Recipes for Non-Cooks

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New Uses for Old Things

I use the carboard box part of the Velvetta cheese boxes as a pen, colored pencil, marker, notepads, household stuff, nuts and bolts, hair pins,sharp knives, EVERYTHING... EVERYWHERE IN THIS HOUSE.
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Elise uses the straight tall glass olive bottles for her paint brushes.
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I like to make flavored oils with garlic, onions and peppers for cooking. These work well for this also.
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The small glass jars from tartar sauces or horseradish sauces make a wonderful baking soda container for the bathroom. My family brushes their teeth at least twice a week with straight baking soda and peroxide. These also make a nice sized jar for Glen's dressings and/or salsas for his lunch.
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The big plastic bottles from the liquid soaps? Or gallon milk jug? These can be made into plant starters. A few rocks and a small hole or two in the bottom placed on an old pizza pan...you have an herb garden or starter flower/veggie garden.
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Old cake pan's work well in the garage as a drip pan...or as a cat's box.
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Worn out, stretched out clothes lines (not wire ones) make good tie-downs for a short trip.
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Old style heavy draperies you plan to discard make a good tarp for a short road trip or tarping in sheds and garages.
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Paper grocery bags make wonderful easy book covers for school...Or, if you wish to wrap something in brown paper.
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I have made Holloween masks out of the DRYER LINT for many years.

Note from McClug:

Those are great ideas, Dianne. Here are a couple more:

Stuff plastic produce or grocery bags into an empty Kleenex box. Remove one at a time when needed.
Store the boxes containing plastic sandwich bags, rolls of tin foil, plastic wrap and the like upright in the slots of a cardboard six-pack container that once held beer or soda bottles.
Use flat bottomed coffee filters in place of little bowls or ramekins when cutting up small quantities of ingredients for stir-fry etc. When you are done just throw the filters in the trash. Paper cups can be used as well. Nothing to wash afterwards,

dianne11323

6/7/2004

Drying Salad Greens

I saw someone do this once but I had forgotten about it because Ihave a salad spinner, but if you don't have a salad spinner, just put your washed greens in a plastic grocery bag lined with lots of paper towels. Twist the top of the bag closed tightly, then spin it around your head in a loop like a lasso. The greens will be perfectly dry and ready to use...

...they will also be very dizzy.

McClug

6/13/2004

Preserving Scallions

Here's a good tip a friend told me about and I found that it is absolutely true!

Scallions go soft rather quickly, but you can preserve them longer by cutting off the roots and trimming the tops to fit in a jar. Rinse the scallions and dry well before placing in the jar. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator. The onions will keep for weeks. (According to my friend you can also store them in a sealable plastic bag with a little air in it, but I haven't tried it that way.)

McClug

6/13/2004

Substitute for Oil

I received this bakers' tip today in my e-mail from http://www.worldwiderecipes.com.

The equivalent volume of applesauce can be substituted for oil when baking. Buy the small "snack packs" of apple sauce, and invariably one tub has enough for one batch of cookies or brownies, etc. The lack of oil will not be noticed, and baked goods come out moist and healthier!

Noncook, Dianne, replied on 6/17/04:

This is very true.. If baby food applesauce, carrott's, squash, sweet potatoes, are on sale.. These work also.. Not as well as a fat replacement.. Yet.. They do work for a small serving cake when the bigger can's are too much.. I always have some on hand for cake's or cookies.. Squash bundt cake is a favorite around here..

Chucky adult style applesauce is great for almost everything!!!

I usually add a little more spice than the recipe calls for..

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These also are a great treat for an eldery person who might have trouble swollowing or chewing.

I use to give Flora a toddler style fruit as a dessert all the time.. SHE LOVED IT!!! AND, THE EXTRA VITAMIN'S MEANT FOR THE LITTLE BODIES WORK GREAT FOR THE ELDERLY ALSO!! The same with her main meal's.. A few noodles/potatoes/rice mixed with a couple of jars toddler's whatever as an entree.. A few added spices her stomach could handle, yet, remember, these are made for delicate young tummies.... The eldery tummies can be just as delicate.. Just the right size for a single serving of something.. Bake whatever or mircowave.. (I usually baked it in her own baking dish so she felt as if it was home cooking..)

McClug

6/15/2004

Kitchen Disinfectant

This tip was sent to me via E-Mail today:

For a disinfectant in the kitchen, try a spray bottle filled 1:1 with water and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant. It can be sprayed on wooden cutting boards and left to dry; on counter tops and faucet handles. It can even be sprayed directly on food, such as meats, or vegetable that might have been handled by others in the store. It has no odor or taste, does a great job of loosening stuck-on stuff on counters, and is perfect for cleaning the cooked-on splatters in the microwave. It disinfects, deodorizes, and doesn't need to be rinsed off. And it is inexpensive; less than $1 for a large bottle that lasts a couple of weeks.

