Breakfast Cupcakes

Linda Tylke Curren

BREAKFAST CUPCAKES

This is a really easy dish to prepare, and it looks so darn cute! It is also a great dish to serve on a buffet table because each serving is completely self-contained and can just be picked up and popped on a plate.
1 20 ounce package pre-shredded hash brown-style potatoes
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 tablespoons flour
1 small sweet onion, coarsely grated
2 thick slices deli ham, chopped into small bits (about 1 cup)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 dozen eggs, scrambled*
chives for garnish
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F., and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Mix the first eight ingredients together in a large bowl. Spoon potato mixture into each prepared muffin cup until about 1/3 full. Gently press the potato mixture down in the middle and up the sides of each cup. Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. If the nests have puffed up too much in the center, scoop out a little with a teaspoon. Spoon a few tablespoons of scramble eggs into each nest and top with chives.

Apple Praline Bread

Carl Barbaro

Nothing like bread...especially Apple bread...baking in the oven on a winters day. The house smells wonderful! And this bread is to die for!

It is a KEEPER!!!! So tasty!

Apple Praline Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
1 cup nuts (walnut or pecan or a combo), divided

For the praline sauce:
¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup butter

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Set aside. (I used stoneware loaf pan for perfect cooking)

Using an electric mixer, beat together the sour cream, sugar, eggs and vanilla on low speed for a couple of minutes until well blended. Stop the mixer and then add in the flour, leavening agents and salt. Continue to beat on low until well combined.

Fold in the apples and half the nuts into the batter. Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan.
Sprinkle the rest of the nuts on top and then press them lightly into the batter. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool in the loaf pan for about 20-30 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. So it doesn't get too dark, I suggest using a light colored loaf pan.

For the praline sauce:

In a small sauce pan, place the butter and brown sugar. Using medium heat, bring to a boil. Lower the heat and then simmer lightly for about one minute, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and then drizzle over the bread. Cool completely.

Mexican Chicken

Juanita Jean Fissenden

MEXICAN CHICKEN
1 pound boneless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Seasoning for Tacos
Salt, to taste
1/2 cup enchilada sauce
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
3 green onions, chopped

Sprinkle the chicken on both sides with taco seasoning; grill or sauté. Cut the chicken into cubes and place in a greased 8x8" baking dish; season with salt to taste. Add the enchilada sauce and toss to coat the chicken. Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken and bake at 350º for 10-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Scatter the green onions over the top.

Makes 4 servings
Can be frozen

Homemade Mosquito Trap

Health Matters

HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP:
Items needed:
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 gram of yeast
1 2-liter bottle

HOW:
1. Cut the plastic bottle in half.
2. Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.
3. Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
4. Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.
5. Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosquitoes are also drawn to the color black.)

Change the solution every 2 weeks for continuous control.

Sunflower-Potato Bread

Renee Risinger Ferguson

Sunflower-Potato Bread: 
1-1/4 Cups Warm Water; 
3 Tbs butter; 
1/2 cup Instant Potato flakes or buds (we use the canneries); 
1-1/2 tsp salt; 
1 cup whole wheat flour (I use White Wheat); 
3 Tbs sunflower seeds (use them raw-no salt);
2 cups Bread flour; 
3 Tbs brown sugar; 
2 tsps active dry yeast.

You put all the wet ingredients in first, then the dry. I switch the flours and use 2 cups wheat and 1 cup bread. Costco carries White Wheat.

I "cheat" and use the "dough" setting on our bread machine - EASIEST bread and rolls, EVER!  
Giant Book of Bread Machine Recipes is my Go-To for all my recipes - hasn't failed me yet!

Crisp Cucumber Salsa

Mary Hendrickson

Crisp Cucumber Salsa:
Note: 1/4 cup is only 16 calories!

2 cups finely chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomato
... 1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 jalepeno pepper, seeded and chopped
4-1/2 tsp minced fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
1/4 c reduced-fat sour cream
1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
Tortilla chips

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin and seasoned salt. Pour over cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Pizza Balls

Courtney Luper

Looking for a quick idea for dinner this weekend? The kids will LOVE IT!

♥ PIZZA BALLS ♥

Ingredients:

3 cans Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (10 ct)
60 pepperoni slices (2 per biscuit)
Block of cheese (Colby/Monterey Jack or Chedder)
1 beaten egg
Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
1 jar pizza sauce

Directions:

Slice cheese into approx. 28 squares. Flatten each biscuit and stack pepperoni and cheese on top (Like in the picture) Gather edges of biscuit and secure on top of the roll. Line rolls in greased 9x13 pan Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 18 to 20 mins. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping. ENJOY!!

