Guide to Saving without Sacrifice should help you do just that.

Newsletter: Skin so Soft,

2010-12-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Newsletter for

December 15, 2010

Health & Beauty
Question of the Week: "What do the rest of the readers do to combat REALLY dry winter skin? My skin gets so dry it cracks! Does anyone have a natural and simple solution?"
Please send YOUR reply to christina@happyslob.com - and thanks for your help!

It's amazing what one little bottle of Avon's Skin So Soft can really accomplish! Not only does it keep you looking and feeling great, but it's also a little powerhouse around the home. Our list of over 100 ways to use Skin So Soft includes tips like using it to soften very dry skin (for the reader above!) and using it in the garden, and for cleaning purposes.

Ooey Gooey Treats

Maybe it's the cold weather, but this time of year it seems like we're all craving something extra decadent to treat ourselves! Try the recipes for:

Caramels: On this page you'll find recipes for some of the most mouthwatering caramel candy recipes ever, including chocolate caramels and shortcut caramels. Yummm-aroo!
Easy Bake Oven Recipes - this is still the #1 page on our website! Tons of yummy recipes for the little ones in your family to try. And, in case they don't have an Easy Bake oven yet, check out this link for one for under $20: Easy Bake Oven

Bestselling Cookbooks

Time to get in the kitchen and try out a delicious new meal, or a whole new way of cooking. These bestselling cookbooks will give you some new inspiration to get cooking!

Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?: Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips
Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) - How Easy Is That? Find inspiration with simplicity and style, with my favorite Food Network host of all time - the Barefoot Contessa. Never read one of her books before? You will not be disappointed! (And the recipes are all simply divine.)
Rachael Ray's Look + Cook - makes cooking easy for anyone, with step-by-step pictures to make your end result look as good as they do in the book. Genius!

__Tell a Friend__
Our sweet and simple newsletters have little gems of helpful hints and ideas for around the home. Tell a friend about Kitchen Crafts 'n' More! It's absolutely free to get updates, which they can do by sending an email to kitchencraftsnmore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. :) Thanks for your support.

Newsletter: Making Play Dough, Kitchen Must Haves and Natural Beauty Tips

2010-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' more Blog Newsletter

for November 24, 2010

__Creative in the Kitchen__

Here are two ways to have fun in the kitchen - with ideas that go beyond cooking dinner!

Whip up a batch of homemade play dough. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll guarantee a morning or afternoon of fun with your kids. The linked page has a few different recipes to try.
Don't forget Fido! This easy jar mix recipe creates gift jars that your recipients can use to prepare freshly baked dog treats that are both wholesome and scrumptious.

__Three Kitchen Must Haves (Shopping)__

1. Any good cooking starts with good, reliable cookware. Check out this amazing Rachael Ray cookware sale, on for a limited time, which saves you 45% off an entire set! The customer ratings are very high, so it looks like a great set to get you cookin'!

2. Good Knives at a Reasonable Price - this set of three knives by Victorinox includes all the knives you really need and will use on a day-to-day basis: chef's knife, slicing knife, and a paring knife. With these stocked in your kitchen drawers, you're set for any culinary adventure that awaits you.

3. Complete 53-piece cake decorating set - No matter how seriously you take cake decorating, this set will have you supplied with the equipment you need to frost cute cupcakes, or entire elaborate cakes! Pretty much everything you need is in this set, which will start you off right.

Naturally Beautiful - Beauty Tips & Hints from the Kitchen

Fade those age spots naturally, learn how at: Age Spot Remedies. Or, tackle wrinkles with these all natural, homemade remedies. Ever wonder what causes skin tags, and how to remove them? Then head over to Treating Skin Tags for more natural beauty remedies that you can try today.

6 Ways to Shorten and Treat Cold and Flu

We're all trying to stay healthy at this time of year, which is why I recommend reading this article on natural ways to shorten the duration of a cold or flu.

Newsletter: Shabby Chic, Butterscotch Pecan Pie, Finding Space at Home

2010-11-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Blog Newsletter

For Monday, November 1, 2010

__Cleaning Up__

Obviously, I'm a big fan of easy cleaning techniques, so click below to find some of my favorite tips and homemade cleaning formulas that make cleaning all-natural and simple.

Carpet stains are easy to remove with these two simple cleaners you likely already have in the pantry! Isn't it funny how sometimes the simplest products work the best? (And hey, they're also the cheapest!)
Envying the huge, gorgeous closets of a friend? Well, feel green no longer! Instead, read this article about conducting a space survey to find the hidden storage areas in your home that you might be overlooking. Once you've discovered fresh new storage areas, then voila - clutter begins to be controlled, since you have adequate storage for all your stuff.
Tackle even nasty, old stains by reading about how to pretreat stains before chucking that load of laundry into the wash.

__A Recipe or Two__

Yum, we start off with dessert first! Adding a decadent twist on a classic pecan pie, this version has a butterscotch flavor. Butterscotch Pecan Pie
Muffins are a perfect totable snack, a fast breakfast or even dessert after a delicious meal! Combine your love of chocolate and coffee with this recipe for Cappuccino Muffins with Chocolate Chips
Even if you're not on a diet, this recipe for a soup chock-full of veggies is a healthy meal! Cabbage Soup Diet Recipes

__An Ode to Shabby Chic__

Love the style of shabby chic? Well, check out these products that will add a certain flair to your comfortably chic home...

First, this little corner cabinet adds helpful storage, while adding a touch of grace. Speaking of hidden space, corners all too often eat into our valuable storage 'allowance', so this little cabinet would really help.

This sweet cake stand will add charm to your decor, and be perfectly useful to show off your pretty cakes, cupcakes, cookies or little sandwiches to serve with tea. Adorable!

__Tell a Friend__

Our sweet and simple newsletters have little gems of helpful hints and ideas for around the home. Tell a friend about Kitchen Crafts 'n' More! It's absolutely free to get updates, which they can do by sending an email to kitchencraftsnmore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. :) Thanks for your support.

KCnM Blog Newsletter: Crockpot Cooking, Coupons, Simple Lip Balms for Winter

2010-10-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Crafts 'n' More

Blog Newsletter for October 28, 2010

Hope you're enjoying the new format, everyone! It makes it a breeze for me to put together lovely newsletters with fresh content, quickly and easily. And I think (and hope!) that you enjoy the simple, and concise way it's compiled.

~ Best Beauty ~

Wintertime is fast approaching and that means sore, dry lips. Nothing soothes better than all-natural Burt's Bees original lip balm. Or, you can try to make your own lip balms with simple ingredients like beeswax and peppermint oil, by heading over to our Lip Balm Recipe section. It's all up to you, and how ambitious you're feeling.

~Recipe Zone~

Tasty bars, brownies and squares are what you're craving? Okay then, we've got you well covered! Check out our collection of yummy bars and squares that include a decadent apple pie bar recipe, and bake sale brownies.
Crockpot cooking is the full-timer's ideal way of cooking! What could be better than heading in the door to a fully cooked meal? Our crockpot recipes include an amazing glazed cranberry pork roast, All Day Chicken with an Orange Glaze, and even dessert - bread pudding!

~ Kitchen Gadget of the Day~

Just heard from a customer at work today that this simple garlic chopper makes chopping up cloves of fresh garlic a breeze! She said that it was far easier to use and clean than a typical garlic press. She couldn't recommend it highly enough - you just 'zoom zoom', like you would with a toy car, and voila - perfectly minced garlic, ready to add to all of your favorite recipes. Sounds like a keeper to me, especially since I loooove garlic.

~ Crafty Corner~

A gift basket is a perfect compilation of a handful of smaller gifts, all lovingly nestled into one basket. Read the article 10 Reasons to Create and Give a Gift Basket

~ Frugal and Fun ~

A simple, colorful coupon organizer can keep your precious stash of coupons close at hand, and make it easier to use and save you money every week on groceries!
A beverage that's good for you and your budget! Can you guess what it is?
Finding valuable coupons and coupon codes online can help you stock that cute new coupon organizer, and save more cash than you ever thought possible!

KCnM Blog Newsletter: Popcorn, Easy Sauces, Easy Bake Oven Recipes and Craft Ideas

2010-10-24T16:21:00.001-07:00

Here is a mini newsletter for you, right here on the Kitchen Crafts 'n' More blog - and packed with goodies! (I hope you enjoy this condensed version of the newsletter as much as I enjoyed putting it together.)

Kitchen Gadget of the Day:

Today the nod goes to a simple Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper that will forever end your reliance on those little prepackaged popcorn packets! I have this popper myself and use it a number of times a week. Love it! And at around $10, it is a real bargain to boot.

