June 7, 2006

Maple Cream PuddingScald 1 3/4 cups milk with the maple syrup in the top of a double boiler. Combine the remaining milk with the cornstarch and salt. Add gradually, stirring constantly, to the hot mixture. Cook 15 minutes, then add this to lightly beaten egg.

 

Chocolate Almond CookiesBeat butter and 1 cup sugar in large bowl until fluffy. Add egg, almond extract and vanilla; beat well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating to form smooth dough.

 

Sausage Cheese WrapsHeat oven to 400 degrees F. Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Press each biscuit into 5 inch round. Spoon sausage and cheese onto center of each biscuit.

 

Vanilla Pudding MixMix all ingredients together and store in airtight container. Heat and stir constantly while boiling, cool then add 1/2 tsp. vanilla.

 

Sloppy Joe Supreme for 2Heat oven to 400 degrees F in small bowl, stir together bisquick mix, 1/2 of shredded cheese, water and egg white. Set aside. Cook ground beef, drain. Add tomato sauce, ketchup and salt. Heat over med heat, stirring occasionally.

 

Hearty LasagnaIn a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic in oil until meat is browned and onion is tender; drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt and pepper.

 

Are bugs bugging you this summer? Mosquitoes love people who eat bananas, so you may wish to avoid bananas during mosquito season. A bonus tip: tuck a scented fabric softener sheet (unused) in your pocket or somewhere on you and you will be less bothered by bugs...

 

Making Moist CakesTo make a moist cake use pudding in your recipe or use low fat milk.

 

Keeping Kids Busy at ChristmasThis tip is for entertaining children at Christmas time while I am trying to put the finishing touches on the meal and before we open gifts. I take 2 large posterboards and tape them from the back side. Then I draw a Christmas tree on the front complete with trunk. ..

 

Travel Tips for Finger Lakes Region, NY - Frugal...Travel guide for Finger Lakes Region, NY. There are over 70 wineries in the area, many offering free tours and tastings. Pack a picnic lunch and hike the Finger Lakes Trail or explore many of the bike trails in the region. There are also many state parks to visit.

 

Snoopy Theme BedroomBe creative and don't be afraid to try something new and different.

 

Paperclip BookmarkA paper clip works well as a bookmark, especially if you are carry books in a bag or backpack. The paperclip won't fall out the way a loose bookmark can.

 

Breed Information: BriardThe Briard is a large, muscular French sheep dog who is referred to by his many admirers as "as heart wrapped in fur." This brave and loyal breed is devoted to his family and makes a wonderful companion for children.

 

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?This can be a terribly disgusting and frustrating experience for a pet owner. The last thing you want to see is your sweet pup taking a "Tootsie Roll" out of the cat's litterbox and chowing down and then coming over for some slobbery kisses!

 

Bird on the PierI wanted to share this picture that I took of a bird that was sitting on the pier on our Florida vacation.

 

Growing Tidy Tips (Layia Platyglossa)Tidy Tips are a wildflower native to California. They are more often grown in the gardens of England than in the United States.

 

Breed Information: BasenjiCommonly referred to as the "barkless" dog, the Basenji is a short haired, finely built hunting dog from Africa. This fox-size breed has long legs for its height, muscular thighs, a tail that curls off to one side and is known for its furrowed brow.

 

The Cleansing Flowers Of The Chamomile...Chamomile is one of the few herb plants that is not used in cooking. It offers many other rewards, though, than just its delicate yellow flowers and ground covering capabilities.

 

Growing Flowers for My WeddingI want to grow my own flowers for my wedding next summer, preferably perennials. which I would start growing right away. I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for what kind of flowers would look best if you grew them yourself.

 

Daylilies: Growing & Collecting the Perfect...When I moved to my present home, I inherited a big, unruly bed of faded orange daylilies. For a while I contemplated getting rid of them, but the bed was large and well-established and it seemed like a lot of work.

 

Dragonflies: Dinosaurs of the GardenDragonflies arrived in the garden more than 300 million years ago-a mere 70 million years before the earliest known dinosaur. With expert hunting skills and the ability to fly at speeds over 30 mph, it's not surprising that their species have been able to achieve such longevity.

 

Growing HollyhockThe hollyhock is a relative to the hibiscus. Children adore making dolls out of hollyhocks. Use a flower for the skirt. Use a bud to top the skirt with a head (attach with a toothpick) and put another flower on the head to serve as a bonnet.

 

Sand Dollar Plant MarkersUsing a dried sand dollar and a piece of debris from your yard, make a wonderful plant marker the color of your plants!

 

Buying Bread at the Discount BakeryWith 3 kids, we go through bread quickly. It can get expensive buying at the convenience store or the grocery store. I have started to buy bread in bulk at the discount bakery ...

 

Madison Ann (Clydesdale)Madison Ann is 5 weeks old and a Clydesdale. She was born on the farm on April 10th. She likes to run, play, and act like a human.

 

When should I plant my Easter Lily?I just got a white Easter Lily today and I was wondering when I should plant it. Do you have to wait until fall or can you plant them now? It's still got some flowers and green leaves. Do I have to plant it when the top turns brown? Also after I do plant it, will it come back year after year?

 

Something is Eating the Leaves of My Plants?Something is eating my tomato plants, leaves, stems, stalk and all right down to ground. What could it be and how can I prevent it? I do live 10 miles from town.

 

Pet Accident on Microfiber?I have a red microfiber chair. I just got a new kitten. The kitten went to the bathroom on the chair. It did not stain, but I can't get the odor out of the chair. Still the smell lingers. What else can I do?

 

When does a Muskogee Crape Myrtle flower?I just purchased and planted a Muskogee Crape Myrtle. It has no leaves on it yet. When should it start and when do the flowers start appearing?

 

Traveling With Plants?Is it safe to clip my plant before I move? He is very long and viney and I think he would be easier to transport if he was smaller, is there any way to do this safely? Any tips for car travel with plants, other than taking him out to give him air to breathe whenever we stop?

 

Ornamental Pepper Plant Seeds?I am looking for seeds for ornamental pepper plants. I can't find anywhere.

 

Fatsia Japonica with Burn Marks on the Leaves?I've no idea what gardening zone I'm in but we have mild winters and mild summers - not much difference between the two it seems! My problem is a fatsia japonica which has developed what looks like cigarette burns on the leaves. Anyone have an idea what would cause this?

 

Uses for Sippy Cups?What are your ideas for using retired sippy cups?

 

Preventing Gnats In The Kitchen!I was at the grocery store a few days ago and noticed gnats buzzing around the onion bin. I've seen them near bananas, but this sighting was a first. Is this a no win situation? What do you do to keep the gnat population down?

 

Transplanting Spy Apple Plants?I have just obtained two Spy Apple plants. They are about three feet in height in the pots. Please advise me on transplanting.