Fat Flush Water On the Go

Franchesca Simmons

OK.......So a few days ago I posted the FAT FLUSH RECIPE!!
So for those of you that work, have busy lives, busy kids or busy school schedules,
TAKE THE FAT FLUSH ON THE GO!!!

Make the Recipe in Water Bottles.......Place In the Refrigerator and Just Take 2 or 3 Out to take with you, if you know you won't be home for long periods of time!!!

NEED THE RECIPE AGAIN??? HERE IT IS:

The longer it sits, the better it tastes. You can eat them as well but they are intended as flavoring and still work, so that is a personal choice. The Vitamin C turns fat into fuel, the tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, and the cucumber makes you feel full. Try it for 10 days and see what you think!

Ingredients per 8 oz serving

Water
1 slice grapefruit
1 tangerine
½ cucumber, sliced
2 peppermint leaves
Ice – as much as you like

Directions
Wash grapefruit, tangerine cucumber and peppermint leaves. Slice cucumber, grapefruit and tangerine (or peel). Combine all ingredients (fruits, vegetables, 8 oz water) into water bottles.

Close Cap Tightly, Shake, Put In The Fridge Over Night, Take Out a Few Bottles for the Next Day & Enjoy!

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Carl Barbaro

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

1 pkg Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 stick of butter
1 clove of minced garlic
1 pint of heavy cream
1 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper

Make Pasta to your liking.
In a sauce pan over medium heat – melt butter and add garlic and cook for two minutes, then add in heavy cream and cream cheese and heat until bubbling, but do not boil.
Add in Parmesan Cheese and mix until the cheese melts.
Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste (you don;t need to use all of this, do to your liking).
Mix the hot sauce into the noodles and serve. Just like Olive Garden. {copy cat}
recipe found at Budget Savvy Diva

 

Baked Zucchini

Gregg Howard

Low carb!...YES!! talk about yummy!
SIMPLE EASY SIDE DISH...

Slice the zucchini in half. Slice off the bottom to keep in stable. Brush with olive oil and top with garlic or garlic powder. Top with sliced tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste. Use mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese or mixed blend.. Bake 375 for 20 to 30 minutes until soft.

Snickers Cake

Linda Dougherty

SNICKERS CAKE

1 box devils food cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar Smucker's hot caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 snickers candy bars, chopped
1/3 cup peanuts, chopped
caramel sauce
chocolate sauce

Bake cake in a 9x13-inch pan according to direction on the package.

While cake is baking, mix condensed milk and hot caramel topping until well blended. When the cake is done and while it's still hot, poke holes in it with a fork or straw. Pour milk mixture over the cake. Allow cake to cool completely. Sprinkle chocolate chips over cake.

In a chilled bowl, whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip on high speed of an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes. Stir in chopped snickers. Spread over cake. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over cake. Drizzle caramel and chocolate sauce on top. Chill.

Salt Water Taffy

Karen's Kreative Cooking

SALT WATER TAFFY

1 c. sugar
2/3 c. water
2 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. flavoring-Vanilla extract
3/4 c. light corn syrup
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. salt
Food coloring of your choice

Grease a square 8x8x2 inch pan with butter. Mix together in a saucepan the sugar, water, corn syrup, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until candy thermometer reads 256 degrees. Remove from heat at once. Stir in desired flavoring and salt; pour into a well-buttered pan. Allow candy to cool. When candy is just cool enough so that you are able to hold it in your hands, pull taffy until it is light in color and stiff. Add food coloring if you like, now. Continue pulling until the candy is cool and is difficult to stretch. Pull into 2-inch strips, cut and wrap in strips of waxed paper, twisting ends in different directions. Makes 1 pound candy.

Glow Bubbles

This sounds like a lot of fun. But I'm not sure just how safe the contents of the glow sticks are.

I just looked up the FAQs at http://www.glowstickfactory.com/pages/Glow-Stick-FAQ.html

For those concerned about safety:
What happens if I get the chemicals on my clothes?