Recipes of the Day:

Looking for: Gluten free recipes! Please send them to me at christinam@nucleus.com

Easy sauces made from canned soup. Worried about sodium content? Choose lower sodium soup varieties. Easy Canned Soup Sauces
Butter Pecan Pound Cake with Frosting Right in the Cake! This indulgence sounds too good to resist!
Do you have a little one in the family who loves their Easy Bake Oven? Then check out our always popular collection of Easy Bake Oven Recipes
And finally...Olive Garden's impeccable Alfredo sauce that you can copy at home! Copycat Recipe for Olive Garden's Alfredo Sauce

Home Decor Splurge of the Day: Instant decoration with these beautiful wall decals! A perfect way to add pizzazz to a boring old wall. Doesn't it look particular beautiful against that pale grey wall?

Household Hints of the Day:

Making the bed with less time and effort? Sounds good to me! Check out 5 Tips to a Clean, Fresh and Cozy Bed
Tea for your plants? Yes, and not just English ivy! (Groan...I couldn't help myself.) Give your Plant a Cup of Tea to Perk it Up
Sticky stubborn wax is no match for you! Remove Melted Candle Wax from Candleholders

Crafty projects of the Day:

Try your hand at a simple homemade soap recipe or two: Easy To Make Soap Recipes
Or, make an easy addition to a coffee themed gift basket by including some homemade chocolate dipped coffee stir spoons

7 Tips to Use Borax to Clean around the Home

2010-10-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today on the Happy Slob's Housecleaning blog, I share 7 Ways to Clean your Home using Borax Powder. Borax is all-natural and a powerful cleaner!

Looking for: Pie Recipes for Pie Recipe Blog

2010-10-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

Over at http://www.pie-recipes.blogspot.com I'm happy to share delicious, simple pie recipes with readers. Do you have a pie recipe you'd like to share? Please send it to me at christina@happyslob.com along with any comments on how the pie turned out, or other baking tips. Thanks!

Three Must Have Kitchen Tools and Gadgets

2010-10-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Some gadgets are simply useless wastes of space - and in a kitchen that may already be cramped, that's a serious offence! Here, though, are three always popular, tried and true kitchen gadgets and tools that you'll really want to have at hand when you're ready to prove your culinary prowess.

1. Garlic press - and not just any garlic press will do. This garlic press by Kuhn Rikon was recently given the top spot by Cook's Illustrated magazine. If you've ever read the magazine, you know that it's one of the prime magazines for anyone who loves to cook (or even just loves to READ about cooking.) Here is the top pick: Kuhn Rikon Easy-Squeeze Garlic Press, Black Using a good press like this one will greatly diminish the time needed to press garlic into a fine mince that you can use immediately. Sure, you could chop it finely with a knife, but really nothing makes garlic easier to use than a great garlic press.
Another plus with this model is that it reduces the amount of EFFORT needed to squeeze out that gorgeous garlic.

2. Salad Spinner - An Oxo Good Grips Salad Spinner gets your greens perfectly dried, and ready to accept all that lipsmacking homemade dressing you just whipped up. This plunger type salad spinner works better than the ones with the pull string, which can be frustrating to use and provide equally frustrating results. (ie: soggy leaves)

3. Silpat Baking Sheet Liner - Having a few Silpat Nonstick Silicone Baking Mats on hand means that your samosas, gourmet chocolate chunk cookies, or roasted veggies will never again stick with tenacity to the baking tray! Until you've used one of these, you really have no idea of what you're missing - it will simplify your baking tremendously.

New Gluten Free Articles: GF Food, Diet and Bread

2010-07-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some new gluten free articles on the KCnM site. It'll help anyone who's eating gluten free for the first time, or for a long time:

Gluten Free Bread
Gluten Free Diet
Gluten Free Foods

Make More Money Selling Avon

2010-07-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

If you sell Avon, I'm sure you're always looking for some simple tips on how to increase those sales! I just posted an article about this: Make More Money with Avon Enjoy!

Uses for Dried Lavender Buds - Lovely Lavender from Provence

2010-07-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

A co-worker gave me some wonderful dried lavender buds from Provence. I'm thrilled! You guys likely know that I'm a bit of a lavender freak...so...do you have any interesting ideas on how I can use it? I'm planning on doing up a few sachets for friends (nice for scenting dresser drawers), but I could use some other unique ideas. Thanks!

Cool and Refreshing Summertime Treats - Edition 1

2010-06-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a compilation of some favorite summertime treats...will add more as YOUR submissions begin to arrive. Enjoy!

Banana Split Shakes
Berry Smoothies
Chai Cheesecake
Cool Summer Coffee Shop Inspired Drinks
Frozen Desserts Collection
Margarita Mix
No Bake Cookies
Orange Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Sundae Toppings

Cool Summer Drinks - Coffee Cola Float - Old Fashioned Favorite

2010-06-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm...This delicious float recipe sounds just about right on a steamy hot day. A perfect (caffeine fuelled!) combination of coffee and coke will cool you down, and probably add some pep to your step at the same time. Enjoy! (Thanks for the recipe, Dorina.)

Coffee Cola Float (Serves 4)

Two and a half cups of chilled black, sweetened coffee
1 Litre bottle of Coke
150ml light (unthickened) cream
4 scoops of vanilla (or coffee) ice cream
Preparation
Mix the cream into the coffee and half fill 4 tall glasses with it. Add a scoop of ice cream to each, and carefully top up with Coke.

Cleaning with Cornstarch - Tips and Hints for Ironing and cleaning

2010-06-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Over on my cleaning blog I posted a few fun tips on using corn starch to iron with, and to clean the windows! Check it out, and be sure to let me know if you have any other cornstarch household hints.

Easy Microwave Chocolate Pudding for One

2010-03-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just want a little chocolate fix...this one is a snap! And, you'll most likely have all of the pantry staples on hand to whip up a cup of homemade pudding in the microwave whenever a chocolate craving strikes. Enjoy! Thanks to Pat for the recipe. (I LOVE that this uses chocolate chips for that intense chocolatey flavor. Can you say YUM?)

Microwave Chocolate Pudding for 1
1 1/2 tsp. corn starch
pinch of salt
1/2 cup milk
1 oz. (1/4 cup) chocolate chips

Combine corn starch, salt and milk together in an 8 oz ramekin or custard cup. Add chocolate chips. Cook 1:00 minute at 100% power until hot, but not boiling. Stir until the melted chocolate chips are completely blended with the milk mixture. Cook 45 seconds at 100% power more until just beginning to boil. Serve warm or chilled. Delicious if topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe - the Deliciousness of Pie, the Simplicity of Bars

2010-03-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

I used to make a recipe similar to this one all the time - and people just love these apple pie bars! Thanks to Jenny H for sending this one in...The glaze with a little touch of lemon sounds scrumptious.

Here is a delicious recipe for Apple Pie Bars that I got from Taste of Home. Everytime I make them I get asked for the recipe.

APPLE PIE BARS - about 2 dozen

4 cups flour
4 egg yolks
1 tsp salt
2 TBL lemon juice
1 tsp baking powder
8 - 10 TBL. cold water
1 cup shortening

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles course crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, lemon juice and water; gradually add to flour mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide in half. Chill for 30 minutes. Roll out 1 portion of dough between 2 large sheets of waxed paper into a 17-in x 12-in. rectangle. Transfer to an ungreased 15-in x 10-in x 1-in. baking pan. Press pastry onto the bottom and up the sides of pan; trim pastry even with top edge.

Filling:
7 cups finely chopped peeled apples
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
dash of nutmeg

In a bowl, toss the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg; spread over crust. Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pan; place over filling. Trim edges; brushedges between pastry with water or milk; pinch to seal. Cut slits in top. Bake at 375 for 45 - 50 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Combine glaze ingredients until smooth; drizzle over bars before cutting.

Glaze
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 TBL milk
1 TBL lemon juice

Make a Homemade Mocha - Coffee Shop at Home

2009-12-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

Homemade Simple Mocha

Now, I'm sure there are about 101 ways to create a delicious mocha at home, but I'd venture to say that this might be one of the easiest. Simply make some of your favorite hot chocolate in a mug, leaving some space for the later addition of fresh coffee. It can hot cocoa made from scratch using cocoa powder, sugar and milk - or a commercial cocoa mix.

Pour in about 1-2 ozs of strong, brewed coffee (or espresso) and stir well to combine. Add some freshly whipped cream on top and enjoy!

** Do YOU have a better way of making a homemade mocha that's the envy of any barrista? Please post your tip in a comment here, or else email it to me at christinam@nucleus.com! **

Useful Kitchen Gadget: Oxo Good Grips Fat Separator for your gravy

2009-12-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

No more fatty gravy! This wonderful device (by Oxo Good Grips - a company that I love) perfectly separates the fat, allowing you to create wonderful rich and flavorful gravy - minus all the extra fat.

