Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

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."

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."

1873 - Gardens surrounding the Indian Pueblo of Zuni

“Prior to the coming of the Europeans, the Zuni people were skilled and successful
farmers. Their villages and fields were situated in the best areas for cultivation
of their crops. They originally grew corn, beans and squash.
Later, they added European
crops such as wheat and peaches. One type of garden they cultivated was the “waffle
garden”. Waffle gardens were built close to the village and the river and were a
type of ‘kitchen garden’.”

Victory Garden Day, April 1st, 1918

Although we associate victory gardens with World War II, Laura Lawson says the term
was actually coined near the end of World War I, replacing the more commonly used
“war garden.” This, after all, was the conflict in which sauerkraut was renamed
“liberty cabbage.”

Lawson’s book describes the festivities on April 1, 1918, designated by the mayor
as War Garden Day in San Francisco. The Chronicle editorialized that “the first
food gun of the nation” had been fired.

Gardens for Life
“Over 20,000 children and young people, 400 teachers, with many families and communities
(we estimate about 50,000 people in total) in four continents in four continents
have participated in garden-based teaching and learning and community action and
have come to generate new ways of learning about, and living in, an uncertain modern
world.”

World Food Garden - ‘Facebook to save the planet’

“All users have to do is click their location on the website map and choose their
veggies. Once a person has started a garden, he or she can add a small carrot representing
that garden to the World Map of Small Food Gardens. This map is configured to let
browsers find ideas or connections with other gardeners for sharing tips, seeds,
recipes, and whatever else they need to know or swap in quest of the perfect small
vegetable garden.”

Horseradish - Fresh Today from the Garden

Maria pulled up a horseradish root today, cleaned and grated it, added a touch of
white vinegar and let me taste it just minutes from the ground. Wow! If you like
the flavour of horseradish on oysters, prime rib, or steaks, why wouldn’t you have
a patch growing in your garden.
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These stories and more here
City Farmer News [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001BLBTSsu3gpaGL_4aTiuEo8ornSkqw3BjEgp5h4L5DkSWsVWytAgkie-8x_LaVKqTIaoosEcmK7yODGrIaC_mijDMNvHx2zIHgpfOeWc1MC0j3x6sDwkVIg==]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture

http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/01/campbell-soup-hearty-survivor-of-historic-wall-street-sell-off/

Campbell Soup Hearty Survivor of Historic Wall Street Sell-Off

Category: Investing | View Comments(20)

campbellsoup100108.jpg
Photo courtesy of Banalities

Investment advisers often give the advice to get defensive when times are tough. Investors typically run to sectors like health care, defense, and consumer staples. On September 29, 2008, they ran to only one stock on the S&P 500. That’s right; every single member of the S&P 500 lost money that day, but one lone gainer. Campbell Soup Company, the ultimate frugal culinary staple, actually increased shareholder value that day. So what’s the lesson?

Frugal Living is Making a Comeback

Between increased sales of Spam and Campbell’s silver lining on an otherwise dark day, it appears frugal living is making a comeback. The evidence is incontrovertible, but the jury is still out on the reason behind people’s new found affinity for all things frugal. Is it because they don’t have a choice? Perhaps. In some cases I imagine people have little choice regarding spending decisions. When we are in budget stretching mode around our household, soup and grilled cheese sandwiches are as popular as steaks and baked potatoes. Even if people can afford to make more luxurious purchases the market turmoil has consumers running for the soup aisle because suddenly other money goals take a priority.

Of course we won’t know if sales of Campbell Soup are really higher during this period until quarterly reports are shared. I think the soup-maker’s ability to rise to the top when the other 499 members of the S&P 500 were getting hammered is indicative of just how shaky things are, economically. It is almost as if investors had given up on every other sector, every other company, and said, “The only thing that will survive this collapse is gool ol’ Campbell Soup.” Just like that hearty cockroach behind the fridge (I know, bad analogy), Campbell was the only one strong enough to survive such a nuclear sell-off.

