Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]
Dallas News.com ^ | March 14th, 2008 | DEAN FOSDICK

Posted on 03/23/2008 11:36:40 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny

Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick

Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.

At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."

Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.

A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."

[snipped]

She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.

"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."

(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...


TOPICS: Food; Gardening
KEYWORDS: atlasshrugged; atlasshrugs; celiac; celiacs; comingdarkness; difficulttimes; diy; emergencyprep; endtimes; food; foodie; foodies; free; freeperkitchen; freepingforsurvival; garden; gardening; gf; gluten; glutenfree; granny; lastdays; makeyourownmixes; mix; mixes; naturaldisasters; nwarizonagranny; obamanomics; operationthrift; prep; preparedness; prepper; preps; recipe; stinkbait; survival; survivallist; survivalplans; survivaltoday; survivingsocialism; teotwawki; victory; victorygardens; wcgnascarthread; zaq
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 2,221-2,2402,241-2,2602,261-2,280 ... 10,021-10,039 next last
To: TheLion

Thank you for the information, I can’t use sprays or poisons of any kind, other than those expensive ant feeders of poison.

This place is about 50 years old and must have been built on an ant hill.

I have written the name down, and will ask for some of it.


2,241 posted on 04/22/2008 9:43:54 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2230 | View Replies]

To: yorkie

Do animals know more than we do?<<<

Yes, I think so.

Look at how smart the Police dogs are.

LOL, can you ‘smell out’ a doper or killer, I cannot.

I think animals are braver, they will fight to the death, even roosters..........we bought a small collection of a woman’s big chickens, when we turned them loose, the existing rooster, took on the new one..........they fought until one was on the ground and looked dead to us.

Bill picked him up and put him in the back of the pickup, for dealing with later and after a period of time, he came out of the coma and was ok, but he stayed away from the other rooster.

On the border, it is a part of this thread, in the fact that so much of our troubles today are related to what crosses that border.

It is one of the little worries that we must all be aware of, no not the real Mexican who honestly comes here to work and wants to take care of his family at home, those do not scare me.

What scares me is the communism is half of Mexico and the muslim religion is a fast growing religion in Mexico.

The two do not create America lovers.

Datura is another plant that will kill you, it is one to make you hallucinate, and about 15 years ago 2 or 3 of our high school kids died, making a tea of it and drinking it.

And our idiot local newspaper, reported the deaths on the front page, with full drawings and photos AND instructions on how to make the tea.


2,242 posted on 04/22/2008 9:55:53 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2228 | View Replies]

To: All

(http://www.sfbsc.com/bath-salt-blog/view/19034/making-scents—aromatherapy-and-the-benefits-of-essential-oils)
For years, people around the world have used the power of scents to
heal, uplift, and energize. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative
medicine that uses scents to aide, cure, and soothe a variety of
conditions.

Aromatherapy was discovered quite accidentally, in the 1920’s by
French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse. After inadvertently setting
his arm on fire, Rene dipped his burning flesh in the nearest vat of
cool liquid. This cool liquid was not water, as he expected, but was
lavender essential oil. This wasn’t the first time poor Rene had
burned himself, but this time it was different. His pain level dropped
suddenly, and unlike his previous burns, this one healed nicely
without blisters or scars. The difference, of course, was in the
treatment – lavender, of all things. Following this fateful incident,
Mr. Gattefosse devoted his career to studying the benefits of
essential oil. Shortly thereafter, aromatherapy grew in popularity and
was used in World War 1 to heal the wounds of fallen soldiers.

Nowadays, we have many ways enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and
essential oils. Thankfully, we don’t have to go into the woods and
collect tree branches and flowers – we can purchase essential oils
that are ready to use, in a variety of forms. During a simple trip to
the grocery store, we see it everywhere: in candles, sprays, bath
salts, lotions, and medicine.

Essential oils are oils made from the leaves and flowers of plants.
You can buy bath products or home fragrances containing the oils, or
you can purchase the oils on their own. Each oil has its own, unique
healing properties. Once you know the benefits of each essential oil,
you can use them to your full advantage.

As our friend Rene Gattefosse can tell you, Lavender essential oil is
known as a powerful antiseptic, soothing cuts and burns. Lavender also
has a calming effect and is a wonderful stress-reliever. Lavender is
also known to diminish the pain of migraine and common headaches.