What you pour out will be pure, delicious gravy. All the fat stays on the top and off of your plate!

A Different Polenta for Dinner: Sausage and Tomato Polenta

2009-12-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sausage and Tomato Polenta
Submitted by a reader - sounds like a delicious change to 'regular' polenta. Yum!

2 hot Italian sausages
1 small onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon olive oil
4 plum tomatoes
1-1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Remove sausage casings and crumble sausage. Sautee the onion in the olive oil in a heavy saucepan until tender. Add the sausage. Cook for 10 minutes or until the sausage is brown, stirring constantly.

Add the plum tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the milk, flour, sugar and salt. Cook until heated through; reduce heat to simmer.

Add the cornmeal in a fine stream, whisking constantly until mixed.

Simmer for 10 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and the edge pulls from the side of the saucepan, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Stir in the cheese. Remove from heat immediately. Spoon into individual bowls. The polenta will become firm after cooling. Leftovers may be sliced and reheated in a greased skillet.

Serves 4

Russian Honey and Rye Cake

2009-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Russian Honey Cake
Submitted by a reader - a deliciously different take on spice cake!

1/3 cup (80 ml) sugar
1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt
3 tsp (15 ml) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2 ml) each ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) vegetable oil
8 large eggs
1 cup (250 ml) honey
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) warm water
4 cups (1 L) rye flour
1/2 cup jam or preserve of your choice

Grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) round baking pans. Combine all the ingredients except for the jam in a mixing bowl and mix with an electric beater set at its slowest speed for 1 minute. Increase the speed of the beater to medium and beat for 15 minutes. The batter should have large air bubbles; if no bubbles are present, beat for an additional 5 minutes. Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes, then pour into the prepared baking pans. Bake in a preheated 275F (130C) for 1 hour, until deep golden in color. Remove from the oven and allow to rest 10 minutes. Turn out on a cake rack and allow to cool. Place one cake on a serving plate and spread the jam or preserves on top. Top with the remaining cake.
Serves 8 to 12.

An Unusual - and Useful - Way to Wrap Any Gift

2009-09-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard of tea towels before to wrap a gift, especially a shower gift. Just choose a nice, large size and you can easily wrap up most average sized gifts.

But, I heard a new idea the other day that I just had to share - use a re-usable canvas bag to wrap a gift! Envirosax brand is my absolute favorite, because they're easy to bundle up again and carry in your purse all the time, and the handles are wide enough to create a beautiful 'bow' on the top of your gift. And the recipient can use the 'gift wrapping' over and over again.

Here are some cute environmentally friendly bags that you could use to wrap up a present:

Get Socks Whiter - Get out Stains

2009-09-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Love this old tip that newsletter subscribers sent in. Whiten socks - and all your white laundry - in all sorts of ways. My favorite is with dishwasher detergent liquid. My favorite pair of white socks with a tartan pattern on them is going to get a treatment of dishwasher detergent in about five minutes! lol

http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/whitensocks.html

Craft Show Ideas for Better Sales

2009-07-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Send in YOUR ideas too, on how to increase your craft show sales!

Here's the tips we have so far:
Craft Show Ideas and Tips for Sales

New Dog Treats Recipe - Yummy Homemade Treats for Your Pooches

2009-07-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Dog Treat Recipe
Big thanks to PJ for sending in!
A little treat to keep your "best friend" happy!

1/4 cup hot tap water
8 chicken bouillon cubes
1 package active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1-1/2 cups tomato juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups wheat germ
2 cups whole-wheat flour

1. Pour the water into a large bowl. Add the chicken cubes & crush them with a fork. Stir in the yeast & sugar & let stand for about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the tomato juice, 1 cp all-purpose flour & the wheat germ. Stir with a large spoon to form a smooth batter. Then stir in the remaining all-purpose & whole-wheat flours. This will make the dough very dry & stiff.
3. Take a couple of handfuls of dough out & work into a small ball shape. Then, with a rolling pin, flatten the balls on a lightly floured surface. Cut with our dogbone cutters. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Now use a cookie cutter to cut out your dog treats.
5. Finally, use a spatula to put your dog treats onto a cookie sheet. Then bake at 325° for 20-30 minutes.
6. Serve with a bowl of water & a nice big bone!

P.S. Make these even more special by cutting out with a cute Dog Bone Cookie Cutter

Delicious, Refreshing Summertime Drink - Blackberry Limeade

2009-07-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Blackberry Limeade Recipe

This sounded so good to me. I think I would make one change to it -- I'd replace the water with seltzer! Make it Sparkling! (From Dorina)

Blackberry Limeade
6 cups water, divided (or take Dorina's suggestion and make it sparkle!)
3 cups fresh blackberries
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
8 thin lime slices
Fresh blackberries (optional)

Place 1 cup water and 3 cups blackberries in a blender. Process until smooth. Press blackberry puree through a sieve into a large pitcher. Discard seeds. Add remaining 5 cups water, sugar, and lime juice to pitcher. Stir until sugar dissolves. Place 1 lime slice and a few blackberries, if desired, into each of 8 glasses. Pour about 1 cup limeade over each serving.Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 125 calories (2 percent from fat), 0.3 grams of fat (0 grams saturated, 0 grams monounsaturated, 0.2 grams polyunsaturated), 0.4 milligrams of iron, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 22 milligrams of calcium, 31.9 grams of carbohydrates, 5 milligrams of sodium, 0.8 grams of protein, 0.7 grams of fiber. From ivillage

Key Lime Fudge Recipe from Southern Living

2009-07-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sounds delicious! A recipe request a while back...Thanks to Kristina W. for sending in this delicious and unique lime fudge recipe.

Sherry's Key Lime Fudge

Ingredients
1(5ounce) can evaporated milk
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 large marshmallows
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/4 cup lime rind, grated(about 4 limes)
2 tablespoons key lime juice

Directions
Line an 8 x 8 ;an with foil and grease the foil with butter.
Combine the milk, sugar and salt in a large, heavy saucepan and cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil; stirring constantly.
Once mixture begins to boil, cook it for 8 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the marshmallows, chocolate, lime rind and lime and mix well until mixture is melted and smooth.
Pour into prepared pan and cool completely.
Cut into 1 inch squares to serve.

Easy Crockpot Beef Roast with Beer

2009-06-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Easy Crockpot Beef Roast (with Beer)
Thanks to Kristina for this one, sounds great!

In a crock pot (set on low) Place the following before you leave for work.
3-5 lb roast
1 package of onion soup mix
2 packages of brown gravy mix
2 bottles of beer
It makes its own thick gravy and the house smells soooooo good.
Cook up some noodles and a salad to round it out.

Fast and Easy Crockpot Beef with Gravy Recipe - Submitted by a reader

2009-06-28T18:42:00.001-07:00

Thanks Gladys, this sounds great!

My favorite crockpot recipe is:

A 2-3 lb chuck roast
Place in crockpot with enough beef broth (canned; or homemade is better) to cover.

Add 1 package of dry onion soup mix and 3-5 whole cloves garlic and cook for 8 to 10 hours until fork tender.

Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy from broth or serve with egg noodles in the broth. Add noodles to the crockpot and cook until just al dente.

Household Hint - Cleaning - Degunking around the sink

2009-06-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a great tip from Tracy-Ann:
"To get the gunk out from the area where the sink meets the counter top (or sometimes behind the taps where the sink meets the countertop), I pour some peroxide on an old toothbrush I keep for that purpose. The peroxide I get from my drug store in the first-aid section. I find that it lifts that entire gunk out and the counter top looks amazingly cleaner."

Salt and Flour Finger Paints - Frugal Crafts for Kids

2009-04-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Salt and Flour Finger Paints
Here's an old-time favorite recipe from our website. If the kids are looking for something fun (and you're looking for a frugal craft-time activity) then these fun paints will be perfect. The kids can even help make the paints, before they get creative and make their artistic masterpieces! this is a non-toxic recipe.

2 c Flour
2 ts Salt
3 c Cold water
2 c Hot water
Food colouring - in lots of different colors for a variety of paints.

Add the salt to the flour in a saucepan. Pour in cold water gradually and beat the mixture with an egg beater until smooth. Add the hot water and boil the mixture until it becomes glossy. Beat it until it is smooth. Mix in food colouring.

P.S. For more frugal crafting ideas, visit our Crafts page at Homemade Craft Recipes and Projects

Fresh Sprintime Beauty - Natural Oatmeal Scrub (Facial Scrubs)

2009-04-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Winter does a real number on our skin, and by the time spring finally comes around we want to freshen up. This natural oatmeal scrub is a perfect way to slough off dead skin cells, leaving fresher, healthier looking skin. And it's easy (and cheap, and we loooove cheap stuff!)

