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Monthly Archives: January 2010

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by Hanna Trafford

Super Bowl Made Simple

January 26, 2010 in Featured Articles by Hanna Trafford

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super-bowl-2010-xliv-florida-adsOK – I have already admitted that I love football. And I will also admit that what I know about the game is a bit limited – I am definitely not an expert. The way I look at it is that it is basically a great big and very entertaining show, and all you really have to do to enjoy it is to know the basics.

I decided to do this informational piece to help out those of you who want to watch the Super Bowl and need to know just a bit about what is going on. After you go through this info, you will know who is playing, where and when, you will know who the quarterbacks for each team are and you can check out what the team logos look like and memorize some impressive terminology.

I am also adding links to sites that have tons of information for you if you want to study it a bit – so this is my Super Bowl made simple:

What: Super Bowl XLIV – that means : Super Bowl 44

Where: Miami, South Florida, SunLife Stadium at the Miami Gardens

When: Sunday, February 7, 2010- 7:25 pm

Who: New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts

Why: Because that’s what happens every year and it ends the NFL season! The winning teams of AFC and NFC play off for the Vince Lombardi trophy to be officially declared the best team of the NFL

About the teams:

The Indianapolis Colts

j103bThe Indianapolis Colts made it to the Super Bowl be winning the AFC (that’s American Football Conference) Championship, beating the New York Jets last Sunday.

Their quarterback is Payton Manning – #16

manning_2010_0124_nyj_0853

If you want more information (tons of it!) about the Colts, check out their website:

The Official Website of Indianapolis Colts

The New Orleans Saints

b328nyThe New Orleans Saints won the NFC (that’s National Football Conference) Championship, beating the Minnesota Vikings.

Their quarterback is Drew Brees – # 9

drew-brees

The Saints website also has tons of information so you can check it out:

The Official website of New Orleans Saints

About the Show:

logo_target1And then there is something called The Halftime Show – and it is always, always awesome. This year – it will feature The Who – and you will want to watch it for sure. Lat year, 150 million people watch the halftime show in 230 countries around the world.

For those of you who may not be quite familiar with The Who, check out their official website for more information:

Official website of The Who

About the NFL:

And now you could probably use some football talk – some intelligent and correct terminology. Some time ago, I have ventured into the typically male part of this football world and created

abc_blocks-150x150

OF

nfl_logo-150x150

Here is where you can find everything you need to know about football and about playing football:

The ABC’s of NFL

I hope you will find all this information interesting and helpful – and as always, I welcome your comments, suggestions and experiences! Oh and P.S. GO SAINTS!

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Old Fashioned Hot Cross Buns Recipe

January 20, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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hotcrossbunsfrontI am posting this recipe so that you can give them a test run before Easter holidays – which is when these are traditionally served. You may think that they are too difficult to make – but try this recipe and you will be surprised!

Old Fashioned Hot Cross Buns:

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup of milk
  • 1 package (1/4 oz.) of active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon of granulated white sugar
  • 3- 1/2 – 4 cups of all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of candied fruit and peel mix
  • 1/4 cup of raisins or currants

Egg wash:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon of milk or cream

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup of confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream


Directions:

1.      In a small saucepan or in the microwave heat the milk until lukewarm .

2.      Add the yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar and stir to combine.

3.      Set aside for about 10 minutes or until the yeast is activated and is foamy.

4.      Meanwhile in the bowl of your electric mixer, combine the flour, brown sugar, spices, and salt.

5.      Once the yeast is foamy, add to the flour mixture and beat to combine.

6.      Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

7.      With the mixer on low, gradually add the butter, mixing until the butter is incorporated and the dough comes together. With the dough attachment, knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).

8.      Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and, by hand, gradually knead in the candied and dried fruit.

9.      Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough once, so the top is lightly greased.

10.   Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and place in a warm spot to rise until it has doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).

11.   When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down, and divide into 12 equal pieces.

12.   Form each piece into a small round ball and place on a parchment lined baking sheet (Place three buns to a row, four rows altogether. They should be spaced so they have enough room to double in size.)