With normal use this is not an issue, but if you happen to puncture the outer tube and get fluid on your clothes simply wash with warm soapy water. In case of accidental spillage: 
* Skin/Body - wash affected area with water.
* Clothing - Wash stained area with warm soapy water and  allow soaking for 24 hrs if stain remains dry cleaning is advised.
* Contact with skin or eyes may cause temporary discomfort. Eventlink does not recommend products be broken or liquid poured onto skin. Our products are safe for all users though we recommend that children under 5 must have adult supervision. Do not puncture or split open.

Note: Do not bend activated glow sticks any more; excessive bending may break the plastic tube what will result in leakage.

Are glow sticks safe?   

The liquid light source is non-toxic, no heat or harmful radiation is produced. Contact with the eyes or ingesting of the fluid should be avoided, as irritation will result. There is also the possibility of allergic reaction, please keep in mind that under normal use you will never come in contact with the fluid. 

Safety Note:

*The activated liquid even though non-toxic may contain tiny shards of glass which may cause injury should the light stick be punctured or split open. The liquid can permanently stain clothing or furniture and can cause skin or eye irritation. Some light stick products may contain small elements, posing choking hazards.

**Light sticks are not suitable for children under 5 years of age without adult supervision. Do not puncture or split open.

Do you have a question about glow sticks that we didn't cover?  We will answer any questions you have about glow sticks and if your question is interesting enough we will include it in our FAQ with a "sumitted by Shopper U." notation.  Contact Us.

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Kelli Miller

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

8oz pkg. cream cheese
8oz. Pepperjack cheese, shredded
1 1/2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded
8 flour tortillas
cooking spray
shredded cheddar cheese
green onions, for garnish
sour cream
salsa

Stir together cream cheese, Pepperjack cheese and taco seasoning.
Fold in chicken.
Divide among flour tortillas.
Tuck in sides, and roll up each tortilla.
Lay seam side down in a sprayed 9x13" baking dish.
Spray tops of tortillas with cooking spray.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Turn chimi's over, and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Serve with cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and salsa.

Chicken Salad Croissants

Foodie TV

Chicken Salad Croissants

Ingredients:

3 chicken breast, flattened
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 stalk of celery, diced
1/2 small white onion, diced
5 hard boiled eggs, diced
1 3/4 cups Mayonnaise (may need more of less. I used 1 cup Dukes and 3/4 cup Helmans)
1/4 cup sweet relish
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more if desired)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon onion powder (plus more if desire)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (plus more if desired)
salt to taste
Butter Bakery Croissants

Cook chicken in a skillet with the broth and seasonings. Let chicken cool before cutting into small pieces and adding the rest of ingredients. Refrigerate and let cool. Fill Croissants with chicken salad and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Hillbilly Recipes.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 3/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1 cup (6 oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 large egg, beaten
1 (14 oz.) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

HEAT oven to 350°F. Combine oats, brown sugar, flour, baking powder and baking soda in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in peanuts.
RESERVE 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture. Stir egg into remaining crumb mixture. Press onto bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
BAKE 15 minutes.
STIR together sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter in small bowl until well combined. Pour evenly over partially baked crust.
STIR together reserved crumb mixture and chocolate chips. Sprinkle evenly over peanut butter layer.
BAKE an additional 15 minutes. Cool. Cut into bars.

Lemon Blueberry Bread

LaDonna Langley

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Ingredients for the bread:
1-1/2 cups + 1 tbsp all purpose flour, divided
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1-1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

Ingredients for the lemon syrup:
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar

Ingredients for the lemon glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x5" loaf pan, dust with flour, and tap out excess.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla, and oil.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. In a separate bowl mix the blueberries with the 1 tbsp of flour and then gently fold them into the mixed batter.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake 50-55 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean.

Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the loaf is cooling, combine the lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until sugar is dissolved, and then continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Use a toothpick to poke holes in the tops and sides of the warm loaf and brush with the lemon syrup. Continue to brush the loaf until all of the syrup is added.

To make the lemon glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice and pour over the top of the loaf. Let the lemon glaze harden before serving.

Sausage Potato Casserole

Kitchen to Kitchen

behold, an oven pan laden with delicious food (a LOT of it) that is cost-effective, EASY EASY EASY, and delicious. when i say “easy” here, i don’t mean “for the beginner cook” easy. i mean any blithering idiot can make this.


this recipe will serve 3-4 adults, or one bachelor again and again.