To make your own natural oatmeal facial scrub, you'll need:

handful of raw oats (quick or old-fashioned, it doesn't matter)
Enough water to moisten and create a thick paste (or, try plain yogurt instead, if you have it on hand...the natural enzymes will leave your skin even softer and smoother)

Simply mix the two ingredients together, and use all over your clean facial skin, gently scrubbing. Rinse with cool clean water, and moisturize as usual. It's absolutely amazing to me that something as simple as oatmeal can leave your skin feeling so fantastic. Try it out!

Want more simple and natural skincare recipes?

Our Free Listing of Skincare Recipes includes favorites such as Aloe Cleansing Gel, Almonds and Berries Mask, Anti-Aging Face Mask and Herbal Acne Remedy using fresh basil. Treat yourself to a spa treatment at home today!

Mustard Style Potato Salad - Lower in Fat and Delicious

2009-04-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Mustard Style Potato Salad
Serves 8
Thanks to Dorina, a fantastic recipe researcher! The addition of mustard (prepared is called for, but I would try dijon instead) adds a tanginess and a more complex flavor. Enjoy!

6 large potatoes - peeled and cubed
3 eggs
1 onion, finely chopped
3 stalks celery, diced
3 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos
2 teaspoons prepared mustard (or Dijon, if you prefer - as I do)
3 tablespoons creamy salad dressing
1 teaspoon paprika

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, place in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.

2. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, onion, celery, relish and pimentos.

4. Blend together the mustard and salad dressing, add to salad and mix well. Sprinkle with paprika and refrigerate until chilled.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Calories: 179.48 Calories from Fat: N/A Total Fat: 4.50 g Saturated Fat: N/A Cholesterol: N/ATotal Carbohydrate: 29.12 g Sodium: N/A Dietary Fiber: N/A Sugars: N/A Protein: 5.63 g Vitamin A: N/A Vitamin C: N/A

Natural Peanut Butter (or Nut Butter) Cookies - Sweetened with Honey

2009-04-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Natural Nut Butter Cookies
These are my new favorites! Absolutely delicious, incredibly easy to whip together - AND - easy to create in a gluten free form. There's no dairy in here, so they're also perfect for anyone with lactose intolerance. Enjoy!

1 cup peanut butter (or your choice of almond butter, walnut butter, any nut butter will work)
1/2 cup honey (I oil the measuring cup slightly before pouring the honey in - that way it all slides right out without sticking)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg (optional - but I like using it; it helps bind the ingredients together)
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional - if you're using PB without added salt, I'd add this)
1 1/2 - 2 cups flour (brown rice flour, buckwheat, or regular all-purpose if that's what you have)

Optional Add Ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine nut butter, honey and egg until well combined.
Add vanilla, and then start mixing in the flour. Depending on the type of flour you're using, you'll need more or less. I used about 1 1/2 cups of brown rice flour and these cookies were perfect. Add flour until the cookie dough is thick, but not too stiff. Add the add-ins if you're using. (With chocolate chips these are ridiculously good!)
Roll dough into balls, place on a greased cookie sheet and then press with a fork to create a criss-cross effect.
Bake 9-12 minutes, watching carefully. If you have a hot oven like I do, reduce the temp to 325 and bake just until browned. These do burn easily, so keep an eye on them.
Remove cookies onto a cooling rack and let them cool before eating.
Enjoy! These freeze beautifully too.

Spring Cleaning Hints - Easy Homemade Cleaning Recipes

2009-04-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again - time to get your whole home tidied up with a great big SPRING CLEAN!

Oh...I see you grimacing from here. But don't worry, I have some great tips, ideas and recipes for you to make spring cleaning easier than ever. First up - dozens of homemade cleaning recipes!

Homemade Cleaning Recipes #1 These include favorites such as Garbage Can Deodorizer, All Purpose Cleaners, Bleach Alternatives, Carpet Stain Remover and many more recipes. A total of 36 easy homemade cleaners are featured on this one page!

More Cleaning Recipes! Even more cleaning recipes and hints on my Happy Slob's Housecleaning page. Includes some of my favorite uses for baking soda, vinegar and newspaper. (I love newspaper for cleaning glass, for instance. And hey, it's frugal!)

Homemade Energy Bars

2009-03-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here's another favorite recipe from the website - a fantastic way to creat homemade energy bars. Really delicious, and you could adjust the ingredients to include stuff your family will want to chow down on. (Like chocolate chips, for instance. Who DOESN'T like chocolate chips??)

Make Your Own Energy Bars - Recipe

Do you love coffee?

2009-03-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm asking two questions over at the Coffee Creations Blog today.

1. What do you order at Starbucks?
and
2. What is the most you've EVER spent on a single cup of coffee?

Come on over, post a comment and join the conversation! It'll absolutely make you crave a big, steaming cup of Java.

Famous Beer Cheese Soup - from the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in St. Louis

2009-03-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

94th Aero Squadron's Beer Cheese Soup
Here is the recipe from the famous 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in St. Louis, MO. (Now closed)
Thanks to Jeannie for submitting the recipe!

6 cups milk, divided
1/2 to 3/4 tsp. Tabasco Sauce (to taste)
3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (restaurant uses Lea & Perrins brand)
1 1/2 strips bacon, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup onion, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules
4 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 (16 oz) jar Cheez Whiz
1 (12 oz) can beer

Combine 5 2/3 cups milk, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauces in a large pot. Stir to combine well.

In a heavy skillet, sauté bacon until crisp; pour off half the fat. Add onion; stir and cook until wilted. Add chicken bouillon and cook, stirring 3 or 4 minutes. Add bacon mixture to milk mixture and heat over medium heat. When milk begins to steam (at about 180º) combine cornstarch and reserved 1/3 cup milk, stirring until smooth.

Stir mixture into hot milk mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until soup thickens. Add Cheez Whiz, stirring almost constantly. Stir in beer, including the foam.

Strain through a metal mesh strainer into a large bowl*. If necessary, reheat.Yield: 10 ( 1 cup) servings

*Note: For extra flavor and texture, I stirred the bacon and onion back into the soup. If you wish, add more Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco at the table.

Approximate Nutrition Information per serving: 258 calories; 15 g fat (52 % calories from fat); 48 mg cholesterol; 12 g protein; 16 g carbohydrate; trace fiber; 1,541 mg sodium.

You Tell Me: What is your monthly grocery bill?

2009-03-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

We're all feeling the pinch of the pennies these days, and the first thing many of us do is budget our grocery money. So, how much do you spend on groceries each month? Do you spend more or less than you did, say, last year? What are some of your tips for spending less?

Post a comment! :)

Delicious desserts - Betty Boop Pink Lemonade Pie

2009-03-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

Ooh, this one is a keeper! If you're looking for a super fast, super simple dessert that is light and refreshing...well, you've found it. Uses only three ingredients, popped into a pie crust. Check out the recipe: Betty Boop Pink Lemonade Pie Big thanks to Lynda for submitting this one!

Tried and True Crockpot Roast Beef

2009-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a new recipe sent in by Sharon in PA...it's her favorite crockpot recipe. Thanks for sending it in, Sharon!

Mom's Crockpot Beef Roast

2-3# Beef Roast
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1/2 can water

Brown all sides of beef roast about 5min each. Put into crockpot, Mix remaining ingredients and pour over roast. Cook on high 4-6 hours or low 8-10 hours.

Old Fashioned Pie Recipe - Lemon Icebox Pie

2009-02-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

Ages ago, Jeannie sent in a bunch of delicious pie recipes...and this one especially caught my eye when I was looking through them today! Lemon Icebox Pie is an old-time favorite, and one I'm sure many of you have enjoyed. Hope you give this version a try...

Lemon Icebox Pie
Makes 1 pie

4 eggs, separated
Juice of 3 lemons
14 oz can condensed milk
2 T sugar

--------------------GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST------------------
2 T honey
1 2/3 c graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Stir together egg yolks, lemon juice and condensed milk. Put into
graham cracker crust. Beat egg whites and sugar into meringue.
Making sure meringue goes to the edges of the pie, put it over the
pie filling. Bake 8-10 minutes, until meringue browns. Refrigerate several hours.

Graham Cracker Crust:
Melt honey and butter together. Mix in graham cracker crumbs.
Press mix in an even layer over sides and bottom of oiled 9-inch
pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes. Let cool before filling.
Makes 1 pie shell.

Frugality Tips and Hints - How to Save Money on Groceries

2009-02-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

How do YOU save money on groceries? Here are a few of my favorite ways, but please post a few comments and share your money saving secrets, too.