This is Dianne's reply to the above:

I use Perixode for alot!!

No need for the whitening toothpastes in this house.

All our kids have learned to rinse their mouths with STRAIGHT PERIXODE before and after a short brushing and flossing. Repeat with a nice gentle brushing and yes, another flossing.. I ASK THEM TO DO THIS ONLY ONCE A WEEK.. Yet, I know WE ALL use only baking soda and perixode for DAILY CLEANING.

Perixode will also KILL ALL THE GERMS IN YOUR MOUTH AND BETWEEN YOUR TEETH.

If you need a flavored something.. Use a good toothpaste as your final brushing, POLISHING, CLEANING..

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I keep a small container of paper towels soaked with PERIXODE in my purse at all times.. Wipe the cupboards down with these as I change them .. A VERY small plastic container with a sealed cover works great.. Layer good thick paper towels in, POUR STRAIGHT PERIXODE OVER TO SOAK COMPLETELY.. Change every week or so.. Use for cut's and scrapes as needed..

McClug

6/17/2004

Clarifying Stock

Here's an easy way remove "scum" to make crystal clear stock:

Wrap a large metal spoon in a double layer of cheesecloth. Then skim the spoon around the surface of the stock. The residue will cling to the cheesecloth. When cloth is saturated, rinse the spoon under water and skim the stock again. Works great!

From Salvador Razo of Birmingham, AL via "Cuisine" Magazine, December 2001 http://www.CuisineMagazine.com

Reply from dianne11323:

An addtion to the stock tip..

Get idea, by the way!!

I do this all the time..

HOWEVER..

I PLACE THE WRAPPED SPOON AND CHEESCLOTH IN FREEZER FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE I DIP IN. RINSE, PLACE IN FREEZER AGAIN..

If you have more time, It's best to place your cooled container of stock in fridge. When ready to heat. SPOON THE SOLID FATS OFF..

For a good fat-free stock.. DIP THE CHEESECLOTH AND BIGGEST SPOON YOU HAVE IN SEVERAL TIMES.. Better yet.. use more than one..

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You can also use a turkey baster for collection. A bit harder to get just the fat off the top, Yet this will work.

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THE FROZEN SPOON ALONE WILL ALSO WORK IF YOU SIMPLY TOUCH THE TIP OF THE STOCK.. SLOW IS THE METHOD OF MOVEMENTS FOR THIS.. THE BIGGEST SPOON YOU HAVE.. WITH HOLES!!!!!!

McClug

6/19/2004

Family Party

A great family gift for a BIG PARTY..

A retirement or shower also..

Local Bedding stores.. ( I find the ones I use at our Target here in town.. Around $70.00 for the single quilted HEAVY BEDSPREAD.. You will know what I mean.. NO FLUFFLY STUFF!! EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO WRITE ON THIS PIECE OF FABIRC!! FLAT!!!)

I ALWAYS PICK THE CREAM COLORED ONES..

BUY PERMANENT SMALL TIPPED MARKERS IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT COLOR'S.. Have extra DARK COLORS...

EVERYONE WHO COMES TO THE PARTY..

SIGNS AND ADDS A SPECIAL WORD OR TWO!!! ( Remind everyone.. THE PEN'S ARE PERMANENT...

We made one for Flora for her 90th birthday..

WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT. She has this with her at the Home now..

I had one made for my parents. Together as a 40th Wedding quilt, and separate birthdate. What GIFTS THESE ARE!!! I have all these and often hug them, everyone..

My cousins have done this for their parents also.. We have done this for showers.. The type of FABRIC IS COMPLETELY UP TO YOU.. You can make it large enough for a PICTURE FRAME using SHEETS!! Or, as a quilt you will finish off later.. WHAT FUN!! A REAL QUILTING BEE..

dianne11323

6/19/2004

Gift Ideas

An idea for gift giving.

For Bridal shower's:

I buy a cake pan with a cover. Then, go to the spice isle and buy the small containers of spices.. (You know..)Those really small round ones..Fill cake pan with desired spices. Wrap with heavy duty tin foil.

Don't care for the spice idea?

Go to the kitchen isle, Pick out spoons, measuring cups.. You know..

Or, if they are really into Health stuff.. The vitamin isle.

Health food stuff...

Or, the paper isle. Everyone can ALWAYS use wrapping paper, tape, bows...

Personal isle.. If this is a personal shower..

Baby shower? Go to the baby isle and fill up a small waste basket, or small laundry basket..

Your choices are endless. The container's can be small or large...

Instead of BRINGING FOOD to a family after a death..

Think about bringing a supply of paper plates, silverware, cups, glasses, dishes, napkins; pre-packed coffees, hot chocolates, teas for guests and family to use..

Or, sets of CHEAP containers.. FOR LEFTOVERS!!