13.   Make an egg wash of one beaten egg with 1 tablespoon milk, and brush the tops of the buns with the wash.

14.   Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and place in a warm spot until almost doubled in size (about 30 – 60 minutes).

15. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F .

16.   Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash again and, with a sharp, lightly greased knife ,make a cross in the tops of each bun.

17.   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the buns are nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

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Fresh Herb Bread Recipe

January 17, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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herb-bread-1This bread is great for just about anything – make a sandwich from it or use it warmed up for dinner. You can change herbs as well when you make it – depending on what you like. And if you want to make it extra special, add about 1/2 – 3/4 cups of cheddar cheese, cut into little cubes! And the bonus here is that this bread is very easy to put together and the aroma of it, when it is baking is wonderful!

Fresh Herb Bread:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 package of regular or fast-acting dry yeast (about 2-1/2 teaspoons)
  • 1-1/4 cups of water
  • 2 tablespoons of shortening (or room temperature butter or margarine)
  • 2 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh or ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves
  • ½ teaspoon of chopped fresh or ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine at room temperature, if desired

Directions:

  1. Spray the bottom and sides of 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray
  2. In a large bowl, stir 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt and yeast with wooden spoon until well mixed. In a 1-quart saucepan, heat the water on medium heat until very warm. Add the water, shortening, parsley, rosemary and thyme to the flour mixture.
  3. Beat with electric mixer on low speed for 1  minute, stopping frequently to scrape batter from sides and bottom of bowl with rubber spatula, until mixture is moistened.
  4. Beat on medium speed for about 1 more minute, continuing to scrape the bowl.
  5. With a wooden spoon, stir in the remaining flour until smooth.
  6. Spread the batter evenly in the pan, using rubber spatula to scrape batter form the bowl. Round the top of loaf by patting it with floured hands. Lightly spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray; cover the pan loosely with the plastic wrap, sprayed side down.
  7. Let rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
  8. Remove plastic wrap.
  9. Move oven rack to the middle oven position and heat oven to 375F.
  10. Bake for 40-45 minutes until top of the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped with finger.
  11. Immediately remove the loaf from baking pan to a cooling rack, placing the loaf top side up.
  12. For a softer crust, brush top of loaf with 1 tablespoon of butter.
  13. Serve warm or cooled.

Hope you enjoyed this bread recipe – I will welcome your comments, suggestions and experience – thanks for sharing!

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Kosher Salt Encrusted Prime Rib Roast

January 15, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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prime-rib-roastIf you enjoy prime rib roast – here is a great recipe for you! I just tried it last weekend and it was delicious!

Kosher Salt Encrusted Prime Rib Roast:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups coarse kosher salt
  • 4 pounds prime rib roast
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 210 degrees F
  2. Cover the bottom of a roasting pan with a layer of kosher salt.
  3. Place the roast, bone side down, on the salt.
  4. Season the meat with the ground black pepper and seasoning salt, then cover completely with kosher salt.
  5. Roast in preheated oven for 4 to 5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145 degrees F.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes.
  7. This sets the juices and makes the roast easier to carve.

(Note: Be sure to remove all the salt from the roast before serving.)

Hope you enjoy using this recipe – please send in your comments and suggestions – your input is always very much appreciated!

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All About Kittens

January 13, 2010 in Animal Care by Hanna Trafford

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kittensChoosing a kitten is an important decision as you will be bringing a new member to the family home. Before deciding on definitely getting a cat, honestly answer the following questions:

1.      How much time do we have to spend with a cat or kitten each day?

2.      Kittens need much more play-time and socialization than adults cats do. Am I willing to clean a cat’s litter box every single day?

3.      Do I want an indoor or indoor/outdoor cat?

4.      What sorts of predators live in our area that could hurt an outdoor cat?

5.      Can we afford to feed and care for a cat? This includes high quality cat food, vaccinations from a vet, and an emergency fund.