Cut back on meat - rely more on lentils, beans and soy products, since meat is often the priciest part of a grocery bill. And eating less meat is healthier, too!
Shop the sales - Stock up when items are on for a great price. And remember that you CAN use coupons when items are already on sale, meaning you'll save a ton of money!
Use coupons - intelligently. Don't use a coupon just to say you used it. Wait until items go on sale and then use coupons to save, and stock up!
Cut back on processed foods - Pricey mixes and pre-packaged foods are almost always more expensive. Stock your pantry with more foods like oats, brown rice and baking essentials such as flour and sugar. Making it yourself will almost always be cheaper overall. And healthier, with fewer chemical additives.

Okay, share your secrets...how have you and your family been cutting back on the food bill?

5 Frugal Household Hints and Tips

2009-02-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Everyone is watching their pennies these days, so here are five of my favorite FRUGAL household hints to share:

Create a Change Savings Jar
The All-Time CHEAPEST Way to Get Drains Running Smoothly Again
Cheap Brass Cleaner
Easy Homemade Cleaners - Only Pennies a Bottle!
Make Your Own Flavored Oatmeal - Great Healthy and Frugal Breakfast Idea

Yes, I realize oatmeal isn't exactly a HOUSEHOLD HINT, but still I love that idea!
Enjoy, everyone.

5 Amazing Hints and Tips Using White Vinegar

2009-02-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

I think vinegar is just plain old fantastic! You can use it to clean naturally or for all sorts of household and health purposes. (Apple cider vinegar is a real favorite for healthier living.)

Here are five of my favorite ways to use vinegar. But, visit the KCnM Vinegar Uses Page for over 70 ways you can use vinegar around the house, for better health and to look great! (Yep...it's even useful for facials and other beauty treatments.)

I know that you KCnM readers will have some good ideas to share, so if you have a vinegar use to add to that page, please post it here or else email me with it and I'll add it to the page on the website. Thanks!

For now, here are five of my favorite tips using vinegar:

Fabric softener - 1/2 to 1 full cup of white vinegar in the wash will naturally combat static cling and make for softer, cozier clothes.
Healthy Hair - Rinsing your hair (after you shampoo regularly) with apple cider vinegar will create natural highlights and softer, smoother hair. No more frizzies!
Clean out the dishwasher - Run an empty dishwasher load with a cup of vinegar and it will clean it out from the inside out, removing gunk and build up. Which means cleaner dishes again later on!
Odor Neutralizer and remover - Whether it's smokey smells or pet odors, vinegar is a natural odor sponge. Leave a dish of white vinegar out anywhere you need to neutralize and remove odors. (This is a great tip when you've burnt popcorn in the microwave! Isn't that an awful smell? Leave a dish of vinegar in the microwave overnight and you'll be amazed how much of that stink it removes!)
Unsticky Rice - Here's a vinegar cooking tip! Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the cooking water when you cook white rice and it'll be less sticky!

Everyday Food Magazine - Is it one of your faves too?

2009-02-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

I love cookbooks and cooking magazines filled with all sorts of appealing new recipes to experiment with. But, Everyday Food magazine is my absolute favorite! When a new issue arrives in my mailbox, I just can't wait to dig in and see what new treats are in store for us...

What is your favorite cooking magazine? Do you all love Everyday Food as much as I do? Please post a comment. And, for a more in-depth review of Everyday Food, check out Everyday Food Review

No-Bake Peanut Butter Squares (Tastes like a peanut butter cup!)

2009-02-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know what else calls out: "DELICIOUS!!" to me like an ooey peanut butter square. Make your own version of this popular candy at home with these easy, no-bake squares. There are only a total of five ingredients, and they're no bake squares...meaning they're incredibly easy to make!

Reese No Bake Peanut Butter Squares - Tastes like Peanut Butter Cups

And as always, if you try this recipe, please post a comment to let us know how they turned out.

Rich Double Chocolate Chip Muffins - Bake Sale Favorite

2009-02-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

Double Chocolate Chip Muffins
With an easy start-up of a chocolate fudge cake mix, this recipe is easy to whip together, but makes some seriously delicious treats. Great for bake sales!

18-1/4 oz. pkg. chocolate fudge cake mix
3.9-oz. pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix
3/4 c. water
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. oil
1/2 t. almond extract
6-oz. pkg. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, frozen
Garnish: powdered sugar

Blend cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs, oil and extract until smooth; fold in chocolate chips. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full; bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes. Cool; sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Makes 2 dozen.
Source: Gooseberry Patch's Our Favorite Chocolate Recipes Cookbook.
Thanks for the recipe submission, Dorina!

Rich Chocolate-Coffee Buttercream Frosting

2009-02-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

Yumm...this is a perfect way to top any deep, decadent chocolate cake. That added touches of coffee and dark rum adds an extra dimension of...perfection! A really unique buttercream recipe...

Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting
INGREDIENTS
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup strong, hot, brewed coffee
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons dark rum
DIRECTIONS
Put chocolate chips into a dry blender, and process into powder. Stop blender and scrape chocolate away from the sides and bottom. Pour in the hot coffee and blend until smooth. Add the sugar, yolks, butter and rum, blend until smooth, about 15 seconds.

Thanks for the recipe as always, Jeannie!

What is your favorite chocolate treat?

2009-02-11T18:43:00.001-08:00

Here's a delicious question for this week:

What is your absolute favorite CHOCOLATE treat to indulge in? Ice cream? Ooey gooey boxed chocolates? Truffles? Mousse?

Post a comment and let us know! For me...lately my favorite chocolatey treat is rich Caramel Truffles. Yum! So decadent and so good, it's drool-worthy. Now, tell us what your fave is! (I know, it's so hard to pick just one...)

Sour Cream Coffee Muffins Recipe from a B&B

2009-01-30T17:50:00.001-08:00

Sour Cream Coffee Muffins
Yum...some of the most delicious and crave-worthy muffins are the simplest ones that just go hand in hand with a cup of tea or coffee. These simple, yet scrumptious muffins would be good to freeze for quick snacks during the week.
presented by Butterfly Breeze Bed & Breakfast
And thanks to Gracie for sending this one in!

Filling:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Mix together.

Muffins:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Mix butter, sugar and eggs. Add sour cream and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Spoon 1 Tbsp of mix into prepared muffin pan. Top with 1 tsp filling and then 1 Tbsp batter. Sprinkle remaining filling on top of each muffin. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes. Remove from pan and cool.
12 servings

Remove Sticky Tape or Price Sticker Residue with Peanut Butter

2009-01-30T17:48:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite tips...an easy way to remove the sticky, pesky residue left behind either tape or a price tag is with - peanut butter! Just a little dab will work wonders. Work it into the gluey residue, and the oil will work the glue down, making it easy to scrape away.

You can also use a little olive oil or any other type of cooking oil to accomplish the same thing.

Do you have a handy hint to share with our readers? Please post a comment or email me!

Easy Microwave Cleaning with Just Water and a Fresh Lemon

2009-01-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

I love cleaning that is this natural, this delicious smelling (Yum...citrus!) and so, so easy! Here is my favorite new way to clean the microwave with just a bit of water and a fresh lemon (and a little dab of salt or baking soda for good measure.) Check it out at Cleaning Microwave with Fresh Lemons. And enjoy!

Beyond Bleach to Disinfect...and no, It's Not Vinegar!

2009-01-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Ha, I'll bet you thought I'd suggest vinegar! (I do have a bit of a vinegar dependency issue...but we'll deal with that another day.) Today, the disinfectant of choice is hydrogen peroxide. AKA: My favorite new cleaning necessity.

Maybe you're the sort of person who grew up cleaning with bleach. You might have fond memories of Mom scrubbing the bathtub with scouring pads and bleach, her yellow rubber gloves tightly snapped on. Those bright yellow gloves meant business. And darn it, that cleaning business included heavy doses of chlorine bleach! Those fumes lingered in the air for days...ahhh, the memories.

But...since then a lot of us have decided that we're not so fond of cleaning with bleach. Mom (and Grandma, too) might deny that any other cleaner can clean as effectively, and can kill just as many germs. So, maybe we should keep this news of a 'new' bleach-y type cleaner all to ourselves.

Ta da! It's simply that bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide that you keep stored in the medicine chest for small scratches and assorted boo boos . This stuff is also an amazing, powerful disinfectant agent. And, if you're not so fond of the vinegar (which I've already admitted having a powerful bond with) then you'll like the very UN-vinegar-ish odor of hydrogen peroxide. Basically, peroxide has no odor. I smelled it today to make sure, and I can confirm 100% that it is practically odorless.