We’ve all smelled the sweet, pleasant scent of Eucalyptus trees.
Eucalyptus is much more than a pretty scent, however: as an essential
oil, Eucalyptus is used to clear sinus passages during a bout of the
common cold or flu. It is often used in combination with Peppermint
essential oil, which is also known to clear nasal passages, the throat
and the lungs. Peppermint is also rejuvenating and uplifting.

Geranium essential oil has many uses and applications. Geranium oil is
a perfect treatment for many skin conditions and is one of the few
treatments that help both oily and dry skin. Geranium gently opens the
pores, clarifies and cleans the skin while acting as a moisturizer.
When used as an air freshener, it is known to balance and calm us.

You don’t need to set yourself on fire to reap the benefits of
aromatherapy. Take some time and find the essential oils that are
right for you!


2,243 posted on 04/22/2008 11:26:30 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: All

Ant control:

teaspoon boric acid (available at any drug store,, $2.99 for 4 oz)

6 tablespoons sugar

2 cups water

mix together in a jar till all dissolved,, label and store safely

soak a few cotton balls with it

put in a small plastic container (margarine or <?> freshen it 1-2
times
a week)

with a few small openings in it for them to get in,, I also put a
brick
on top so other curious creatures could not get in..

this is a slow acting 1 percent solution to get them to take some back
to the nest and even feed the queen after a few weeks changing to a
1/2
percent should keep them gone


I make my own fire ant bait and put it in cottage cheese (or similar)
throw away containers on which I have glued the lid down after placing
the bait inside. Just punch some small holes along the bottom edge for
the ants to enter and exit and glue a stake to the side in order to push
it into the ground so it can’t be carried off.

Fire Ant Bait Recipe:

1 cup corn meal
1/3 cup vegetable oil, lard, bacon fat (any fat will do)
1 Tablespoon Boric Acid Powder
5 drops green food color (I do this as a deterrent for anyone to try
and eat these by some slim chance.)
Just enough water to make a workable, sticky, dough.

Press this mixture onto a foil covered cookie sheet to a thin layer.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes then leave in oven over-night to get hard
and dry.

Crumble up some of the bait into a cottage cheese container and then
glue on the top. Place near fire ant nests and they should be dead in
7-10 days. You don’t want to sprinkle around as it could poison any
outside animals or birds.

blessings, deb


2,244 posted on 04/22/2008 11:43:25 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: All

found a great recipe on
allrecipes.com. It comes out perfectly everytime. Here it is:

Best Bread Machine Bread

1 cup warm water (110 degrees
f/45 degrees C)
2 Tbs. white sugar (can substitute honey)
2-1/4 tsp. bread machine yeast
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter or margarine)
3 cups bread flour (can substitute up to 1-2/ cups whole wheat flour)
1-1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
Place water, sugar (or honey) and yeast inthe pan of the bread
machine. Let the yeast dissolve and foam for 10 minutes. Add oil
flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Select Basic or White Bread
settings for a 1-1/2 lb loaf. Set crust to medium, and press start.
I know this goes against the directions for the breadmaker, but this
is a no fail recipe that has come out for me every time. Perfect loaf
that slices nicely for sandwiches, and whatever. Hope you enjoy and
please tell me if this works for you


You all may already know this, but in case not-I use vinegar instead
of fabric softener in my rinse cycle. It is safe for septic tanks,
takes all the static cling out, won’t irritate sensitive skin (several
in the family are allergic to fabic softeners) and is cheap. I use 1/4
cup in the rinse cycle and have done this for several years. It
doesn’t leave a smell at all on the clothes, but does help deodorize
smelly clothes. I have goats and horses and dogs and we occasionally
get some smelly clothes :).
We buy the biggest jug Walmart sells and it works wonderfully.

Just a helpful hint.
Michelle


Today’s Coloring Page - Alligator
http://www.learningtreasures.com/alligator_coloring_page.htm

Anyone else doing animal notebooks with their kids?