Choosing Your Cat: If you have honestly answered the key questions and have decided that a cat is for you, congratulations! Now you have to decide where to find your new cat. Do you want to visit a breeder or go to a shelter where lots of kittens and cats are waiting to be adopted?

What to Feed your Cat: Feeding your cat a high-quality mixture of wet and dry food is ideal. That way they can get the best of both types; many cats do not drink enough water and will get some through the wet food, and dry food can be left out for ‘free feeding’, assuming the cat is not overweight.

How to Train Your Cat: Training your cat should not be very difficult – most cats and kittens will be litter box trained before coming to your home. You will have to have toys for kittens to play with as they can become destructive if left alone and bored.

Having Your Cat Spayed or Neutered: As with all animals, cats should be spayed or neutered before they reach six months of age which is about the age they reach puberty. You will want to ‘fix’ your cat not only because it will help keep your pet safe as male cats will do almost anything to get to a female in heat, but it can also help keep your cat from getting cancer later in life.

Once you decide that a cat is what you want for family pet, give consideration to its temperament and health. If you decide that you want a pet you can show or breed, talk to a reputable breeder to make sure it will meet the breed standards. And on important thing to remember is not to buy a kitten form breeder who will not show you the mother.Lot of people will go visit a shelter to get their kitten – if you do, look for a kitten with bright and shiny eyes, glossy coat, clean bottom and alert demeanour. Make sure the ears are clean, nose cool and damp without any nasal discharge with pale pink mouth and gums.

How To Feed Your Kitten:

c14

Choose wholesome, high-protein food and make sure your kitten has constant supply of water. Kittens will need to eat more often than adult cats – here is a guideline:

  • Age 3-5 Months: 5 to 4 meals daily
  • Age 6-8 Months: 3 to 4 meals daily
  • Age 9-12 Months: 3 meals daily
  • Kittens should be feed canned or fresh food as part of a balanced diet with quality kitten dry cat food from a reputable manufacturer left down at all times to graze on. Your reward for feeding your kitten a well-balanced diet is a healthy beautiful adult cat.

Training Your Kitten:

cat-training-box

It is very important that your new kitten is fully aware of where the litter box is. In a new environment, the kitten may not be able to find the littler box alone – especially in a home with two or more floors and several rooms. Good idea is to restrict the kitten to one area for a few weeks and only allow him into other areas when under supervision.

Once you allow your kitten to run around freely, keep a watchful eye and keep returning the kitten to its litter box in regular intervals. If you are living in a very large house with multiple floors, it is advisable to have a litter box on every floor.

When your kitten first arrives home, it is advisable to use the same brand of litter that he is used to. Once you are sure that he knows where the litter box is located, you can change the brand if you wish. And your litter box needs to kept clean at all times – cats will quickly find an alternative if the box is not cleaned daily.

Getting to Know Your Kitten:

funny-pictures-kitten-says-hello

All you have to do to establish a relationship with your kitten is to be patient – it will take a few days or even a few weeks. Kittens need time to bond and your patience will be rewarded!

For the first few weeks, it is a good idea not to let your kitten run around the house unsupervised when you are not there – put the kitten in their own designated room with their litter box, food and water. Also make sure your new kitten has a comfortable bed or basket to sleep in with some toys to play with. If you are gone most of the day, it may be worth considering to get two kittens – they provide a playmate for each other and won’t be lonely. And keep your kitten indoors at all times – it will take quite a while before he will be ready to cope with the dangers of outside life!

Hope you do decide to give a home to little kitten! I have one – not a kitten anymore but a cat who is now 14 years old and just keeps acting like a kitten! I can’t imagine not having him in the house, keeping me company and more often than not – entertaining me with his actions. His name is Biscuit – my sons named him when we also had another cat, whos name was Cookie…. You get the pattern here? Mama’s baking reflects in just about everything! Here is picture of Biscuit and I will be very happy to get your stories and experiences or pictures of your favourite pets!

biscuit-2

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Crock Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe

January 12, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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minestrone-soup

Here is another easy-to-put-together crock pot recipe – this soup tastes great the day it is made and will freeze nicely as well for later, ready-to-eat dinners. If you put it together in the morning, you will have a great dinner in the evening. Serve it with a sandwich or fresh bread – it is very filling to be a meal of its own!