So, to whip up a natural cleaning and disinfectant cleaner, take a clean spray bottle (not one that has stored other chemicals - you just never know if there will be weird reactions) and:

Fill about one half full with 3% hydrogen peroxide
Fill the rest of the way with tap water or distilled water, if you so choose.
Give the bottle a wee shake-up for good measure...
And then clean to your heart's content! It's especially fantastic in those areas where germs like to gather - like the kitchen and bathroom.

More hydrogen peroxide tips to come...and if you have one to share, just post a comment or email me. Another quick one is to use hydrogen peroxide (just the 3% pharmacy stuff, not the ultra-powerful industrial strength 35% which is actually seriously heavy duty stuff) full strength on stains - really great on grout stains. (Just pour some on an oversized cotton pad or cotton ball and smoosh it right on the stain and let it sit a while. If you're worried about possible bleaching, just do a test spot somewhere inconspicuous first.)

Happy cleaning to you! (Yes, that is possible...You crazy cynics, you.)

Christina

How do YOU Use Hydrogen Peroxide? Cleaning with Peroxide

2009-01-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

Along with vinegar, baking soda, salt, lemon juice and other natural house cleaning ingredients, hydrogen peroxide is incredibly useful! I love using it to get rid of stains on grout, for instance, or to brighten up the surfaces of white kitchen appliances.

How do YOU use hydrogen peroxide? Please post a comment! And, it doesn't have to be a cleaning use...it could also be a health and beauty tip.

For now, here are a few handy tips I'd like to share with you for using 3% hydrogen peroxide, the regular kind found at the supermarket in the pharmacy section...

Hydrogen peroxide is a far less toxic way to get your clothes bleached and clean! It is a greener option, plus it's frugal! About 1/2 cup or so as a bleach alternative should work well.
Dip toothbrushes into a small glass of hydrogen peroxide to disinfect them naturally. After, rinse with very hot water, and then allow to dry.
Disinfect with peroxide - half fill a clean spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide and then top up with plain tap water. Swish around a bit to mix and use as a fabulous natural disinfectant cleaner that is a lot less toxic than bleach.
Remove stains from tiles with hydrogen peroxide. Soak a cleaning cloth with the peroxide and then scrub, or else use a sponge soaked in the peroxide. It really does bleach out stains very well, so be sure to do a spot check to make sure it doesn't lift any color from the flooring!

Recipe Card Question from Karin

2009-01-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Karin sent in the following question:

Is there a web site that you can copy a recipe card and be able to type recipes on them and be able to store in a file on our computer? I’m looking for a web site where I can download recipe cards to my computer so I can fit some of your recipes on them to have for later. I find that this would be much easier for me because I want to keep a file with recipes for easy access. Just love reading your web sites. Thank you for any help you can give me.

If any of you know of such a site, please post a comment or email me your reply!

Recipe Request: Whipped Cream Cake

2009-01-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

Lori B. sent in this Whipped Cream Cake recipe...it doesn't have cocoa in it (as our reader requested) but I think a little creativity with the recipe and the addition of some cocoa would make it just right:

Sue's Whipped Cream Cake
(Sue was from Georgia, don't know her last name.)
3 cups of Sugar
3 cups of Plain Flour
6 Eggs
1/2 lb. Butter
2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 pint Whipping Cream

Blend Sugar, Eggs and Butter together. Add Flour, Whipping Cream and Vanilla.Bake at 300 degrees for appx. 1 1/2 hr. in well greased and floured loaf pans.

Enjoy!Lori

Question of the Day: What do YOU order at the coffee shop?

2009-01-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

So, what kind of beverage do you order at Starbucks? Or, your local coffee shop...are you a latte lover? Do you crave mochas with whipped cream? Please post a comment and share your favorite drink to order at the coffee shop!

P.S. For me...lately I love lattes! I add a little honey and then sprinkle a generous amount of nutmeg on top...yum.

Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice

2009-01-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

Don't want to pay the inflated prices for a jar of pumpkin pie spice mix? Make your own...here's one recipe sent in by KCnM reader Roseanne:

Hi Christina:

I found a few different "recipes" for pumpkin pie spice. My recipe for pumpkin pie uses individual spices; however I had a few recipes for pumpkin bread and muffins that call for it.

I think it's one of those things that varies. I found several versions on-line and in cookbooks. This is the one that I mix up and use.

2 Tablespoons Cinnamom
1 Tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice

some of the recipes called for cloves or different proportions.

So, get creative and use this recipe as a starting point to create a yummy spice blend all your own. I would definitely add cloves, because I love that warm flavour it adds. Enjoy!

Chai Tea Latte - Make Your Own

2009-01-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here's an email I received from Sue B. (a regular contributor) on making your own Chai Tea latte...I wanted to share the whole thing with everyone. :) Enjoy! And especially the delicious tea recipe she included...

I had never heard of Chai Tea Latte before and I am a tea todler from my childhood days when my Scottish born Mom would make a cup of tea for me to enjoy and a grownup treat and to this day, that is all I drink for refreshment. After checking many websites for this recipe, I choose the following recipe from a guy, Paul, who lives in Oregon and seems to know the secret in homemade Chai Tea.

INGREDIENTS: 4, 1 1/2in. slices of fresh ginger (use a vegetable peeler), 1, 2 inch cinnamin stick, 4 whole cloves, 1 heaping demitasse spoon powdered cardaom, 1, 6-inch vanilla bean cut up into 1 inch pieces, 1 dash nutmeg, 1 heaping tbsp. sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 3 Bigelow Darjeeling Blend tea bags, 2 cups H2O (water), 2 cups milk.
DIRECTIONS: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and toss in teabags then all other ingredients in order above. Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add milk and bring to boil then take off heat Strain through strainer or coffee filters and serve hot or in a tall glass filled with ice. Refrigerate unused portion. To reheat: you may either heat any conventional way or froth with a cappuchino maker.

______________________
Do YOU know the secret to making great homemade Chai Tea lattes? Please post a comment or email me and I'll post it!

5 of My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets - What is YOUR favorite kitchen gadget?

2009-01-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

I love kitchen gadgets - but some of them, while they seem like a good idea at the time of purchase, just don't end up being used all that much. Here are 5 of My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets...But, I want to hear what YOUR favorite kitchen gadgets are! Please post a comment and let us all know your opinion.

Whirley Pop stovetop popcorn popper - While not technically a gadget, this awesome stovetop popcorn maker makes the most delicious theatre-style popcorn you've ever tasted! And with a 25-year warranty, it's still a well made product that the company really stands behind.
Aerolatte Frother - Make your own gourmet lattes and foamy hot chocolates at home for less - with an Aerolatte frother! So easy to use, and incredibly popular with coffee fanatics. Creates mounds of fluffy froth, or adds volume and foaminess to your favorite hot chocolate mix.
Zyliss Ice Cream Scoop - This is the best ice cream scoop I've ever used, bar none. It eases right through even very hard ice cream. The fun colors might deceive you into thinking that you can't take this ice cream scoop seriously - but the moment you hold it and feels it's weight, you'll be convinced!
Silpat Nonstick Cooking Sheet - A Silpat on your cookie sheet or baking tray means that whatever goodies you're baking - whether it's gooey chocolate chip cookies or buttery croissants - will come off without even a hint of sticking. Then you just wipe the Silpat clean and use it over and over. A must have for bakers.
Kuhn Rikon Paring Knife - Super Sharp and Colorful
- At the kitchen shop where I work, we literally sell boxes upon boxes of these every month. Once a person tries one of these incredibly useful and sharp little knives, they tell their friends...and so on! These colorful knives are easy to find in a drawerful of utensils and gadgets, the protective sheath guards you from cutting yourself and makes it easy to tote in lunch bags...and did I mention how awesomely sharp these are? Love these!! My review of these knives is at...My Favorite Paring Knife

Delicious Homemade Chai Tea - Good for Digestion

2008-12-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

And finally, one more delicious beverage recipe from Jeannie. This one is for a traditional Chai tea, which is excellent for promoting good digestion! It's also a yummy base for making homemade Chai tea lattes...yum!

Chai - Digestive Tea

Chai is a wonderful, spicy tea used commonly in the Middle East to settle the stomach and promote digestion after a meal.

1 cup water
1 tbsp. grated ginger, fresh
1 Cinnamon stick
2 whole peppercorns
4-5 cardamom pods
¼ cup milk
pinch nutmeg (optional)
honey to taste (optional)

In a saucepan, combine water and herbs. Cover and allow to simmer on low heat for eight to ten minutes. Add the milk, and return to simmering point for a further eight to ten minutes. Pour into mug and sweeten with honey; garnish with nutmeg.