1 package (at least 1 lb) of your favorite sausage links (Johnsonville, generic smoked sausage, whatever you like. i used polish sausages, 4 to a pack)

4-5 decent-sized potatoes (i prefer Yukon gold or red bliss)

1 small jar banana peppers

1-2 bell peppers, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

3 tbsp olive oil (yes, it has to be OLIVE oil)

salt & pepper

*optional — 2 tsp dried rosemary (bachelors, ignore this. your salt and pepper will be fine. i know that asking you to procure olive oil was already a stretch.)
*optional — 3 tbsp creole seasoning

make it:

spray a large baking pan w/ nonstick spray (make sure there is at least a small “lip” that provides a “side” to the pan, don’t use a flat baking sheet.

slice sausages into thin rounds, about 1/5″ thick. if you know how to slice using a “bias” cut, do that. if not, don’t worry about it.

cut potatoes into 1/2″ chunks

slice onion and pepper into strips

place all ingredients on baking sheet and drizzle oil over. use your hands to toss everything together in the oil, making sure everything feels coated.

add salt & pepper and spices (if using)

top w/ sliced banana peppers

bake at 400 for about 30-35 min, until potatoes are tender

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Foodie TV

JALAPENO POPPER DIP

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup mayo
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (half Monterrey Jack, half Cheddar)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chillies
1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapenos
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (yes another 1/2 cup)
1/2 stick of butter, melted

Directions:

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a mixer or food processor and blend until smooth.
You do NOT need to drain the cans of chillies or jalapenos.

Spread the dip into a greased casserole dish.
I used a large pie plate.

In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and melted butter.

Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over the dip and bake
in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes.

You want the top to get browned and the dip
to be heated through and bubble gently on the edges.

You do NOT want to over-bake this dip.
The mayo will begin to separate and leave you with a greasy mess.

Homemade Therapeutic Ice Packs

Tammi Armbrecht

This is amazing and works great! I have made two of them.