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of Zesty Italian dressing
  • 1 cup  of chopped onions (1 medium)
  • 1/2 of cup chopped celery (1 stalk)
  • 1/2 cup  of chopped carrots (1 medium)
  • 1 can (19 fl oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can  (19 fl oz.) of red kidney beans, drained, rinsed
  • 2 cans (10 fl oz. each) of vegetable broth
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning
  • 1-1/2 cups  of small pasta shells, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1       Heat dressing in large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat.

2       Add onions, celery and carrots; cook 2 min. or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

3       Spoon into slow cooker.

4       Add tomatoes with their liquid, the beans, broth, water and Italian seasoning; stir. Cover with lid.

5       Cook on low for 6 hours (or on high for 3 hours).

6      Stir in pasta; cook 10 to 15 min. or until pasta is tender.

7       Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.

Hope you enjoy this recipe and send in your comments, suggestions and experiences – your input is always welcomed and very much appreciated!

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All About Slow Cooker

January 9, 2010 in Household Hints by Hanna Trafford

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slowcookerIf you are dreaming about dinners that cook themselves, you can make that dream happen really easily! Using slow cooker to take care of your family’s meals is a reality. Just a few minutes early in the day and all is taken care of. Your slow cooker will tenderize your meats and vegetables, blend your flavours and your dinner will be ready when you are.

It becomes a very welcomed helping hand!

Slow Cooker Tips

What to do to make the best of your slow cooker:

  • You can prepare all ingredients the night before and refrigerate them overnight. You can put them together in the stone bowl from your slow cooker and in the morning, simply place bowl in heating base and turn on to desired setting to cook.
  • Slow cookers can be plugged into any socket in a safe spot to save a little more kitchen space and as much as your slow cooker will stay on for a few hours, it is electrically economical. It requires less energy to cook the same recipe in a slow cooker than on the stove or in the oven
  • Your slow cooker does not brown the meat. If you prefer the look and taste of browned meat, quickly stir-fry it before adding to the slow cooker.
  • Use less tender cuts of meat such as stewing beef, shank, blade or brisket, as they won’t dry out with this moist heat method of cooking.
  • Cut your vegetables into same-size pieces so they cook evenly.
  • If you are using frozen vegetables, add them 30 minutes before serving.
  • Root vegetables will take longer to cook than meat, so place vegetables on the bottom and meat on top.
  • It is best to use fresh or whole herbs and spices in the slow cooker due to the long cooking time. Ground spices and herbs tend to lose their flavour.
  • To convert a traditional recipe into a slow cooker one, reduce the liquid by 50 percent and increase the cooking time (1 hour in the oven equals about 6 to 8 hours on LOW in the slow cooker).
  • Taking the lid off your slow cooker, even just to give it a quick stir, drastically reduces the heat and extends the cooking time. Only lift the lid if instructed to do so in the recipe.
  • Meat reaches temperatures of up to 190°F in the slow cooker and is therefore a perfectly safe method of cooking. Be sure to follow the temperature and time specified in the recipe.
  • A slow cooker should never be pre-heated. Simply put the stoneware container in the slow cooker base, cover and set the temperature.
  • To speed the cleanup, spray the inside of the slow cooker with no stick cooking spray before filling with ingredients.
  • Do not add cold water to slow cooker immediately after use as this could cause it to crack. Either add warm soapy water or let the slow cooker reach room temperature before cleaning.
  • Don’t fill it up. Your slow cooker should be one-half to two thirds full. If it’s too full, it will take too long to start simmering. If it’s not full enough, you risk overcooking.
  • Customize it. If you want to thicken the juices or concentrate flavours, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for the last 30 min.
  • Stick to the cooking time. Slow cookers work by simmering food at a low, even temperature, so adhere to the recipe.