Learning is FUN! blog - Join us in the journey.
http://learningtreasures.com/wordpress/index.php


Learn how to build
and
use a solar oven, cook in a fire pit, etc. We try to keep small bills
and
coins for emergencies. I don’t trust that money cards will be usable in
dire
circumstances. I also stockpile things to use for bartering: shampoo,
toothpaste, aluminum foil and so on. - Denise, Illinois
Added note: For directions to build a solar oven visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_oven and
http://solarcooking.org/plans/


2,245 posted on 04/22/2008 11:57:03 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: All

http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/2008/04/21/safe-sunscreens/

Safe Sunscreens for the Family

Posted by Tiffany at 6:00 am in Birth & Baby, Children, Health & Healing, Natural Product Reviews.

boy runningOver the years we have had drilled into our consciousness that too much sun exposure is bad for our health and the way to avoid damaging our skin is to lather ourselves in sunscreen. A study by The American Cancer Society has stated that 80% of our total lifetime sun exposure occurs within the first 18 years of life so children in particular are at risk. Children are probably the most likely to be to be smothered in sunscreens by well meaning parents too. But is the sunscreen helpful or harmful?

Protection from the sun is important but the chemicals we put on our skin can be harmful, especially to our children and typical sunscreens have LOTS of chemicals.

Over the years the skin care industry has had to increase the level of chemical compounds in sunscreen in order to raise the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level. Researchers from the University of Southern California have, however, recently found that sunscreen can actually cause more harm than good once it is soaked into the skin.

Upon absorption into the skin, sunscreen can actually form the very dangerous compounds it was meant to block. Researchers found that some commonly used ultraviolet (UV) filters actually soak into the skin’s layers and from there can generate harmful components called reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are substances that can cause skin cancer.

Other research has shown that the greatest increases in the cancer melanoma has been experienced in countries where chemical sunscreens are promoted and used widely. Mike Adams of Naturalnews.com often claims that sunscreen is a scam and that we have zero need for it.

In addition to the cancer risk is the effect of sunscreen on children’s development. Many sunscreen chemicals also have estrogen-like effects. Estrogen is a hormone that affects many aspects of the female body development and functions. Too much exposure to toxic estrogenic chemical sunscreens can increase cancers and cause birth defects in children.

Researchers have found estrogenic sunscreens in the breast milk of mothers at about the same levels as other known environmental contaminants such as PCBs. They further believe that exposure could be significantly increased in childhood by the large amount of sunscreen used by bathers, especially children. Children’s organs are more sensitive to estrogen exposure and can develop abnormalities at their early stages (including embryo, fetus and toddler stages) if exposed.

Limiting exposure to sun and seeking out more healthy skin products that do not contain dangerous ingredients (chemical free choices are available) are possible solutions for you to consider for your children. And we can’t forget hat sun exposure is a GOOD thing. We need sunlight exposure for good health so I will rarely apply sunblock to my own kids unless we are going to be in the sun for a prolonged length of time. Otherwise I just let them get some sun and/or use protective clothing to diminish risk. So for a few hours at the zoo…not likely to use it but I will have hats and sunglasses for them and we will be mindful to seek out some shade when we need it. But for an all day trip to the beach…yes I will bring some safe sunscreen.

So what exactly do you need to avoid when choosing a sunscreen? Here are some nasty ingredients you will want to stay away from if you can:

PABA: This is not widely used anymore, but just in case. Many people are very sensitive to this ingredient and can end up with red, itchy skin.

Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): These chemicals are bad news because they have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests. Oxybenzone is aderivative of benzophenone and it is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. According to the CDC 97% of Americans are contaminated with this widely-used sunscreen ingredient.

Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Parabens are common in sunscreens so avoiding them may prove difficult. They are preservatives that have estrogenic qualities. They have produced abnormal hormonal effects following on laboratory rodents, particularly male, resulting in decreased testosterone levels and other abnormalities. They have also been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.

Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone): While on the surface of the skin these chemicals appear to prevent UV damage but when absorbed into the skin they can actually damage DNA. There is evidence that the sun’s light may cause these chemicals to become reactive and cause free-radical damage when they’re absorbed. I find it alarming that pediatricians often recommend these very ingredients.

In general if you want to know which sunscreens are usually loaded with the bad stuff….oh just the easy to find ones like Coppertone, Banana Boat, Avon, Nivea, Neutrogena, The Body Shop, etc. Also even some of the ones that appear to be more natural like Kiss My Face or Aveeno have some pretty nasty sunscreens.

In general, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are good choices as they scatter or reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. And since traditional formulations are not absorbed into the skin (thus the white streaks on the skin), there is less risk of the substance building up in your body. Formulations with nano particles may be absorbed into the skin, although since these are natural minerals there is debate about this being an issue but I will point out the ones I know have them.