Common Household Tips & Tricks

Lisa Brickett THIS IS LONG BUT SO INFORMATIVE!!!!! Most people are watching their dollars and working off a budget to make ends meet. Many are also now looking for natural alternatives to live a more wholesome and chemical free life. Following are a few ways in which you can have both of the above. These uses are becoming more prevalent and are easy to do it yourself. So, here are great easy uses for common household items to make your life more chemical free and your wallet a little fatter. SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND VISIThttp://tinyurl.com/cbleox5 FOR MORE AWESOME TIPS! 1) Toothpaste: Buff a CD/DVD Apply toothpaste to a cotton ball and wipe the disc. Wash with water afterwards and you’ve got a brand new disc! 2) Cornstarch: Untangle Knots Sprinkling cornstarch into tough knots, such as shoe laces helps loosen them. 3) Walnut: Buff Dings out of Wood Furniture Get rid of unsightly scratches and dings on wood furniture by rubbing a walnut on the areas. The blemishes will vanish quickly and your furniture and pocket book will be saved. 4) Club Soda: Make Your Breads Fluffier When baking, where recipes call for water, add club soda instead to make pancakes, waffles and any other breads fluffier. 5) Salt: Keep Windows Frost Free Pour a cup of salt into a liter of water. Sponge the liquid onto the inside of window to prevent frost from forming during the winter months. 6) Rubbing Alcohol: Remove Permanent Marker Dab the surface that has the permanent marker on it with a cloth or cotton ball covered in rubbing alcohol to make it disappear quickly. 7) Chap stick: Stops Bleeding When Nicked Shaving Cut yourself shaving? Just swipe some chap stick over the cut to stop that constant bleeding. No more tissue squares! 8) Apple Juice: Removes Dandruff Don’t ask how it works, but it does! Instead of buying a special shampoo, just wash your hair in apple juice to rid your scalp of pesky dandruff. 9) Aspirin: Get Rid of Armpit Stains on T-Shirts Grind up an aspirin tablet or two, then make a paste out of it using water, lemon or vinegar. Spread the paste on the stained area and let sit for an hour before washing. 10) Olive Oil: Make Pets’ Coat Shinier Add a bit of olive oil to your pet’s food to give them a healthier, shinier coat of fur. 11) Newspapers: Clean Windows and Mirrors Instead of using a spray and a streaky cloth, use only newspaper to clean off your mirrors and windows for a streak-free finish. 12) Baking Soda: Remove Bugs from Windshield Mix baking soda with warm water to make a paste. Spread the paste over your windshield for fifteen minutes. Then wipe or spray off with a hose. 13) Bleach: Extend Life of Flowers in Vase Add a few drops of bleach to vase water to prevent the build-up of the slime caused by bacteria. It works just like chlorine in a swimming pool. 14) Kitchen Dish Soap: Flea-Killing Dog Shampoo Kitchen dish soap (not dish detergent) can double as dog shampoo for its flea killing abilities. 15) Coke: Remove Blood Stains from Clothing Soak the stain in coke until the stain is dissolved, then wash the clothing as usual. Wash before the coke dries, though. 16) Honey: Remove Blemish Overnight Have a blemish you need to get rid of by tomorrow? Put a dab of honey on the blemish and cover it up (it’s best to use a Band-Aid) and the honey’s natural antibacterial properties will clean out the bacteria by the morning. 17) Wax Paper: Clean Can Opener Gears Run a few small strips of wax paper through the can opener to clean out of the bits and pieces that have built up in the gears throughout the year. The wax will also rub off on the gears to protect for future use as well. 18) WD-40: Remove Crayons from Walls Use the lubricant and a cloth to remove stubborn crayon marks from the walls just by spraying the wall and wiping with a cloth. 19) Chalk: Keep Ants and Slugs Out of the House Ants and Slugs Won’t Touch Chalk. So, simply draw a line in front of your doorway where you are having problems with these pesky critters and they won’t cross it, meaning they won’t be able to get into your house. 20) Vinegar: Kills Weeds and Helps Flowers Grow Vinegar is a magic wonder when it comes to gardening. It not only kills weeds but they help flowers grow as well. Douse vinegar all around your garden to prevent weeds from popping up and to help your flowers to grow healthy and strong. 21) Mayonnaise: Remove Bumper Sticker Spread mayonnaise on the bumper sticker and let sit for at least thirty minutes. Then, rub the sticker off with a towel, leaving a clean bumper! 22) Tin Foil Ball: Replace Dryer Sheets Permanently Instead of using a dryer sheet ball up one or a few sheets of tin foil and toss it in the dryer. It removes the static electricity from your clothes and one can last up to a year. 23) Banana Peel: Polish Leather Shoes Use the inside of a banana peel to give shoes a professional and natural shine that will last for quite some time. 24) Mouthwash: Cure Athlete’s Foot Pour mouthwash on cotton balls and then swab your feet. The alcohol will disinfect the bacteria completely if you continue this for a week or so. 25) Baking Soda: Clean BBQ Grill Mix a cup of baking soda with half a cup water to make a paste. Dip your brush into the paste and scrub the grill. The caked on pieces and black residue will come off much quicker and using baking soda is much safer and cheaper than using cleaning chemicals. 26) Coffee Grounds: Fertilizer Coffee is full of nutrients and vitamins that are very beneficial to soil. That’s why some people include it in compost piles. If you want to get the most out of your coffee, pour the grounds on areas where you want more grass or flowers. 27) Olive Oil: Shaving Cream The smoothness of the oil can replace the need for shaving cream, and it also provides great moisture. 28) Dryer Sheets: Gets Rid of Static Electricity Use dryer sheets to remove static electricity from things such as clothing, TV screens or your own hair. Tame fly away strands by running a dryer sheet over them. 29) Freezer: Freeze Candles to Make Them Last Longer Put candles in the freezer for at least 2 hours before using. Once you burn them, the wax will melt at a much slower pace, making them last much longer! 30) Two glasses of water: Cure Headache Water is the cure to most common headaches. To make the headache go away quickly, drink two cups of water very quickly. 31) Lemons: Deodorize Garbage Disposal Toss whole slices of lemon into the garbage disposal then run it. The acidity of the lemon will rid your sink of all odors and leave a fresh scent that usually lasts for a few months. 32) Alka Seltzer: Remove Burnt-On Grease and Food Stains When letting your pots and pans soak, throw in one or two Alka Seltzer tablets and the caked on residue from cooking will come off easily when you scrub/wash. 33) Apple Cider Vinegar: Relieve Diarrhea Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into eight ounces of water to soothe your stomach. The taste may not be the greatest, but the antibacterial properties of the vinegar will end the unpleasantness of the bowel problems. 34) Toothpaste: Remove Scratches from Glass Apply toothpaste to scratch, then rub with a cloth until the scratch is gone. Make sure the glass is clean beforehand. 35) Cheerios: Relieve Pain from Poison Ivy, Chickenpox and Sunburns Pound one to four cups of Cheerios into a powder and add to your bath to soothe your skin while you soak. You may not feel relief while in the tub, but you will soon after. 36) Buttons: Sort Earrings Organize your earrings and prevent them from becoming entangled by using spare buttons as holders for each pair. 37) Corn Oil: Prevent Hairballs for Pets Add a few drops of corn oil to your pets’ food to prevent hairballs from forming. The thick oil helps the fur pass through the animal’s system much quicker and easily. 38) Whipped Cream: Remove Gum from Hair There are many remedies for removing gum from hair, but this is a lesser known one. Give it a try rather than peanut butter the next time you’re in need. 39) Coke: Remove Oil Stains from the Driveway Oil stains are very difficult to remove pavement, but one method guaranteed to work is Coke. The highly acidic drink will eat away at the oil until clean. 40) Brown Sugar: Facial Scrub A scrub is good to do about once a month to remove dead skin and bacteria built up in pores and remove excess oil from the skin. Brown sugar does just as well as expensive products and will definitely result in a clearer and smoother complexion. 41) Dryer Sheet: Lint Brush You already know that dryer sheets remove lint in the dryer. Well, it can do the same thing out of the dryer, too. When you’re in a fix, use a dryer sheet. It works just as well as a lint brush, and if you like the scent, it’s an added bonus. 42) Newspaper: Deodorize food containers and Food Drawers in the Refrigerator For that stinky Tupperware or smelly refrigerator drawer that is too much to deal with, toss in a sheet of newspaper overnight before you deal with it. The paper will absorb the smell greatly reducing it or eliminating it completely. 43) Olive Oil: Unstick a Zipper The oil will help the zipper slide more easily, fixing the problem! 44) Salt: Cool Something Quickly You know that feeling when you’re having a BBQ and someone asks for a drink and you realize that no one has put them in the cooler? There’s nothing worse than a warm drink on a hot day. Chill a drink quickly, by adding salt and water to your ice. The drinks will be cold in a matter of minutes; saving your party and making you look smart all at once. 45) Scotch Tape: Prevent Wall from Chipping When Nailing The wall can leave unsightly chips when hammering in a nail. Prevent this by simply placing a piece of scotch tape over the area you’re going to nail. The wall will be held tighter, preventing chips from occurring. 46) Alka Seltzer: Soothe Insect Bites Dissolve two tablets into a glass of water. Then use a cloth or cotton ball to apply it to the affected area. The red will go down and most importantly, the itchiness will vanish usually in fifteen minutes. 47) Lemon: Whitens Whites Add about half a cup of lemon juice to your load of whites to makes them extra white. You can use lemon juice with bleach or detergent, so don’t worry about mixing chemicals with the acidic lemon. 48) Banana Peel: Whiten Teeth This may sound a little odd, but rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth twice a day for two weeks and you will receive the same effect from a teeth-whitening kit. Plus, you’ll save yourself money and the hassle of using chemicals. 49) Hair Dryer: Free Photos Stuck on Pages If you have a photo stuck on a page that you can’t get free, try using a blow dryer on the back of the page. It will loosen the photo from the page and the adhesive holding it there. 50) Banana Peel: Heal Most Skin Problems Bananas are the magical fruit, because they heal many common problems on the skin. By rubbing the peel on your skin, you can heal bruises and cuts and eliminate rashes, itching and warts. Basically if you have a common skin problem, it can be cured by this fruit.I hope you can put some or all of these to good use to save money and make your home a safer environment. There are tons more DIY uses for common household items like these. make sure to share the info with your friends! ♥

Miraculous Thyroid Drink

Juanita Jean Fissenden

MIRACULOUS THYROID DRINK

This tea helps the thyroid perform better.
This tea is delicious! It helps your thyroid work better, give it a try!

RECIPE:
– 1 cup unsweetened 100% cranberry juice
– 7 cups purified water
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 3/4 Cup fresh squeezed orange juice (approx 3 oranges)
– 1/4 Cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (approx1-2 lemons)

DIRECTIONS:
Bring water to a boil; add cranberry juice, reduce heat to low. Add cinnamon, ginger, & nutmeg, stir and let simmer for 20 minutes; let it cool down to room temperature. Stir in orange & lemon juices...Add ice and enjoy!

No-Sugar Cookies

Anita's Celebrating HOME

Healthy cookies
These are great for the kids. NO SUGAR
When you have a sweet tooth and want to stay on track, here's a nice treat. Sugar is NOT an added ingredient.

3 mashed bananas (ripe)
1/3 cup apple sauce
2 cups oats
1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes

thanks Don Colbert for this great recipe

Panda's Orange Chicken

Carl Barbaro

Panda's orange chicken:

Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, chopped into bite sized pieces
1 egg
1½ tsp salt
Pinch of white pepper
2 tbsp oil, divided, plus more oil for frying
½ cup + 1 tbsp cornstarch, divided
¼ cup flour
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tsp garlic, minced
½ tsp crushed hot red chili pepper
¼ cup green onion, chopped
1 tbsp rice wine
¼ cup water
Zest of ½ an orange (optional)
For the “Orange” Sauce

3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp water
½ cup sugar
½ cup white vinegar
Method

In a large bowl, mix together the egg, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of oil. Mix well. Stir in the chicken pieces.
In medium bowl, stir together the flour and ½ cup cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat.
Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or deep fryer to 375°F.
Add the chicken, small batches at a time, and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden crisp (but avoid overcooking the chicken). When done remove the chicken from the oil with tongs and drain on paper towels.
Clean the wok if you used it and heat for 15 seconds over high heat. Lower to medium high and add 1 tbsp of oil.
Add the ginger and garlic and stir try until fragrant, about 10 seconds.
Add the crushed chiles and green onions, then the rice wine, stirring for a few seconds.
Add the orange sauce and bring to a boil.
Stir the remaining 1 tbsp of cornstarch into the water, add this mix to the chicken and heat until the sauce has thickened.
Add the cooked chicken, stirring until well incorporated.
Turn off the heat and stir in the orange zest if using.
Serve over white rice

Lunchroom Lady Iced Brownies

Donna Larson

Lunchroom Lady Iced Brownies**50 yr old Recipe**
1 c butter
1/2 c cocoa
2 c flour
2 c sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp vanilla
1 c chopped nuts.
Pour in 9x13 pan,
bake 20-25 mins on 350.
Check at 20 mins

**Icing*
1/4 c softened butter
1/4 c can milk (regular milk is fine)
1/4 c cocoa
3 c powdered sugar
dash salt
Mix all together & frost as desired.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=547184991982818&set=a.100392103328778.741.100000739650916&type=1&ref=nf

Cleaning Fruit without Chemicals

Pampered Cooking with Rachael

Cleaning Fruit - Chemical-free and EASY!
Fill sink with water, add 1 Cup of Vinegar, and Stir. Add all fruit, and Soak for 10 minutes. Water will be dirty, and fruit will sparkle with no wax, or dirty film. Great for Berries too, as it keeps them from molding. Do this with strawberries, and they last for weeks!

Spring Cleanse

Sue Austin

SPRING CLEANSE ~ YOUR BODY ~ Yes another post about water lol.

But if you really want to cleanse then DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. Here are 8 home made vitamin water recipes to help you keep the water flowing!

As a rule, you should try to avoid as much as possible industrial food and beverages

1) The classical : lemon/cucumber:
Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + 1 cucumber and a lemon, thinly sliced + 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf + 1/3 of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

2) The granite : Strawberry/Lime or Raspberry/Lime
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 6 strawberries / 0r Raspberries and one thinly sliced lime + 12 finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

3) The digestive : Fennel/citrus
First: infuse 1 to 3 grams of dried and crushed fennel in 150 ml of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + lemon juice (put the leftover lemon in the mix) + a small thinly sliced orange + 12 fresh chopped mint leaves + the infusion of fennel seeds. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

4) The antiOX : Blackberry/Sage
Note that a part from the berries, sage leafs is the herb that has the highest antioxidant content.
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of blackberries that have been very slightly crushed + 3-4 sage leaves. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

5) WATERmelon : watermelon/Rosemary
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of watermelon cut into cubes + 2 rosemary stems. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

6) The exotic : Pineapple/Mint
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of pineapple cut into cubes + 12 fresh mint leaves finely chopped. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

7) The traditional : Apple/cinnamon
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of apple cut into cubes + 2 cinnamon sticks + 2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

8.) The zingibir : Ginger/tea
In advance: heat 1 teaspoon of ginger in two cups of tea, let it cool down.

Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water with two cups of the ginger tea + 4-5 pieces of fresh ginger cut into cubes. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.