I am a big fan of my slow cooker – easy, tasty meals can be made with minimum effort and time requirement, followng an easy recipe. I will be posting specific slow cooker recipes – subscribe and stay tuned!

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Old Fashioned White Bread Recipe

January 8, 2010 in Recipes by Hanna Trafford

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breadslicedMaking your very own, homemade bread is not a difficult task – all it takes is a little extra time and a good bread recipe.

But the irresistible aroma and fresh-baked taste is totally worth it!

When you take this task on, please remember, that it does take a little practice – especially in the shaping step – but doing it few times will take care of that challenge and even a misshaped home baked breads taste great!

As to the process – I have done a previous post about Homemade Bread and you can get the information at:

How to Make Homemade Bread

Check out this Step-by-Step How to Make White Bread Recipe and try it – you won’t be sorry!

Old Fashioned White Bread

Ingredients:

  • 6 to 7 cups of flour
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of shortening
  • 2 packages of regular or fast-acting yeast (4-1/2 teaspoons)
  • 2-1/4 cups of water
  • Cooking spray to grease bowl and pans
  • 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine, melted
  • Additional butter or margarine at room temperature if desired

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, stir 3-1/2 cups of flour, the sugar, salt, shortening and yeast until well mixed.
  2. In a 1-1/2 quart saucepan, heat the water on medium heat until very warm  – add it to the flour mixture.
  3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, stopping frequently to scrape the batter from sides and bottom of the bowl with rubber spatula, until flour mixture is moistened.
  4. With a wooden spoon, stir in enough of remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough is soft, leaves sides of the bowl and is OK to handle. It may be a little sticky.
  5. Sprinkle flour lightly on the countertop or large cutting board.
  6. Place dough on floured surface and knead by folding toward you, then with heels of your hands, pushing dough away from you with short, rocking motion. Move dough quarter turn and repeat. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes, sprinkling surface with more flour of dough starts to stick, until it is smooth and springy.
  7. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray.
  8. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease all sides.
  9. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place 40 – 60 minutes or until it had doubled in size. Dough will be ready if indentation remains when you press your fingertips about ½ inch into it.
  10. Spray the bottom and sides of two 8×4 or 9×5 inch baking pans with cooking spray.
  11. Sprinkle flour lightly on your countertop or large cutting board. Gently push your fist into the dough to deflate it. Pull the dough gently from sides of the bowl and place it on the floured surface.
  12. Divide the dough in half.
  13. Using your hands or rolling pin, flatten each half into 18×9 inch rectangle. Beginning at the 9 inch side, roll the dough up tightly, pressing with thumbs to seal after each turn. Pinch edge of roll to seal ends, then fold under loaf.
  14. Place each loaf, seam side down in a pan.
  15. Brush loaves lightly with melted butter, cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place 30-35 minutes ot until dough has doubled in size. Remove plastic wrap.
  16. Move your oven rack to a low position and heat oven to 425F.
  17. Bake 25 – 30 minutes or until tops of loaves are golden brown and loaves sound hollow when tapped with a finger.
  18. Immediately remove from baking pans to a cooling rack, pacing loaves top sides up.
  19. For a softer crust, brush tops with room temperature butter, using pastry brush.
  20. Cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

I am really hoping you will enjoy making and most importantly tasting this fabulous old fashioned white bread! Let me know how it worked out for you – your comments, suggestions and experiences are always welcomed and very much appreciated!

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Top 50 Household Hints

January 6, 2010 in Household Hints by Hanna Trafford

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7c71e671-f014-4f33-b906-ab0c9ebe01c0img100I love collecting, recording and sharing household hints and tips! Lots of times, my eyes just open wide and all I can say is: “Oh – really???” and then go a try the helpful information I just found. And here I am sharing 50 hints I like – and I promise to keep more coming!