Here is a list of some of the safer sunscreens I have found:

California Baby SPF 30 + Sunblock Stick - No Fragrance - My top pick for kids! This is a non chemical sunscreen. It uses non-penetrating titanium dioxide (no nano particles) to protect against the sun. It is also made with organic & sustainably grown ingredients.

California Baby SPF 30 - This is specially for children to be safe and it a favorite among many natural parents. I have used this on my own kids and I really like it. I usually opt for the fragrance free versions.

California Baby SPF 30 + Bug Repellent - This is a good sunblock/bug repellent combo that is DEET free.

Badger Face & Body Sunblock SPF 30 - There was huge run on this sunscreen not long ago and you could hardly get it. It is known to be one of the safest sunscreens out there.

Miessence Organics Reflect Outdoor Balm SPF 15 - I have some if this and I like it…very clean smelling and not sticky. It is also made by a great company with organic ingredients. It has added antioxidants and beta carotene to help nourish skin and protect it. This does use nano particles.

Lavera Baby and Children Sun Screen Lotion, SPF 30 - Contains organic peach seed, apricot seed oil and calendula and protects against UV A, B and C rays with waterproof protection.

Jason Natural - Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sun Block SPF30+ - Chemical, Fragrance and Paraben Free Complete UVA & UVB Protection Ideal for Sensitive Skin.

Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Faceblock SPF 25 - Another chemical free sunblock using non-penetrating titanium dioxide. This has a hint of color…most likely to hide the streaky whiteness of the natural titanium dioxide.

Sunscreen SPF 30 by Soleo Organics - Made with Zinc Oxide, it provides 3 hours of water resistant protection without the use of chemical UV-absorbers or synthetic preservatives. This sunscreen is made with nano particles.

Also don’t forget your protective gear…so you won’t need sunscreen as much:

Legionnaire Hats - These hats for kids have flaps on either side that protect the face, head, and neck areas from getting burned. They are also made with UV protective fabric.

Sunday Afternoon’s Kid’s Play Hat UPF 45 - Made of lightweight water-resistant supplex fabric, blocks UVA and UVB rays, rated 45 UPF. Full veil covers back of neck, mesh panels for ventilation, down-sloped flexible brim shades face.

Baby Banz Sunglasses - 100% UV/UVA & UVB ray protection. You can also get a sunglasses/hat combo.

Also Frubi Shades. I have used both of these brands with my own kids and I like them.

Granny note: this link was being talked about on one of the groups I read, the names are live links, if you need to find the product.
granny


2,246 posted on 04/23/2008 12:23:40 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: All

http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/category/gardening/

4. Make your own pinwheels. I use pinwheels in my garden to detract critters and while they are not that expensive (usually only 1.00 a piece at the store) I can save $10.00 bucks or so and have a nice time crafting with my kids by making my own…and they aren’t plastic…which is a plus. I just love the look of pinwheels blowing around in the garden, it is lovely. Ribbon attached to a stake works good too.

The simple instructions for making a pin wheel:

http://www.leslietryon.com/3dcolorcutout/makepinw/makepinwheel.html


2,247 posted on 04/23/2008 12:29:41 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: All

Pickling recipe makes use of the full broccoli

By Mollie Katzen
TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
Sunday, April 20, 2008

The next time you’re preparing broccoli, hold off on throwing away the
stems. Those lovely stalks, which you usually might guiltily discard
in favor of the lovelier crowns, now have an exciting destination: the
pickle jar.

People love this unusual dish, and disguising broccoli as a delightful
snack or condiment is a great way of promoting vegetable consumption.
Be sure to choose broccoli with firm, crisp, intact stems for the best
results.

This dish is, literally, a keeper — the stems will stay crisp and
tasty for weeks if stored in a tightly lidded jar in the refrigerator.
They will lose their color, but all the other attributes will remain.

Broccoli Stem Pickles

o Water
o Stems from a large bunch broccoli (at least 4 good-size, healthy
stalks)
o 1 tablespoon light-colored honey
o 1/2 cup hot water
o 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.

In the meantime, remove and discard the tough bottom ends (about the
last 1/4 inch) of the stalks, then peel the stalks. A sturdy vegetable
peeler is an ideal tool for this. Cut the stalks lengthwise about 1/8
inch thick, and then across into matchsticks. You should have about 4
cups.