Does This Mean the End of Luxury?

Yes, probably in the short term. Of course, there will always be an element of the population that can afford $1200 purses and $60,000 cars, but for the average person the option is no longer there to stretch for such conspicuous consumption on borrowed money. Times of living the good life compliments of the Visa card are over. While this will create some short-term pain in the market, particularly for high-end retailers, it is probably a good thing. People have been financing too much of their lives in an effort to live way beyond their means. It’s about time we got back to the basics–spend less than you earn, save for a rainy day (and a sunny one), and eat more Campbell Soup for dinner.

Anyone have a coupon?

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/the-one-hour-project/

The One Hour Project is a series of thirty small projects -
each requiring roughly an hour of your time - that can help you get your finances on a better path, either by reducing your expenses, reorganizing your debts, or improving your chances at greater wealth.

While you can read all of the entries on the website (see below), I have also collected all of the entries together into a single downloadable PDF file and polished it for easy reading and printing. The PDF not only includes the project entries themselves, but all of the relevant supporting information for each project that would enable you to work on them offline at your convenience.

Cleanse Your Monthly Bills Go through your monthly bills in order to find and eliminate excess regular expenses.

Conserve Water Make a few simple changes around your house to trim your water bill considerably.

Reduce the Interest Rate On Your Credit Cards Take a proactive stance and contact your credit card company to get those rates reduced - and thus reduce the interest you’re paying them.

Go Christmas Shopping At Sale Time Take advantage of sales throughout the year to reduce the flood of expenses you’ll incur at Christmas - and at other gifting occasions as well.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient Perform several simple one-time tasks to cut down immensely on your monthly energy bill.

Kill the Electricity Phantom Reduce the constant drain of your electrical devices by taking a few simple steps, further reducing your energy bill.

Switch Checking Accounts Eliminate excessive fees of all kinds - and maybe even earn an interest rate - by switching to a different checking account.

Price Compare The Things You Buy Regularly Reduce your monthly shopping bill with a clever technique that reveals the cheapest place for you to shop for the stuff you actually buy.

Do Some Preventive Maintenance Extend the life span of items in your home by spending a bit of time on preventive maintenance tasks.

Enjoy What You Have Try some interesting ways to increase your enjoyment of the things you already have - and reduce frivolous spending on new things.

Clean Out Your Media Collection Get rid of the media items in your home that you don’t use - and turn them into cash in your pocket with ease.

Perform Basic Car Maintenance Increase the gas mileage of your car significantly with a few simple maintenance tasks anyone can do.

Create a Water-Drinking Routine Discover the benefits of drinking water - and find ways to integrate it into your daily routine to decimate your beverage expenses.

Do Some Basic Diet Hacking Make a few very simple modifications to your daily routine to cut down greatly on your dining expenses.

Plan Your Meals For One Week In Advance Use meal planning to greatly reduce your food expenses for the week, both by eating at home and shopping in a cost-effective fashion.

Make a Quadruple Batch of a Casserole Take advantage of buying and preparing food in bulk to reduce the financial and temporal expense of home cooking.

Construct Your Debt Snowball (Or Something Like It) Organize your debts and develop a plan to tackle them directly.

Discover and Catalog Free Events In Your Community Find out about all the free activities in your community - and utilize them to reduce your entertainment costs.

Create A Visual Debt Reminder Give yourself some repeated encouragement for cleaning up your debt by making a debt reminder visual.

Dig Into Your Job Benefits Find out what financial benefits are really available to you through your job - it might be more than you think.

Dig Into A Personal Finance Blog Find out the thoughts and opinions of someone who is passionate about personal finance.

Take A Trip To The Library Discover the resources at your local library, both to reduce your entertainment expenses and to educate yourself about personal finance.

Go Through Your Important Papers Organize your most important documents - and perhaps utilize them to put yourself in better financial shape.