Top 50 Household Hints:

1. Save money by buying the least expensive dishwasher soap, then add a few teaspoons of vinegar to the dishwasher. The vinegar cuts the grease and leaves the dishes spot-free and sparkling.n

2. Keep an empty soda bottles handy, in case you need a hot water bottle. Jusat fill it up with hot water, wrap in a towel and there you go!

3. To slow the tarnishing process of silver, place a piece of chalk in your silver chest or drawer. The chalk will absorb moisture and your silver will not tarnish so quickly.

4. If you place bay leaves in all your kitchen drawers and in the flour and sugar containers, you will keep any crawling critters away.

5. Nice can’t stand the smell of fresh peppermint – so plant it around your house or put some oil of peppermint on a piece of cloth and place it in locations you suspect the mice may be visiting.

6. For a quick ant kill, mix 2 cups of borax with one cup of sugar in a quart jar. Punch holes in the lid and sprinkle around the outside of your house.

7. Another way to get rid of ants is to pour Ivory Liquid Soap around where they are. The apparently is the only soap that works.

8. Empty ketchup of mustard containers are great for decorating cakes or cookies.

9. To unclog plugged drain, try using a cup of salt mixed with a cup of baking soda – no liquid. Pour the dry solution into the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water.

10. To raise the nap of carpeting after heavy furniture has matted it down, place one or two ice cubes on the area overnight. In the morning the carpet should be back up.

11. To remove most coffee stains from fabric, mix egg yolk with warm water and apply until the stain is gone.

12. Corningware cookware can be cleaned by filling them with water and dropping in couple of denture cleaning tablets. Let stand for 30-45 minutes.

13. When postage stamps have stuck together, try placing them them into the freezer for about 10 minutes – they should come apart without damaging the glue.

14. Any cloth material that has chewing gum stuck to it can be placed into the freezer. After about an hour the gum should break off easily.

15. If your white socks are getting dingy, place them into a pot of water, add 2 pieces of lemon or a teaspoon of lemon juice and soak for about 10 minutes. Then wash as you normally would.

16. To keep your pizza crust crispy, try placing the cheese on before the sauce.

17. To save leftover wines, freeze them in ice cube trays. They can be used for any dish you would season with wine or can be also used in coolers.

18. Cottage cheese can be used in place of sour cream when making dips. Just place it in the blender until it is creamed.

19. Cream cheese can be coloured with liquid food colouring as a filler for dainty rolled sandwiches. Try a different colour for each layer and slice as you would a jelly roll.

20. Freeze red and green maraschino cherries in ice cubes. You can also do this with cocktail onions, mint leaves or green olives for martinis.

21. To remove a cork from inside of empty wine bottle, pour some ammonia into the bottle, set in well ventilated location. In a few days, the cork will be gone.

22. You can make your own Easter egg dyes – boil the eggs with grass for green, onion skins for yellow and beets for read.

23. For attractive individual butter servings, squeeze butter through a pastry bag or plastic beg onto a cookie sheet, set in refrigerator to harden.

24. If red wine is spilled on a carpet, it can be cleaned with shaving cream, then sponged off with water. Club soda also works.

25. To fancy up the top of a cake, cookies or pie, try placing a wide-patterned doily on top, then sprinkle powdered sugar over it and remove.

26. To peel thin skin fruits and vegetables easily, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water, let stand for one minute then peel with sharp paring knife.

27. For an easy dressing for fruit salad, try a grated orange rind and orange juice added to sour cream.

28. Raisins won’t stick to the food chopper of they are soaked in cold water for a short period of time.

29. Cream won’t curdle when pour over fruits if you add a pinch of baking soda with the cream before serving.

30. If you add a small pat of butter when cooking fruit for jams and jellies, you won’t have any foam to skim off the top.

31. If you have a problem with fruit jellies not setting, place the jars in a shallow pan half filled with cold water, then bake in moderate oven for 30 minutes.

32.   To make ripe olives taste better, soak them overnight in olives, place them in a brown be oil with a clove of garlic added.

33.   To ripen fruit, place it in a brown bag in a dark place for a few days.

34.   If citrus fruits are warmed in the microwave or warm oven for a few minutes, they will yield more juice.

35.   Toss freshly cut fruit in lemon juice and it won’t darken. The juice of half lemon is enough for a quart or two of cut fruit.

36.   Cook cranberries only until they “pop”- further cooking will make them bitter. And always use a teaspoon of butter to each pound of cranberries – it will eliminate overboiling and excess foam.

37.   If you allow grapefruit to stand in boiling water for a few minutes, it will be easier to peel.

38.   Salt will make grapefruit taste sweeter.

39.   If you sprinkle lemons with water and refrigerate them in a plastic bag, they will last a month or more.

40.   Oranges that need to be peeled for dishes should be soaked in boiling water for at least 5-7 minutes before peeling. This will make it easier to peel and remove all the white pulp.

41.   To ripen a pineapple, cut off top, remove skin and slice. Place in a pot and cover with water, sweeten to taste, boil for 5 minutes, cool and refrigerate.

42.   To prevent soggy salads, place an inverted saucer in the bottom of the salad bowl. The excess liquid will drain off under the saucer and the salad stays fresh and crisp.

43.   When cooking onions or cabbage, boil a small amount of vinegar in a pan to remove the odours.

44.   If you sprinkle salt into the water when you are washing vegetables, it will draw out insects.

45.   If you cook your vegetables with a small amount of milk, it will bring out more colour

46.   Use a well-greased muffin tins to bake tomatoes, apples or peppers. They will keep their shape better.

47.   When making pickles, cut off ¼ inch from each end. The ends contain enzymes that may cause the pickles to soften.

48.   Pickle juice should be saved and used for making coleslaw, potato salad, etc.

49.   To revive limp asparagus, try placing them in a tall pot with ice water in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

50.   To ripen avocados quickly, place them in a wool sock and set in a dark place.

Hope you have enjoyed reading these tips and as always – your comments, suggestions and experiences are most welcomed and very much appreciated!

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by Hanna Trafford

All About the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions

January 5, 2010 in Featured Articles by Hanna Trafford

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new-years-resolutionI don’t really understand why people do it, but for a lack of better words, I will tack it to tradition. Yes – New Year’s resolutions are definitely a tradition – and maybe it just makes us feel better that we are actually doing something about things we would like to change.

I am reading and hearing a lot about Top 10 New Year’s resolutions and I do have to wonder just how many people actually make – and keep! Hope not 10! Then I thought – let’s take a look and first see what the most popular New Year’s resolutions are and give it a thought to see just how many a person really should make.

I know you are probably wondering if I made some resolutions for 2010 – but I have to admit that I didn’t. As traditional as it is, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I will tell you the reason – but I think that after you finish reading this, you will probably know anyway.

First – let’s take a look at the 10 Most Popular New Year’s resolutions – and I am adding my comments to each one:

1. Spend More Time with Family and Friends

Kind of too bad that this needs to be a New Year’s resolution – you should always spend all the time you can – especially with your family. Personally, I don’t need this one and let me give you a tip: Keep imagining  that you wouldn’t have your family, that they would be gone forever and think what it would feel like and what you would be missing if you couldn’t spend time with them. But – In a way I understand that some people need to make a conscious effort to allocate their time to being with their family and friends – I hope it works for them and I hope it will change into something they don’t have to make a resolution for.

2. Get into Better Physical Shape

Again – nice resolution and it is known fact that you need to be truly motivated and in the right emotional state to really mean it. I didn’t need to make this resolution either – I am motivated and have been for a while now. As you get older, it really, really becomes harder to lose weight and get into better shape and you have to understand that you have a long trek ahead of you. A really long trek – let’s just call it a permanent trek, because it has to be. Once you get this through your head – making it a resolution is useless. My motivation? I am facing a major surgery and my desire to get into better shape comes from understanding that I will heel faster and get back into normal life a whole lot faster if I lose weight and get more fit.