When the water boils, add the stems and lower the heat to a simmer.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes (until tender-crisp) and then drain into a
colander in the sink. Refresh under cold running water for a minute or
so, then drain again.

Place the honey in a medium-size bowl and add the hot water. Stir
until the honey dissolves, then add the vinegar and mix well.

Add the broccoli stems to the mixture, making sure they are completely
submerged so they can “pickle.” Let sit at room temperature for about
20 minutes, then transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and
refrigerate. The pickles will be ready in about four hours, but a
longer sit will make them even better.

Makes 4 to 5 servings.


2,248 posted on 04/23/2008 12:37:40 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: All

They say “build a better mouse trap and the world will beat down your door”.............

This person built a a better whirligig, than the pattern I posted above for free and is selling it for $24.95 to chase moles away.

http://www.gardeners.com/Mole%20Chaser/30-833,default,pd.html?SC=XNET8002


2,249 posted on 04/23/2008 2:00:24 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: nw_arizona_granny

Thanks again, Granny! I’ll check out those sites as soon as I get time!


2,250 posted on 04/23/2008 4:16:34 AM PDT by gardengirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2227 | View Replies]

To: All

Shredded Roast Beef Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 1/2 to 3 lbs lean chuck roast or bottom round
* 1 1/2 cups ketchup
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons spicy mustard or Dijon
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

PREPARATION:
Place beef roast in crockpot. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over
roast. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. Remove roast, shred
meat. Place shredded meat back in crockpot; stir to coat well.

I havent made this yet...but it sounds good~


2,251 posted on 04/23/2008 7:13:56 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: gardengirl

You are welcome, maybe one will click for you, you already have good articles written.

If I don’t post them as I find them, they will be lost forever, unless I stumble on them again, some day.


2,252 posted on 04/23/2008 7:18:23 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2250 | View Replies]

To: All

Posted by: “Jules
Date: Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:45 pm ((PDT))

IT WAS YOU!!! YOU DID IT!!! You sent the Crockpot Steak Soup recipe
(below) I asked about yesterday! ROFL!

I made this last night and my family RAVED about it!
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED
it!!! And my house smelled DIVINE!

Funny story... Hubby got home while I was upstairs putting away
laundry and
when I came down, he & kiddos had already fixed their bowls of this and
were
eating! LOL! I didn’t even put the butter/flour in yet! It doesn’t
need
it though! And being a diabetic myself, less carbs/fat for me!

I didn’t use the beef bouillon cubes or granules though. I used
Superior
Touch Better Than Bouillon Beef Base (at least 3 tsps., maybe more!)

I also found the addition of frozen veggies is kind of unnecessary. We
used
the bag containing peas, corn, green beans & carrots. You could easily
substitute a can of corn, green beans and/or peas. Or use small bags
of the
frozen corn/peas/green beans. Or even broccoli!

I also cut off all the fat off the pieces of beef & threw it in a pan &
sprinkled salt/pepper & garlic powder on it and cooked it until it was
brown
before throwing it in the crockpot. It was sooooooooooooo tender!

I think next time I make it, (and there will be lots more next times
for
sure!!!), I’ll throw in some potatoes & maybe some barley as well! I
think
I’d add some more liquid to it too. Probably another 3 cups of a
combination of water and either tomato juice or V8... McKenna’s been
so
sick this week and this soup has been the only thing I’ve been able to
get
in her. She couldn’t get enough broth! But it didn’t leave much after
she
was done for the rest of us!

This recipe is DEFINITELY a keeper! We didn’t even have to have
anything
else with it but hubby made some Jiffy Raspberry Muffins anyway despite
the
fact I’d bought little round rolls to serve with it & nobody wanted
them!
Hehehehe!

HHHmmm... Time for lunch... MORE CROCKPOT STEAK SOUP FOR ME!!!

-——Original Message-——
From: casseroles_and_crockpots@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:casseroles_and_crockpots@yahoogroups.com]

Subject: [casseroles_and_crockpots] Crockpot Steak Soup

Crockpot Steak Soup

3 cups water
3 small chopped onions
3 ribs chopped celery
2 sliced carrots
1 can (1 lb.) tomatoes
1 tsp. pepper
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen vegetables
1 lb. sirloin steak, cubed
2-4 tbsp. beef bouillon
1/2 cup each butter or margarine, flour

Put all except butter and flour into crockpot. Cook on Low for
8 - 10 hours. 1-1/2 hours before serving, turn up to High. Make roue
of butter and flour stirring until smooth. Add to soup to thicken.