Thoroughly Research A Stock Learn how the stock market works and also find out whether a specific company is worth investing in.

Build Your Own Net Worth Calculator Build a tool to track your financial progress and motivate you to continue making positive steps.

Touch Base With Professional And Local Acquaintances Connect with people who may be able to connect you with greater success.

Get Involved In Community Volunteering Improve the overall state of the community - and meet similarly-motivated people in the process.

Give Someone A Helping Hand Reach out and help someone - and maybe that help will improve the lives of a lot of people (including yourself).

Keep An Idea Notebook In Your Pocket Keep track of the important ideas that float into and out of your head during a day - one or two of them might be as good as gold.

Open A High-Yield Savings Account (Or An Investment Account) Find a financially lucrative place to put the money you’ve found during these projects.

http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/07/14/101-dirt-cheap-ways-to-enjoy-yourself/

101 Dirt Cheap Ways to Enjoy Yourself

Cheap Ways to Enjoy Yourself

Sometimes we just need to kick back and enjoy ourselves. What follows is a list of 101 simple pleasures and enjoyable activities to explore without breaking the bank. This list only skims the surface… the possibilities are endless.

Enjoy yourself.
These are the good old days you’re going to miss in the years ahead.
- Author Unknown

1. Check out a book from the library and read the afternoon away.
2. Break out the old mix-tapes and mix-CDs of yesteryear… soak up the memories and sing your heart out.
3. Picnic in secluded areas.
4. Bake and eat homemade cookies.
5. Start a blog.
6. Hike outdoors and explore Mother Nature.
7. Head downtown with a friend and two digital cameras. Shoot as many funny and interesting photos as you can. Then go home and sort through them all.
8. Find old stuff in your attic, put it up on eBay and watch the bids role in.
9. Play old-school board games like Monopoly and Scrabble.
10. Read interesting articles online… Reddit, StumbleUpon, Digg, Metafilter, etc.
11. Brew a fresh pot of coffee (or tea) and share it with someone over an interesting conversation.
12. Take a candlelight bubble bath.
13. Learn to play guitar (or any musical instrument) online.
14. Go swimming.
15. Crank up the tunes, break out the Wii and invite some friends over.
16. Fly a kite.
17. Research and discover new bands and musicians similar to the music you already like.
18. Stargaze.
19. Re-watch a great movie you haven’t seen in years.
20. Host a long night of $10 Texas Hold’em Poker with 9 of your friends. Make sure you understand poker odds.
21. Learn to play other card games too… especially Spades!
22. Find and pick beautiful wild flowers.
23. Test-drive a really expensive car.
24. Drink cheap beer and share funny stories with your friends.
25. Fire up the backyard BBQ.
26. Browse around thrift stores.
27. Take a moonlight stroll holding hands with someone you love.
28. Make a pizza pie from scratch.
29. Craft some artwork.
30. Write poetry.
31. Eat fresh strawberries sprinkled with sugar.
32. Go camping.
33. Take an easy, breezy bike ride.
34. People-watch in high traffic areas.
35. Build a backyard bonfire and roast marshmallows.
36. Feed small wild animals… like geese, squirrels, etc.
37. Rent 3+ funny movies and host a funny movie marathon.
38. Happy Hour! …but only if it’s a really good deal.
39. Hit up local carnivals, zoos, museums and weekend festivals.
40. Prepare a big ice cream sundae or a banana slit and share it with someone special.
41. Massage her feet if she promises to massage yours. ;-)
42. Share an interesting, true story with someone.
43. Go canoeing or kayaking (if you can find a local establishment with cheap rentals).
44. Sit lakeside and skip rocks across the water.
45. Watch the sunrise and sunset.
46. Organize a sports game with your friends. Touch football, anyone?
47. Tailgate and attend a local college sporting event.
48. Learn cool magic tricks online.
49. Master a new simple skill you’ve been meaning to learn.
50. Go bowling on discount bowling night.
51. Dance.
52. Create and maintain a square foot garden.
53. Watch old home movies or look through old photo albums.
54. Create a digital video highlight reel of all your favorite digital photos and video clips.
55. Go fishing.
56. Visit model homes to get simple DIY decorating ideas.
57. Play Catch Phrase or Charades.
58. Spend a day surfing or boogie-boarding… if you live near the coast.
59. Host a water-gun war with water-balloon grenades.
60. Remember, really long Slip ‘N Slides never get old… especially when they end in a pool of water.
61. Pick fresh fruits and veggies at a local pick-your-own fruit / vegetable farm.
62. Try letter-boxing or geocaching.
63. Dream an afternoon away in your cozy bed.
64. Host a paper airplane distance competition.
65. Learn new jokes online and share them with friends and family.
66. Go rollerblading.
67. Get to a peaceful, scenic location and stare off into the distance.
68. Hit the magazine rack at the local book store (just don’t buy any).
69. Hmm… #69. Umm… Sex? ;-)
70. Host a wine tasting party where everyone brings a cheap bottle of wine.
71. Challenge someone to an exercise competition. Choose 10 simple exercises and see who can go the distance.
72. YouTube
73. Take on a small DIY woodworking project and build something.
74. Play Twister.
75. Call an old friend and catch up on things. Use your night and weekend minutes.
76. Climb up a large oak tree, hang out and think (not too high).
77. Host an outdoor egg toss competition.
78. Learn to juggle.
79. Explore a local college campus.
80. Plan your next vacation.
81. Look at the current ingredients in your cupboard, find some recipes online and cook a feast (or something simple) you’ve never made before.
82. Karaoke anyone?
83. Attend a local college Improv comedy show.
84. Put together a framed photo collage.
85. Give a cat some catnip.
86. Wink at complete strangers in a busy public setting.
87. Play with puppies at the local pet store.
88. Give people unexpected compliments and watch them smile.
89. Make a rope and tire swing.
90. Go sledding or play in the snow.
91. Clean the bed sheets, make the bed, and snuggle into the freshness.
92. Relax outdoors on a sunny day.
93. Reminisce about old times with your closest friends.
94. Take a short jog and a long relaxing shower.
95. Stretch.
96. Watch children play.
97. Eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
98. Give someone you love a long hug.
99. Cuddle with your partner.
100. Pillow fight!
101. Make your own list…