Homemade Tea Recipe: Chamomile Chai Tea

2008-12-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Another big thanks to Jeannie for this delicious and unusual sounding tea recipe that combines the best flavors of both traditional chamomile and Chai teas! If you try the recipe, please post a comment and let us know how it turned out.

Chamomile Chai
A twist on the traditional chai recipe, with chamomile and other herbs.

INGREDIENTS:
3 tsp fresh ginger root, grated
1 tsp coriander seeds
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp caradmom
1/16 tsp allspice
2 tsp chamomile
PREPARATION:
Combine everything except chamomile in water and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add chamomile. Steep for another 10 minutes. Strain out herbs and serve hot.

Homemade Almond Milk

2008-12-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

This would be a delicious alternative for anyone with lactose intolerance, or vegans! This delicious almond milk has an interesting little twist - the addition of peppercorns for a little bit of spicy flavor. You could leave those out if you prefer a plain almond milk. Thanks to Jeannie for sending this one in!

Almond Milk

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup almonds
4 cups water
4 black peppercorns
1/2 cup sugar
PREPARATION:
Blanche the almonds, and place them in a blender with the water and peppercorns. Blend until smooth, then strain through a few layers of cheesecloth. Mix the strained almond milk with sugar and serve cold.

Homemade Hot Cocoa/Hot Chocolate In a Jar Mixes

2008-12-02T09:42:00.001-08:00

Here are some replies from readers for the reader looking for homemade hot cocoa mixes!

Hot Chocolate Mix #1
From Billie

3 cups powdered milk
1/2 cup good cocoa
3/4 cup sugar or splenda
Mix well put in decorative jar. To make use 4 Tbl mix to 8oz boiling water. Serve with marshmellows or whipped cream on top!

Big Batch Hot Cocoa Mix
From Sandra

8 Quart Box Powdered Milk
2 Pound Container Nestles Quik
6 oz. Coffee Creamer
1 Box (3 1/2 cups) Powdered Sugar, sifted

Mix all ingredients together.
Store in an air tight container.

Put 1/3 cup of mixture in a mug.
Fill mug with boiling water.
Enjoy

7 Favorite Baking Recipes...Butterscotch Pecan Pie, Mini Brownie Cups, Blueberry Crumb Cake and more

2008-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

10 Favorite Baking Recipes from Kitchen Crafts 'n' More
Enjoy everyone - these are some of my favorite and most unique home baking recipes.

1. Triple Tier Brownies This scrumptious creation was sent in by a reader, and uses a regular brownie mix and kicks it up outrageously with salted peanuts, cream cheese, and Rice Krispies, layered. This would be perfect cut into tiny squares and given in tins as gifts.

2. Easy English Muffin Bread This easy, and unique bread recipe will remind you of delicious toasted English muffins! Lots of yummy little craters for butter and jam to melt down into...delicious.

3. Blueberry Crumb Cake Just a perfect slice to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee. Great for company! And...pretty economical too.

4. Mini Brownie Cups Delicious little brownie morsels filled with chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

5. Butterscotch Pecan Pie A delicious take on an old favorite - reader Linda says this is one of her family's favorites!

6. Eggnog Pie Here's an unusual and delicious pie recipe! Rich with real creamy eggnog and lots of grated nutmeg, it is truly comfort eating.

7. Caramel Apple CupcakesFun mini cakes with rich caramel, chopped apples and chopped pecans. Cute little cupcakes to make!

Cookie Recipes - Mrs. Field's Copycat Peanut Butter Cookies

2008-11-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Field's Peanut Butter Cookies

Huge thanks to Dorina who is my recipe finder extraordinaire! These sound utterly delicious...Enjoy, everyone!

1/4 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
2 Cups flour
2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
1 Cup creamy peanut butter
3 Eggs
1 Cup softened butter
1 1/4 Cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 Cup dark brown sugar

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.
In a medium sized bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together with a wire whisk. In a large bowl, blend the sugars using an electric mixer at medium speed. Add butter and mix until it forms paste. Next, add the eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix at medium speed until the batter becomes light and fluffy. Add the flour mixture and change the mixer to low speed. Continue until just mixed.
Drop by tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 1 1/2 inches apart. With a fork, gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each cookies. Bake for 10-20 minutes until cookies are slightly brown along the edges. Transfer cookies from the pan immediately with a spatula and allow them to cool.

Fun Ideas for Cupcakes - Cupcake Sprinkles, Cupcake Pans, Cupcake Decorations and More

2008-10-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

I love a delicious cupcake. (Check out My Favorite New Gluten Free Cupcake Mix - just tried these last week and they were fantastic for anyone craving yummy gluten free cupcakes with decadent fudge frosting. And yes, that link will also share my favorite ooey gooey Chocolate Fudge Frosting recipe! It is SOOOO good it's insane.)

But, even more fun than making cupcakes is - of course! - decorating those cupcakes! Have a cupcake baking day with your kids or grandkids this autumn, using some of the following fun ideas to make your cupcake decorating more fun than ever. And if you have a wonderful cupcake or frosting recipe to share, please send them in!

Cupcake Carriers

Cupcake Decorating Sets

Cute and Unique Cupcake Sprinkles

Adorable Cupcake Paper Liners

And Finally...A Giant Cupcake Pan
A huge - and hugely fun - novelty cake that makes one giant cupcake that everyone will want a piece of!

Raspberry Buttermilk Coconut Muffins Recipe - from Newspaper

2008-10-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Adding buttermilk to muffin recipes calling for milk will create delicious, tender muffins. Treat your family with this gourmet treat - Raspberry Buttermilk Coconut Muffins.

Raspberry Buttermilk Muffins with Coconut
(from the Victoria Times Colonist Newspaper)

Serve these flavourful muffins warm with butter.
Makes 9 large muffins

1 3/4 cups (425 mL) all-purpose flour (for gluten free - try a gluten free flour mix)

1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking powder

1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) salt

1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) baking soda

1/2 cup (125 mL) unsweetened medium coconut flakes (divided)

1 large egg, beaten

1/3 cup (75 mL) granulated sugar

1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk

3 tablespoons (50 mL) melted butter

1 teaspoon (5 mL) pure vanilla extract

1 cup (250 mL) fresh raspberries

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly spray nine cups of a 12-cup muffin tin with vegetable oil. In a large bowl, whisk the first four ingredients with 1/4 cup of the coconut flakes.

In a second bowl, beat egg with sugar, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla. Sprinkle raspberries with 2 tablespoons of the dry ingredients. Toss to coat. Combine wet and dry ingredients in swift strokes. Batter will be a little lumpy. Gently fold in floured raspberries. Scoop muffin batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with remaining coconut. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

Legitimate Home Based Business Ideas

2008-10-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

In this economy, it seems like we're all looking for innovative ways to make a little extra income. If you're looking for some legitimate home based business ideas, I'm working on an ever-expanding list of them! Hopefully a few of these ideas will get you inspired...

Real Home Based Businesses - Index of Ideas

And if you have another idea to add, please email me!

Butter Bells - The Best Little Butter Keepers

2008-10-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Do you know what a Butter Bell is?
Visit Why I Love Butter Bells! to find out about this great little invention that keeps your butter both fresh and spreadable! It's one of my favorite must haves in the kitchen, and I know once you try it you'll love it too. (PS: Makes a great gift!)

Cute Aprons - Great Gifts

2008-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Whether you want a cute new kitchen apron for yourself, or as a fun gift for a friend who loves to cook - these three adorable aprons will really fit the bill. And the recipient will look oh-so-stylish while whipping up dinner...

Apron 1 - a classic black and white apron with a cute ruffle. Glamour in the kitchen!

Apron 2 - A Vintage floral apron with oversized flower motif and a sweet ruffle detail on the bottom. This would be a beautiful gift for Mom.

Apron 3 - Diva Delight Apron - So cute! A vibrant green camisole-style apron, resplendent with all sorts of diva cats...And what cat ISN'T a diva, after all?

Coconut Joys - Creamy Coconut Cookies filled with Chocolate - Yum!

2008-08-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Coconut Joys

Thanks to Pat for this delicious contribution!

2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups flaked coconut
1/2 cup softened butter
2 oz. melted semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix together powdered sugar, coconut, and butter. roll into
about 1 inch balls, indent middle with finger and fill with chocolate.
Chill till set.
I keep these well covered in fridge,
then set out to room temperature before serving

Fresh Strawberry Bread - Great for Teatime

2008-08-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Fresh Strawberry Bread

Doesn't this sound delicious? Fresh berries are the star of each slice - great to serve with cups of tea. Or make a few loaves and freeze the extras - they'll make fantastic gifts, especially this winter when we're all craving fresh berries again!