3. Lose Weight

Apparently the most popular New Year’s resolution.  And a good one without an argument! But also one with a comment: It should really read – change the way you eat, drink and live to make healthy eating a permanent way of your life. I don’t have to tell you that going on no-eating, depriving yourself, etc. trips is no way to do it. Personally – I have “discovered” the one that works for me – I have joined Jenny Craig program last year and it really helped me! I have gone off the program couple of time – but guess what? In the process of being on the program, I have learned to control my portions and automatically stay off foods that are definitely no good for me. So the program changed the way I look at food and all I can say is: Thank You Jenny!

4. Quit Smoking

Another pressure filled one! There is a person on the face of this Earth that doesn’t know that smoking is no good for you. But – so are a tons of other things and I say: Try to quit but do it if you want to! Adding this resolution to your list for the New Year is just one more pressure and stress point that you probably don’t need. So think about it and do it WHEN YOU ARE READY!

5. Enjoy Life More

This one has me totally flabbergasted! Can you imagine wanting to enjoy life less? Do we really need to put this one on the list? The way I see it is that it cannot possibly be defined in a more nondescript way. If that mean that you would be walking with a permanent smile on our lips looking happy than I ask “WHY?”Of course you and all of us need to enjoy life more and that means pretty much taking all the New year’s resolutions listed here and living them every day as a matter of standard! So take a quick look back, write down things that made you unhappy and then – don’t do them! (yes I know I am pretty much quoting Dr.Phil again – but it is worth it: If it doesn’t work for you – stop doing it!)

6. Quit Drinking

Definitely, definitely, definitely a good move! If you have a situation in your past where you have – and not just once – been in a state that you don’t recall what you said or did, please think carefully about how excessive drinking can ruin your life. And get some help – don’t do it because it is a new year’s resolution – do it because it will save you!

7. Get Out of Debt

Oh yes – and that will work if you have a job, if you make enough to cover more than your necessary monthly expences, if you are healthy, etc. etc. Definitely a good possible New Year’s resolution – depending on your situation. If you are stretched beyond limits already, perhaps it should read: Don’t get deeper into debt or Do your best to manage debts – with the focus of seeing the light at the end of that financial dark tunnel. Baby steps here are recommended so it doesn’t get worse!

8. Learn Something New

Personally, I really don’t need this one – but maybe you do. Understand one thing – learning something new and then using it is one of the best ever experiences you may have. I greatly admire those 80-90 year old who graduate from universities! And it is for just because they want to keep learning, keep living. Amazing! I think if you make this a New Year’s resolution and than go and learn something new and say: OK, now I have kept my resolution – you are way off the track! Know what I mean?

9. Help Others

Please don’t sit there thinking only about what charity you should contribute to or what group you should join! This thing again should be a way of life! Help you neighbour clear snow of  their driveway, help an senior lady unload her grocery cart into her car, volunteer in your local hospital…..start with small things and understand just good you feel each and every time you help someone. And please – make this a way of life for you – if you at all can, spread the message of helping each other around – that is the right thing to do!

10. Get Organized

If you are not organized then get to it! But understand that you first need to determine what is “organized” for you. What it means. Some people feel organized with piles and piles of files on their desks (I had a lawyer like that once and I was amazed just quickly he could locate information from them!) Others have a spotless desk as a norm – it really is up to your standards so work on those first. Same with your house – some people have surroundings fit to be photographed and featured in a magazine – personally, I like the “Live In”feeling – clean mess I call it. I kind of like things at my fingertips – if you know what I mean. Definitely a choice of preference on this one.

OK – so these are the top 10 New Year’s resolutions with my comments. Do you know why I don’t make my own? I am at the age where I really focus on loving every day. I do have bad days – some with physical, some with emotional pain – just like everyone else. But focusing on the good things and feeding off those work well for sure.

One advice for the New Year:

Enjoy Life with all its ups and downs and if you don’t already know it -

Make it Your Everyday Resolution!

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