Photo by: cispeace

http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/09/11/22-swift-tips-for-increased-productivity/

Marc and Angel Hack Life
Practical Tips for Productive Living

September 11th, 2008 @ 4:38 pm by: Marc

22 Swift Tips to Increase Productivity

Increase Your Productivity

An increase in productivity saves time, the most valuable constituent of life. Take heed to these swift tips and the victory dance shall be yours.

If you want to catch fish, and really enjoy the sport, you
will maintain your lures and line in some organized fashion.
The best at it will always have their tackle ready.
– David Allen

1. Clutter hinders productivity. Clear clutter. – “Trash what you don’t need. Get rid of the duplicates of the duplicates. And quickly delete those e-mails or attachments from your mother or your best friend that you “just have to forward.” Yeah, they’re funny, cute, and heartwarming, but they are cluttering up your life and your inbox!” – via Frugal Dad

2. Create a dedicated workspace for yourself. – “Do not share your workspace with wives, girlfriends, work associates (you may not have any say in this one). People need a sense of ownership in their tools. They need to know that the tool that they need that minute is available and not being used by someone else.” – via Black Belt Productivity

3. The first step is the most important step. Take it. – “The most difficult part of investing is taking that first step. Writing that first check and sending it off to open an account is where many people falter in the process. It’s always easier to procrastinate and “give it some thought,” but you will have no success until you begin.” – via The Wisdom Journal

4. Create separate to-do lists for the home, office, grocery store, etc. – “Basically, you need to ask yourself: What can I accomplish right now, based on where I am and what tools are in front of me? and then focus only on those tasks. GTD simplifies that process by breaking down your lists into separate contexts, so you only need to worry about the context you’re in right now, and not about any other contexts” – via Zen Habits