2 cups (500 ml) fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
1 3/4 cups (430 ml) bread or all purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1/4 tsp (1 ml) baking powder
3/4 cup (180 ml) sugar
1/3 cup (80 ml) butter
2 eggs
1/3 cup (80 ml) water
1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped walnuts
Cream cheese, softened (optional)

Crush enough of the strawberries to fill 1 cup (250 ml). Pour into a small saucepan and heat over a medium flame. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Slice the remaining strawberries and chill. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. In a large mixing bowl beat the sugar and butter together and then add the eggs and water, mixing until light and fluffy. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well to blend. Stir in the crushed strawberries and walnuts. Spoon the mixture into a greased 8x4x4 inch (approx. 20x10x10 cm) loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350F (180C) oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When the loaf has cooled in the pan for 10 minutes, turn onto a rack to cool. Cut into slices, spread with softened cream cheese, top with the reserved chilled strawberries.
Makes 1 loaf.

Olive Garden's Chicken and Gnocchi Veronese

2008-08-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Olive Garden's Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese
If you love Olive Garden, you'll really want to try this one! It sounds ultra rich and delicious, with a thick and creamy sauce that is heavy on the Parmesan - and that is a GOOD thing! Thanks again to Dorina for another recipe sent in.

Prep Time: 30 min - 2 hrs, 30 m
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Source: Olive Garden Newsletter
Ingredients
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced (julienned)
½ zucchini, sliced, (julienned)
Salt to taste
4 chicken breasts, sliced in ½” strips
2 small branches rosemary
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of ½ lemon

Veronese Sauce
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup ricotta cheese
14 fl oz heavy cream

Gnocchi
2 qt water
6 oz all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 lbs russet potatoes
2 tsp salt
OR1 lb gnocchi (potato dumplings), cooked according to package directions

Procedures NOTE: You may make your own gnocchi by following the steps below, or you may purchase them already made.

Gnocchi
WASH potatoes and place in water. Cook potatoes until soft (cook time will depend on size of potatoes). Remove potatoes from water and cool in refrigerator.

PEEL cooled potatoes and push them through a fine grater (rice grater - also called a potato ricer) until mashed; do not over-mash potatoes or they will get tough.

COMBINE potatoes, flour and eggs in a mixing bowl. Mix well until dough does not stick to hands (add small amounts of flour at a time if needed).

DIVIDE dough into 4 sections. Roll out each section into a long rope. Cut each rope into ½” pieces. Push fork tines on each piece for the classic gnocchi appearance.

BRING water to a boil in a sauce pot. Drop in gnocchi and cook until they float.Chicken & Sauce
COMBINE garlic, lemon juice, rosemary and chicken slices in a mixing bowl. Let marinate for at least 2 hours.

COMBINE Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese and heavy cream in a mixing bowl and set aside.

HEAT sauté pan on medium high. Add extra virgin olive oil, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. Saute until onions are translucent (do not brown).

ADD marinated chicken slices and cook until slices are brown on all sides and internal temperature is 165°F. Reduce heat and add sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer.

DRAIN cooked gnocchi and add to pan with chicken, vegetables and sauce. Stir to coat gnocchi with sauce.

SERVE gnocchi topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

Low-Fat Yogurt Dill Dressing

2008-08-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Yogurt Dill Dressing

Dorina says this is one of her favorite dressing recipes now, and to me it sounds like a lovely take on classic Tzaziki dressing. Yum! Post a comment if you try it and like it. :)

1/2 cup (125 ml) plain fat-free yogurt
1 scallion, (spring onion), green and white part, finely chopped
2 Tbs (30 ml) finely chopped fresh dill
1 Tbs (15 ml) Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Use immediately or store covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Makes about 3/4 cup (180 ml).

Cute Recipe Boxes

2008-07-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Every kitchen needs at least one good, roomy recipe box with plenty of room for all your tried and true recipe favorites. Here are a few that I especially love...(That turquoise one is ADORABLE!)

And you'll need recipe cards and dividers to go along with the cute recipe box!

An Old Fashioned Use for Vanilla Extract

2008-07-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know that ladies used to dab vanilla extract on their wrists and behind their ears? It's an all-natural, wonderfully scented 'perfume' that you can use anytime you run out of your regular scent! It smells absolutely delish!

Want to try making your own homemade vanilla extract? It's not that hard...Find a few recipes for homemade vanilla extract on our Vanilla Page at Vanilla Recipes to Try!

Lunch Ideas - a New Kind of Sandwich to Take for Lunch

2008-07-27T18:24:00.001-07:00

Especially good for celiacs, or anyone who's staying away from eating wheat, this is one of my favorite new types of sandwiches. Use corn tortillas (I found mine in the Mexican food aisle of my local supermarket) as the sandwich base! My favorite is to put a layer of herb & garlic cream cheese on both tortillas, a layer of delicious, hot salsa, and then veggies, or chicken or whatever you like!

Then put the tortillas together as you would a regular sandwich and wrap together tightly in a piece of aluminum foil. This helps everything stay put. It's a bit of a messy sandwich to eat, I admit, but man is it delicious!

A Completely Natural, EASY Way to Keep Drains Clear

2008-07-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

One of the easiest possible ways to keep your drains clear - about twice a month (so, every other week) - pour boiling hot water down the drain. This keeps the drains running smoothly, and prevents serious clogs before they even happen!

Love household hints? Visit the Household Hints Blog for more great tips!

Reader's Question - Finding an Orange and Clove Lotion

2008-07-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a question that Lorraine recently asked by email:

"I would love to find a nice moisturizing hand lotion with the scent of orange and clove. I bought one once from a lady who came to one of our local fair's but she has not come back and I LOVED the lotion. The scent was incredible and very soft to the touch.

Any suggestions??"

If anyone has any ideas, please email me or post a comment here on the blog!

Unique Candy Recipes - Homemade Frying Pan Fudge Recipe

2008-07-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Frying Pan Fudge
Thanks to Pat for sending in this unique and delicious sounding fudge recipe!

2 1/2 cups sugar
1 stick margarine
6 oz. canned milk
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans or other nuts
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

Chop nuts and set aside. Mix sugar, margarine, and milk together in aheavy frying pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook sixmore minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and add chocolatechips and chopped nuts. Stir until fudge begins to form. Then quicklyadd vanilla flavoring. Drop fudge on wax paper with a teaspoon.

Another Cinnamon Popcorn Recipe

2008-07-05T13:37:00.001-07:00

And here's another Cinnamon Popcorn recipe, as requested by a reader! Enjoy...sounds so yummy! (Thanks Weezie....)

CINNAMON POPCORN
4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup butter or margarine
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Place popcorn in a large bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar and cinnamon. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Microwave 1 minute longer or until the butter is melted. Pour over popcorn and toss to coat. Transfer to two greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe Found - Cinnamon Popcorn - Healthy and Frugal Snack Idea

2008-07-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon Popcorn
Here's a sweet, spicy popcorn treat that kids and adults alike will munch down happily! A great snack for watching movies...Thanks to Sue for sending in this requested recipe.

Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients:
8 cups Popped corn (air-popped)
2 Tablespoons Butter
1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon, ground
1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla extract

Method:
In small sauce pan, melt butter on low heat until melted.
Add cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla to melted butter and stir for 1 minute until well blended.
Drizzle over popcorn, and toss mixture through popcorn until well covered.
Cinnamon Popcorn Options:Chopped roasted peanuts, or pecans taste delicious. Mix it up with chopped dried apples or currants.

Making Your Own Health Homemade Fruit Sodas for Summer Refreshment

2008-06-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Healthy Homemade Fruit Sodas (Sugar Free)

I just stumbled upon this idea, when I was craving something yummy, fruity, fizzy and refreshing...but couldn't find a single 'healthy' soda at the supermarket! You could use all sorts of fruit juices, but I love it with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

What you need:

Club soda
Juice of 1/2 lemon (pick out all those little pits)
Squeeze of honey - or homemade sugar syrup (basically just water and sugar boiled down a bit together)
Ice cubes

I mixed the lemon juice together with the honey, then stirred in a little of the club soda, stirred, then added ice and topped up with more club soda. It was refreshing and so yummy! I can't wait to try this idea with fresh limes, or other juices such as orange or pineapple.

Enjoy!

Honey Lavender Mask Recipe - a soothing spa treat for your skin!

2008-06-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

And finally, we have a decadent sounding spa facial treatment recipe for your skin! (From Golden Blossom Honey.) Enjoy this luxurious treatment next time you need a getaway from your hectic life.

Firming Lavender and Honey Mask

Ingredients
1 tablespoon GOLDEN BLOSSOM HONEY
2 1/2 teaspoons yogurt
1 large egg white
2 drops lavender essential oil

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Apply the mask with your fingers avoiding the eye and lip areas. Relax for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.