September 11, 2020

Squash Sardines PancakesSavory pancakes are not just a snack to my small family. We serve them in meals and the best is to pair them with hot steamed rice. This one I'm making is a kid friendly veggie pancake which I invented in my kitchen lab to trick my picky eater kid again! And it worked well.

 

Instant Pot Tortellini SaladThe recipe I saw on my Facebook group had a southwestern salad with corn, black beans and cilantro. I did not have any of those ingredients. However, the idea of cooking tortellini in the instant pot really piqued my interest on this 97 degree day.

 

Apple and Brie Hand PiesMake this sweet and savory dessert in under 25 minutes (if you have a ready to bake pie crust ready to use).

 

Making Flavored MilkMilk is the perfect vehicle for flavoring, whether you use syrups, spices or fresh ingredients. Chocolate milk is a perennial favorite but all sorts of flavors can be used for taste and color.

 

Java RiceA coworker and I once argued about why our rice breakfast is yellow. She's been really curious about the color. I told her it's margarine and butter that made it yellow and she was not convinced. The staff approached us and asked what's our problem and then we both asked what they put on that rice. She smiled and said it was butter and annato seeds. Haha! I won the debate. Lol!

 

Simple Tomato SoupWe have an abundance of tomatoes growing in our backyard. A great way to use up most of the tomatoes is to make tomato soup! I paired tomato soup with with grilled cheese sandwiches, yum!

 

Baked Jalapeño PoppersWith just a few ingredients you can quickly recreate these baked jalapeño poppers! This poppers would be great for appetizers and inexpensive to make (especially if you're growing jalapeños like we are!)

 

Tuna SisigTuna Sisig is usually served in bars because men like to pair it with their cold beers. Also perfect with rice. Sisig means "to snack on something sour" that's why it's always served drizzled with lime.

 

Sticky Fingers Chicken SaladThis is a recipe my daughter passed onto me. It is quick and easy and tasty! A good summertime recipe too.

 

Homemade Hot PocketsUsing a variety of fillings made from "leftover" meat and a few extra ingredients, plus a basic bread dough recipe or frozen bread dough, you can make your own hot pockets.

 

Hearty Stir Fry VegetablesEasy to make hearty stir fried vegetables - lots of nutrients in one colorful dish!

 

Free Leftover SoupEven before the quarantine, I have always had two bags in my freezer; one for vegetable scraps and the other for bones. When the bags are full, it is time to make soup.

 

Potato Broccoli Bacon Cheese StewpThis crock pot wonder is thick enough to be stew, but it's technically a soup!

 

Chocolate Chunk Banana Protein MuffinsI love making these little protein muffins. They are wonderful as a post-workout snack. I also like to have one for dessert as they keep me from waking up in the middle of the night from hunger pangs. When you have them warm out the oven, the chocolate chunks are super gooey and lovely. You can achieve this later on by popping one in the microwave for 10 seconds.

 

Vegan Orange Meringue PieYes, it is possible! Even the meringue part can be made 100% plant based, as well as the crust. And if you don't overcook the 'meringue', it tastes just as good.

 

Cauliflower Cheese CrispsI'd say more than a sweet-tooth, I have a salt-tooth! This can be an issue for someone like me who tends to be more low gluten and low carb. These are an awesomely delicious snack that work well for gluten-free and low carb diets. To compare them to something you might be familiar with, they taste like a more complex, adult version of a Cheez-It cracker. Give them a try!

 

Butterfinger BitesThis quick and easy treat tastes like Butterfinger candybars!

 

No Fat Vegan Pie CrustThere are a few good vegan pie crusts in the link I post below and I may post more than one. This one is interesting because it does work very well as a pie crust but it has NO fat of any kind. It is still good, but not as soft. But if no fat or calorie reduction is important to you, it is good to have this option available.

 

Gluten Free Banana BreadWhen I have extra bananas that are going to get too ripe for eating, I use them to make banana bread or freeze them for smoothies or to just munch on. This is a recipe I got from a friend years ago, when I first found out I had Celiac disease. The bread comes out moist, but not too moist. It is great as a snack or served with ice cream for dessert.

 

Mozzarella Ham Swirl BreadGreat way to use your leftover ham from Easter! This yummy combo reminds me of stromboli. I guess you could dip it in sauce if desired, but it's not necessary. It's moist and delicious to simply slice and eat.

 

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Banana BreadOut of eggs? You can make this delicious banana bread! This is an easy loaf to make for breakfast to serve with fresh fruit or tea/coffee or a nice dessert treat!

 

Lemon-Butter BarsI found this recipe amongst my Mom's old recipes. I just love anything made with lemon!

 

Pomegranate Rosemary ChickenI love using pomegranate molasses with my chicken dishes. It gives off such a unique sweet and tartness that's like no other. Here, I've added a bit of orange juice and rosemary sprigs to round it off nicely.

 

Creamy Broccoli Cheese SoupMy son gave me a slow cooker with a stirring attachment, and I love to play with my new toy. I've made this soup on the stove top, but I don't want to stand over it for 40 minutes, stirring, but it's great in the slow cooker.

 

Cinnamon Raisin Bread RollThis is a great bread roll to serve for breakfast, dessert or as a snack. I especially love eating this cinnamon raisin bread roll with butter, yum!

 

Lemon Jell-O Pound CakeI pulled out some old recipes and stared cooking more foods that are not gluten free. I don't get to enjoy them myself, but my family does.

 

Chayote FriesSee if this works with your children. Mine is a very picky eater so I have to find ways for him to be able to eat vegetables. This one for the nth time is an effective trick for him. I'm glad my innovations work so my boy will eat some veggies.

 

Creamy Cinnamon and Honey MilkHey guys! I'm here to show you this really easy drink that's so delicious that you'll wish you would've made more;)

 

Making Cheese CrispsCheese crisps are a savory snack that is easy to make at home. They are generally made with shredded cheese baked in the oven. Great on salads, in soups or just as a snack.

 

Red, White & Blue PieThis is my husband's favorite. I came up with this pie as a tribute to our daughter while she was serving in Iraq. And yes, that is my photo of my actual pie.

 

Recipes Using SardinesSardines are small fish usually of the herring family, commonly sold in rectangular tins. These are high in Omega 3 and add an umami flavor to all sorts of recipes.

 

Very Berry SmoothieI've been making this smoothie for years now with a few alterations along the way. Not only is it one of my favs because of the sweet berry goodness, but also because it's a perfect post-workout refresher. But wait...there's more! The little hidden addition of collagen adds 11 grams of protein to your smoothie along with too many benefits to list, so here's a snap shot of all that added goodness. Enjoy thrifties!

 

Baked Tomatoes with MozzarellaHere's an easy and tasty way of serving tomatoes. This also doubles as an easy appetizer or snack too - baked tomatoes with mozzarella, basil and dash of black pepper/garlic powder.

 

Fresh Blueberry CobblerThere was a great deal on blueberries at the store, so I made this. I used much less sugar than the 1/3 cup called for to sprinkle on the top. I also used whey from yogurt making instead of the whole milk.

 

Pork Noodle Soup with KaleHere's a tasty and easy lunch or dinner meal for 2 - that is also fairly inexpensive to make. Or, this could be served as a side soup for a family of 4-6.

 

Sautéed EggplantHere is quick sautéed eggplant you can make as a side dish or eat as a main dish. A good option to eat it is with fish sauce dip on the side, or pour over eggplant.

 

Blended Chia Seed PuddingFull of antioxidants, fiber, and protein and so delicious. It is so easy to make and you can add toppings like fruit, nuts and coconut, if desired. Very refreshing in warm weather.

 

Easy Ground Pork Stir FryI've been craving for some fresh vegetables! And it would be great to mix it up with some meat. A mix and match of ground meat and some veggies would be just perfect.

 

Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar GummiesApple cider vinegar gummies are all the rage for health these days. Unfortunately, a month supply that comes in the form of one bottle costs about $20. You can make your own at home for a mere fraction of that. These gummies are awesome for keeping your gut in check and keeping you from always being hungry. I chew on one in the morning with a glass of water.

 

Milo Cake PopsMilo is not just a chocolate energy drink. When you ran out of cocoa, try using Milo. It wouldn't taste exactly the same but trust me it tastes so good. I've tried using Milo for cupcakes. Then I decided to just make it into cake pops.

 

Korean Grilled WingsHere's an easy to marinate and flavorful grilled wings. You can serve this as an appetizer or make for a main dish with rice. You could also bake this if you wanted too.

 

Seasoned Mozzarella Parmesan Baked CrispsWant a quick and tasty snack? You can make these mozzarella parmesan seasoned baked crisps. They also make a great appetizer to pair with some marinara sauce too!

 

Recipes Using MiloMilo is a drink powder containing chocolate and malt, similar to Ovaltine. It was original created in Australia and is popular in SE Asia, South America and parts of Africa.

 

Honey Curry ChickenMy mother got this recipe from a TV show. The skin turns a golden mahogany color and it tastes delicious. Easy to make and flexible. You can make a little or a lot.

 

Italian Sausage StewI got this recipe from a friend and then tweaked it to my own tastes. Oh my, this dish is so easy and flavorful!

 

Help Identifying DeskI bought this desk from a friend who runs a resale shop. Have used it for a few years but now need something larger. I'm now thinking of selling it but have no idea how to describe it or its value. (Also considering stripping the paint.)

 

Outdoor Avocado Trees Dying?I have two avocado trees outdoor planted in different locations. One is <1yr the other is >20yrs. Both with direct sunlight. Zone 10a. The trunks on both have randomly turned black about 5" up the trunk to the top. The leaves are dead or dying. One is on drip watering (mature one) and the baby is within a self watering area.

 

Getting Rid of Fleas Inside?We are having an issue with fleas. Both dogs were given Advantage a week ago. We spread diatomaceous earth around the house left it for 24 hours and vacuumed it up. One of the dogs used to sleep with my 10 year old until the fleas started.

 

Obtaining Fleece for Charity Project?How may I get fleece donated to make hats for needy children and the homeless. Our community service classes would like to make hats that require little sewing to keep people warm during the winter months.

 

Replacing Whole Wheat Macaroni with Rice in Dog Food Recipe?I make my dogs food at home, the recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of dry, tiny, whole wheat macaroni. To replace it with white rice how many cups of dry rice I need?

 

Trying to Find Raymond Waites Botanique Wallpaper?I am looking for a Raymond Waites wallpaper, Botanique ivory. Is this still available and where can I purchase it?

 

Home Decor Business Name IdeasI'm looking to start up a home business selling homemade decor. I would be selling items such as acrylic/resin art, macrame wall hangings, etc. My style is Boho, so I'd be looking for a name that fits with my theme.

 

Pekin Ducks Not Sitting on Eggs?I have 3 female pekin ducks and 1 male. The three ladies have all been laying eggs for many weeks, but will only sit at night. They are also using the same nest and up to 25 eggs will be clumped together, but since there are so many a lot will start breaking.

 

Reprocessing Canned Tomatoes?I am reprocessing my tomatoes because I didn't water bath can them long enough. The tomatoes are still very hot in the 4 jars. Do I need to add more citric acid to the jars or will the original amount be enough? I have poured all 4 jars together in one pot to reheat again.

 

Information about Sylvania Record Player CabinetOkay so I've looked for hours but no matter how hard I look, I've only been able to find it one place. I have a 1971 Mediterranean Sylvania record player cabinet (style sc378p) but the only place I can find it is a 1971 Sylvania brochure. I need to know how rare it is, what it's worth if it's worth anything, and where I can go to either restore it or buy parts for it. It's made of oak walnut and it's supposed to have a Garrard 3500 automatic turntable 4 speed. Whatever information you can get me where I can get parts, what it's worth, anything like that, please let me know.

 

Caring for a Baby Zebra Finch?My baby zebra finch hatched on 8/5/2020. Both parents seemed to have neglected the baby and I believe they are picking at him/her. I see the back of the babies neck is a little irritated as though they are pulling his/her feathers. Is it too soon to separate from the parents to a different cage?

 

Age of Bassett Chest of Drawers?Hello all, I recently bought this Bassett chest of drawers and I'm trying everywhere online and cant find one like it. I was wondering if you could help me identify what year it could have been made and what it might be worth. Thank you