5. Ask yourself: Why am I really doing this? – “We fool ourselves into thinking that we are doing something because we want to accomplish an audacious goal, but in reality we may be doing it for someone else. You have to do some soul searching and make sure that you really want to accomplish this goal.” – via Work Happy Now

6. Concentrate on the most important tasks. – “I for one have never accomplished everything I’ve ever needed to do in one day. But that’s the very reason why trying to do too much will set us up for failure. To put it bluntly, if we think we’ll successfully check off a 20-item to-do list within 24 hours, we’re kidding ourselves.” – Simple Mom

7. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. – “The most strategic time to think about the actions you need to take is not when you need to perform them, but beforehand, when you have perspective. When you execute from an inventory of predefined tasks, you can act rather than react, and your menu of options is much easier to prioritize.” – via Tools For Thought

8. Focus. Focus. Focus. – “I am suggesting from personal experience that having one primary focus and diving into it completely with all your being will give you a higher chance at success. Having said that, you are free to work on multiple goals at the same time, some people can pull it off without stress, most cannot.” – via Think Simple Now

9. Do it right the first time. – “Why do a job if you aren’t going to do it right? We need to develop the habit of giving every task our best effort. Excellence should be the standard we strive for in all we do. We can’t start letting ourselves or our children do the least possible to get by. If we do, then they are going to receive less than the best results from their work.” – via My Super-Charged Life

10. Batch small tasks together and knock them off at once. – “Group up all of your small tasks (taking out the garbage, fixing a door hinge, organizing binders, etc.) and do them all at once. This can help speed things along since there will be fewer interruptions in your regular workflow.” – via Pick The Brain

11. Only spend time on the things you CAN control. – “Our impulsive thoughts always tend to waste our life-energy by focusing on things that we cannot control… Dwell more on what you can do rather than what you cannot. It’s not the circumstances that cause us to react in a certain way, it’s rather a certain way we choose to react to the circumstances that matters most to win against the odds.” – via Success Soul

12. Set time limits for yourself. – “One of the simplest things I do to increase my productivity is to use a timer throughout the day. I don’t always need it, but on days when I need the boost, it is the first thing I turn to. For 30 minutes, I work like this, racing the clock and challenging myself to have it all done before the buzzer goes off. By the end, I am exhilarated, accomplished, and feel relaxed because I am no longer looking at what was an overwhelming mess 30 minutes earlier.” – via Remodeling This Life

13. Use your talents to your advantage. – “If you’ve got good people skills, then it means taking the time to engage as many folks as you can in conversation. Whatever your best talents are, use them as often as possible. It’s always good to stretch yourself, but there’s no reason not to use your natural talents to your advantage.” – via On Simplicity

14. Take one bite of the elephant at a time. – “It’s important to know how long to run a race before you start. Starting off a marathon by sprinting isn’t going to get you to the finish line. Similarly, taking on every possible GTD, lifehack or to-do list upgrade at the same time isn’t a winning strategy.” – via The Change Blog

15. Don’t get blindsided. Always read the fine print. – “Why are they calling this a tax credit? Have you heard about the new $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit? It’s not a credit at all, it’s a loan! Granted it’s a 0% interest loan, but it’s still a loan. Let’s call it what it is!” – via My Dollar Plan

16. Use tricks to keep the momentum going. – “Probably the best way to counteract fatigue is to keep your toes tapping. Find music that is upbeat, energetic and conducive to the environment you’re trying to create.” – via The Cranking Widgets Blog

17. Reduce your stress by reducing your commitments. – “Given that we have these tensions in our lives, and that they cause some level of mental stress, how do we resolve them? There are two possibilities: Eliminate the source, or structure them so as to feel as if they’re eliminated.” – Matt’s Idea Blog

18. Always be ready to capture your ideas. – “As a serial entrepreneur, I’m addicted to ideas. I feed off of ‘em. And nothing makes me more upset than having a great idea… and losing it. Ideas never happen at opportune times, and having the proper idea capture tools can make sure that you’ll capture all your ideas for later processing.” – via LifeDev

19. Communicate clearly. Get straight to the point. – “Too Wordy: If you are overly verbose in your blog post, you’ll lose not only the point of what you’re trying to say, but you’ll lose your readers as well. Keep it simple; get to the point and you can’t go wrong.” – via Create Business Growth

20. Motivate others. Inject energy into your environment. – “When a dance floor is empty at a party, most people simply won’t be the first people to start dancing, even if they want to. It often takes somebody who is confident and who is acting through their intentions (doing what they want to do) to dance before others. This is then a trigger to others that allows them to start dancing as it seems normal.” – via PluginID

21. Do more work when you’re motivated. – “Why I do this? Because there will be times when I’m just super lazy and nothing can change it. By doing extra work when I’m motivated, I will feel less guilty about being lazy sometime later… and I’ll get more done.” – via LessonInLife

22. Keep yourself healthy so you can actually get things done. – “With winter on its way, its time to start keeping our immune systems in top shape. Boosting immunity can come from a variety of different factors including how you handle stress, exercise and eating.” – via Zen to Fitness

23. Bonus: How To Get Things Done in 1 Minute – “A crystal clear, 1 minute read on increasing your productivity by using the slightly modified GTD-based methods that have worked for me.” – via Marc and Angel Hack Life ;-)

Photo by: Divwerf

Fresh Banana Cake With Creamy Caramel Frosting
One box yellow cake mix
Egg, water, oil as directed on cake mix box
2 bananas, peeled and mashed
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Combine cake mix, egg, water and oil as directed on box. Add brown
sugar, cinnamon
and bananas. Mix well with electric mixer. Bake at 350° for 30-35
minutes or until done.

Caramel Frosting
1 stick butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups sifted confectioners sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla

In a saucepan on medium heat, stir butter and brown sugar together
until it comes to a boil, about 2 minutes. Pour in 1/4 cup milk,
return to boil. When it starts to boil remove from heat, add in
vanilla and confectioners sugar, stirring briskly with wooden spoon
until smooth consistency. Pour over cake.

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2a. Alcohol Substitutions in Cooking
Posted by: “Vergie”

I think I’ve printed something like this before, but this has some
that my original post didn’t have.

Alcohol Substitutions
If you trying to cut back on calories, or don’t wish to use alcohol
in recipes, use the following substitutions:
For 1 Tbs. dry vermouth, use 1 Tbs. apple juice.

For 1 Tbs. sweet sherry, use 1 Tbs. apple cider.

For 1/4 cup brandy, port wine, rum, sweet sherry, or fruity liqueur,
use equal amount unsweetened apple or orange juice plus 1 tsp.
vanilla or other flavored extract.

For 1/4 cup red wine, use equal amount red grape juice or cranberry
juice.

For 1/4 cup white wine, use equal amount white grape juice or apple
juice.

For 2 Tbs. amaretto, use 1/4-1/2 tsp. almond flavored extract (add
water or grape juice if you need an equal volume).

For 2 Tbs. bourbon or sherry, use 1-2 tsp. vanilla extract (add water
or grape juice if you need an equal volume).

For 2 Tbs. brandy or rum, use 1/2-1 tsp. brandy or rum extract (add
water or grape juice if you need an equal volume).

For 2 Tbs. Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur, use 2 Tbs.
unsweetened orange juice concentrate or 2 Tbs. orange juice and 1/2
tsp. orange extract.

For 2 Tbs. kahlua or other coffee/chocolate-flavored liqueur, use 1/2-
1 tsp. chocolate extract plus 1/2-1 tsp. instant coffee in 2 Tbs.
water.