This group is owned by *~Tamara~*
To visit group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/casseroles_and_crockpots/


2,253 posted on 04/23/2008 7:27:27 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: All

Sage Cider Jelly

1-1/2 cups fresh pineapple sage
3-1/4 cups apple cider or apple cider vinegar (your choice)
1 package powdered pectin
4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon butter

Place pineapple sage in apple cider and bring to boil.

Remove from heat and let steep for about 20 minutes.
Strain and add pectin and butter bring to boil.

Add sugar all at once.

Bring to full rolling boil and continue to boil 1 minute.

Ladle into sterilized jars.

Wipe rims.

Cap and seal.

Process in a water bath canner for 5 minutes.


2,254 posted on 04/23/2008 7:37:35 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: nw_arizona_granny

Maybe this is a good thing. Americans have become so atomic buying all of their food at Safeway. Growing ones own food makes one appreciate natures gift to us as well as eating healthier. I am amazed at all of the oranges, apples, pears, olives, persimons, walnuts, plumbs and grapefruits that people leave on their trees to rot in residential areas. Compost-plant-grow-eat. What God meant for us to do. Grinding your own meats and fish can also make for healthier meals as well as stretching the dollar. Freeze and can veggies for the winter.


2,255 posted on 04/23/2008 7:52:50 AM PDT by jetson
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: All

I’ve had success controlling ants using this method before:
Mix yeast granules (the kind used for breadmaking) and honey. Make
sure the honey coats all of the yeast, as you don’t want it to get wet and
start to smell bad. Then put it in a small shallow container (I used
a jar lid) and place out where the ants can get to it. The ants take
the honey-coated yeast back to their home, where they all share it. The
yeast causes the ants to explode. This should get rid of your ant
problem without using pesticides. As for the roaches, it might even work
on them, because it uses the same premise as boric acid, which I’ve
heard works to kill roaches. Though, the honey may attract more roaches
than you want.


2,256 posted on 04/23/2008 10:00:34 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2203 | View Replies]

To: nw_arizona_granny
Just dropped in during lunch to have a look around.

bttt

2,257 posted on 04/23/2008 10:07:33 AM PDT by processing please hold ( "It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2126 | View Replies]

To: jetson

America has been waiting for a wake up call.

Most of them have no idea what the depression in the 1930’s was like, we cooked and heated with cow patties, could not afford kerosene for the cook stove and ate wild gourds out of the fields.
[Texas Pan handle]

When i lived in Portland, Oregon, I put a small ad in the paper that I wanted the wind fallen apples and fruits and canning jars.

And canned things all summer.

Now it is so easy to make applesauce and catchup in the crockpot, it would be a dream.

Nothing is grown in my area, not even private gardens, I did for years in attached solar greenhouses and that works. But time and the wind has taken them down to nothing.

Yes, I have been hit by the higher prices and made several changes in what I order.

Get busy and get your garden in, LOL, I have tried to add inspiration, to keep you out there pulling weeds, with the most interesting recipes that I found.

Like you, I think it is time for America to start taking care of themselves and have fun doing it.

You are welcome to post here also, while most are busy in their gardens, I am keeping the thread going.........so join in.


2,258 posted on 04/23/2008 10:11:28 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2255 | View Replies]

To: processing please hold

Laughing and saying “Drop in’s are welcome”.

Make it a super special day.


2,259 posted on 04/23/2008 10:13:06 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1990507/posts?page=451 SURVIVAL, RECIPES, GARDENS, & INFO)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2257 | View Replies]

To: nw_arizona_granny
I'm gonna have to get another ink cartridge. I'm eating this one up very quickly with all the recipes I'm printing out. I have a hard copy of them I keep in my folder on my computer and a print out copy for my file cabinet.

It's always good to have a back-up system. lol

2,260 posted on 04/23/2008 10:20:05 AM PDT by processing please hold ( "It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2259 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 2,221-2,2402,241-2,2602,261-2,280 ... 10,021-10,039 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson