December 21, 2007

Vegetarian/Vegan PateThis is something I always bring at potlucks where there will be meat-eaters present. It's always a HUGE hit and I get asked for the recipe every time I bring it. For those who think vegetarians only eat "rabbit food", this is one sure way to convince them otherwise! :D

 

Carrot PieCombine milk, 1/2 cup sugar, egg yolks, carrot, vanilla and salt - mix and beat well. Pour into pie crust and bake like custard in a moderate oven.

 

Christmas Cranberry TorteThoroughly cream sugar and shortening. Sift flour with salt, baking powder and soda. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Add nuts, dates, cranberries, and orange rind.

 

Bread Crumb CookiesSave your breadcumbs! This recipe (adapted from The Tightwad Gazette) won my children ribbons at the county fair when they were preschoolers.

 

Kraut SproutsChop fine and then put all ingredients in a large bowl

 

Flower Pot BreadThese homemade flowerpots of bread are fun and functional, and after dinner, guests can take them home. Be sure to use unpainted and unglazed lead-free flowerpots. This is a great recipe for gifts!

 

Easy Cookie CrustThis is an easy pie crust that tastes like a cookie. It was my mom's.

 

Easy Microwave FudgeI found this recipe on the internet. It is the best fudge I have ever had and so easy. It is made using Hershey or Nestle's chips. and a can of cake frosting.

 

Craft: Stocking Cap OrnamentThis is a recycled kids craft. The little ones can really get into this craft, and make something pretty to hang on the tree. Supplies are few.

 

Cheese Grater Holiday DisplayTake cheese grater, the older the better. Wind the pine stem that you buy for about $2.00 at craft store and bend around handle of grater. Take the holly berries picks and wrap them around stem of pine.

 

Recycled Cookie TinHave you ever been to a yard sale or thrift store and seen a great tin and you knew it would be just the right size to fit that special present, but the tin was decorated with advertising.

 

Apple Slice Brown Sugar FixPut a slice of apple in the brown sugar, it will soften up within a day. Leave the apple slice in the bag to keep soft.

 

Recycled Magazine Christmas TreeUsing an old magazine and some tea bag envelopes, you can make a very unique Christmas decoration.

 

Birch Bird Feeder Or Candle HolderThis is not only a good gift idea for bird lovers (like me), but also for homebound/seniors that enjoy watching the birds.

 

Living Simply Year RoundI know this isn't a "Nuts and Bolts" description of frugality but this is how I feel with the holidays approaching. The older I get the more I realize that living as simply as possible is not only frugal, but good for the spirit.

 

Use Lemon Juice In GlazesIf you make a glaze, try using lemon juice instead of milk in the recipe. It is great on banana bread, pumpkin bread or just about anything you use a glaze on.

 

Helpful Hints for Great GravyI agree that good gravy must start with flour that is slowly browned in the pan drippings (fat only!) before adding your liquid to thicken. Another helpful hint when making really good gravy is to use a slotted spoon.

 

Tube Sock SnowmanTo start the snowman's body, take the sock and make sure it is actually a "tube" sock (it should be straight with no bend for the heel and foot).

 

Thank You for Your Thoughts and PrayersIn June of this year my mother was diagnosed with cancer. She had surgery and chemotherapy. I posted on this site asking for help about prayer, angels, chemo problems, etc. You always came through with sound advice, encouragement, and prayers.

 

Tatted SnowflakeTatting pattern booklets are available in the craft sections of stores. This snowflake is a simple one.

 

Felt Christmas Treat HoldersMake Christmas treat holders out of felt. One is a mouse and the other is a stocking. Use a candy cane for both items. The hook on the candy cane makes the mouse's tail.

 

Lady (Border Collie/Blue Heeler) and EndoLady and Endo are both about 11 years old now. Lady is border collie/blue heeler mix. Endo is of so many, I cannot list them here. Both were rescued from horrid conditions. Lady in January 1998. Endo in July 1997.

 

Keeping Tuna Salad from Being Dry?What do you put in your tuna salad? I put 2 cans of tuna, 2 eggs, mayo and a little sugar. However, I ordered a tuna sandwich from a restaurant yesterday and it was delicious. Mine is usually kind of dry. Do you know what the secret ingredient is?

 

Could My Dog Have Postpartum Depression?My American Pitbull has just had 7 beautiful pups. It has been one week. Since the day after her delivery, she has been aggressive towards me. She has shown teeth and has tried to nip me. My girl pal and I have always been close. However, she has not been herself. Is it possible she has postpartum depression or am I missing something? Got any ideas? She's 3 yrs. old and this is her 1st litter.

 

Recipes for Meat Pies?Does anyone have any really good meat pie recipes?

 

Suggestions for Disposing of Dog Waste?Disposing of dog waste. Any suggestions?

 

Do You Use Baking Powder With All Purpose Flour?When a recipe calls for flour, but does not say all-purpose or self-rising, do you have to add baking powder to the recipe when you're just using all-purpose flour?

 

Keeping Turkey from Drying Out When Reheating?I am making a large New Year's dinner and am making as much as I can ahead of time. I cooked the turkey today and put the breast meat unsliced in the freezer. What I would like to know is the best way to reheat it on New Year's day without it being dried out.

 

Rebate and Coupon Publications?Does anyone know of any rebate or couponing newsletters still in publication?

 

Peanut Butter Fudge Not Hardening?How can I salvage Peanut Butter Fudge that has not hardened?

 

Removing Dog Hair from Curtains?I need help in getting white dog hair off of my full-length navy blue curtains. My dog perches himself on the low front window ledge to watch the world go by, and therefore the curtains are COVERED with his hair.