For a Baby or Bridal shower, Gift for retiring/ relocating worker..

Start a recipe box for Co-workers .

Since everyone should already know of the pending birth, wedding or retirement or move..

Place this BOX in the lunch room or some place everyone will be able to add to it.TELL THE BOSSES TOO!!!

Have a nice supply of recipe cards.. All different colors or just plain ole white ones.. A couple of good pens around for those who might think of something and don't have a pen is nice also..

Allowing the choices to be the givers'.. Ask for SPECIAL MESSAGES, HINTS, TIPS, RECIPES, A PICTURE OF THE GIVER (SIGNED AND DATED, PLEASE..). Make sure everyone knows they are allowed to add as MANY CARDS AS THEY WISH..

Keep the BOX available for everyone for a month or so.. Call those on vacation or leave. Tell them your plans and allow them to send their choices..

When the special date arrives.. Give to the person intended..

A WONDERFUL BOX OF MEMORIES...

dianne11323

6/19/2004

Gifts and Help for the Elderly

For the Elderly.

If they know how to use a PHONE CARD, or have someone who will help them use this..

BUY A PHONE CARD FOR LONG DISTANCE CALLS..

A BOOK OF STAMP'S.

SOME ENVELOPES AND PAPER.

DON'T FORGET THE PENS!!!!

BAGS WITH PRETTY CREPE PAPER FOR GIFT GIVING..

BOXES OF ASSORTED CARDS..

Some of the things Flora got for her birthday this year..

HER FAVORITE MAKE-UP, HAND LOTION, A NEW LIPSTICK, NEW KNEE-HIGH NYOLNS, NEW PANTS SOCKS, NEW GLOVES. Oh yeah, I found a bunch of those nylon scarf thingies she thinks keep that South Dakota howling wind out of her ears.. (WELL.. MAYBE NOT!!) She was so happy to get new scarves!!! She uses them around her neck area and wears to bed to protect her hair.. I also sent her favorite deoderant, face cleansers, and face creams. And, a small spray perfume.

She also got boxes of candy. Be sure to check with the Director if the sweets are okay..

EVERYONE LOVES PICTURES.. BE SURE TO WRITE ON THE PICTURE WHO IT IS AND WHEN IT WAS TAKEN, AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO THE RESIDENT.. The Nurses will be able to tell the resident who it is if they do not remember.. Visitors will also..

If Living in a Nursing Home. Talk with the Director. See if you can add to or set up a fund for the resident.. They can use this for Perms, small treats.. Whatever.. They are only allowed so much money, so a mental note to yourself to call and ask if they might need a little more money every month or so is best. Write this on a calendar every month as a to-do thingy..

The money is MUCH SAfER in the hands of the Director than in the resident's drawers.. Not because the person might forget where it is, but, THEY MIGHT BE STOLEN..

If living on their own..

The gift box with SMALL SPICE SELECTIONS IS A GREAT IDEA.. EVERYDAY USEFUL STUFF!!!

If you know what they use for personal items.. Well, everyone can use these..

Call the cable or power. They are not allowed to give out personal information, yet.. THEY DO NOT CARE WHO PAYS THE BILL!!! OFFER TO PAY SO MUCH ON SO AND SO'S BILLING..

Hire a HOUSEKEEPER FOR A DAY!! COME OVER AND DIRECT THIS PERSON.. A REALLY GOOD HOUSE CLEANING!!!

Carpets and everything cleaned also..

KEEP IN MIND... YOU NEED TO BE THERE ALSO!!

If you see a plumbing problem.. CALL AND PAY FOR THE PLUMBER.. Often times the elderly do not see the water running or hear the toilets running.

dianne11323

6/19/2004

Giving a Shower?

If you do not have space to put on a shower in your home..

Many churches or rec centers have areas to rent for a small fee.

Many people use the Rec center spaces for Graduation parties.. Or, the park shelters.

Either bring your own food or cater in..

Our church has a group of ladies who help for these events.. (I'm one of them..) WE LOVE HELPING for stuff like this.. We will serve your food, Clean up the mess.

Besides.. WE REALLY DO ENJOY GETTING TOGETHER FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A FUNERAL...

An easy shower idea.

Book a party of the person's choice.. Tupperware, Stanley, Pampered Chef..

Get a good idea of Number of invites you will need. Send the CATOLOGUES along with a short invite. Everyone BUYS SOMETHING for the shower and gives to guest of honor..

Have a detailed list of requests from honored person for eeryone to think about.

We did this for a friend and she just loved it.. It was a Stanley party.. She did get alot of NEAT STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Plus she got the HOSTESS GIFTS AND BONUS GIFTS..

We had almost no work involved..

We also did one as a Watkin's party. NO WORK AT ALL FOR THIS ONE.. She made all the food for samplings..

dianne11323

6/19/2004