For 2 Tbs. sherry or bourbon, use 1 to 2 tsp. vanilla extract.
I forgot who asked this, but yes whipped topping is cool whip.

My other groups: favoritefamilyrecipes@yahoogroups.com and moderator of BisquickRecipes@yahoogroups.com.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cookingandbakingmixes/

Rocky Road Candies
Posted by: “Dorie”

Rocky Road Candies

1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1/8 cup butter
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 1/2 cups dry-roasted peanuts
1 (16 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with wax paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate and butter until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth. Stir in condensed milk. Combine peanuts and marshmallows; stir into chocolate mixture. Pour into prepared pan and chill until firm. Cut into squares.

Dorie
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/All-Candy-Recipes/

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2a. Pineapple Cheesecake Squares
Posted by: “*~Tamara~*”

Pineapple Cheesecake Squares

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon orange zest
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped, candied pineapple or dried sugared pineapple

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square metal pan with
foil and spray foil with cooking/baking spray.

Pulse flour, sugar and salt in food processor to mix. Add butter and
pulse until mixture has the consistency of cornmeal. Add orange zest
and pulse once or twice more. Measure out 1/2 cup and set aside. Dump
remainder into pan and press into bottom. Bake for 12 minutes or
until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, wipe out food processor or switch bowls.

Process cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add lemon juice and
vanilla and process another 30 seconds, scraping sides. Add egg and
process for another 30 seconds. Add pineapple and pulse just until
mixed. Pour this mixture over baked crust and spread to ends.
Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over top. Return to oven and bake for
another 15 minutes. Let cool completely, then chill for at least two
hours.

Grasp foil, lift bars from pan and cut into squares.

Makes about 16 small squares or 12 bars

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cheesecake-Fiesta/
Love cheesecake? All cheesecakes...all the time!

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3. Old Fashioned Browned Butter Cookies
Posted by: “Dorie”
Old Fashioned Browned Butter Cookies

1 C. butter
3/4 C. sugar
1 egg
2 t. vanilla
2 C. all purpose flour
colored sugars
Heat oven to 350. In heavy 2 qt. saucepan, melt butter over medium high heat. Continue cooking, watching closely, until butter foams and turns a golden color (3-5 minutes). Immediately remove from heat, refrigerate 30 minutes.
In large mixer bowl, combine browned butter, sugar, egg and vanilla. Beat at medium speed until well mixed. Continue beating gradually, adding flour, until well mixed.
Roll dough into 1” balls. Roll balls in colored sugars. Place 2” apart on cookie sheets. Flatten with tines of fork.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.
Top with colored sugars.

Dorie
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ALL-CREOLE-COOKING-RECIPES/

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4. OT: Cookie Recipes
Posted by: “*~Tamara~*”

If it’s cookie recipes that you are looking for, please join my cookie list. It is all cookies...from bar to drop cookies. We even include brownies. The holidays are coming and cookies make wonderful presents.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cookie_Recipes/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ARecipe4ALL/

[I did not check the link, this was forwarded to me..granny]

Drying and Storing Herbs
Posted by: “Judith

Most of you are probably experts at this but a few of us are still learning...I am one of those! ....Judith......[from a thrifty newsletter]

Most herbs dry easily, and if properly preserved, will retain their flavor and aroma long enough to carry you into the next growing season. As with a lot of gardening, timing is everything. Here are some tips for gathering, drying and keeping them fresh while in storage.
Tips for Gathering Herbs

Don’t harvest your perennial herbs to heavily in their first year. Give them time to settle in. Once established, gardeners in warmer zones can harvest up to 2/3 of the foliage at a time-once in the spring and again in the summer. Gardeners in cold climates should only take 1/3 of the foliage each time and stop harvesting 5-6 weeks before the first expected fall frost so roots have time to store food for the winter.

Harvest your herbs early in the morning, just after the dew has dried, but before the sun warms them up too much. This is when the volatile oils are at their peak.

Once harvested, remove insects and any damaged leaves. To keep the volatile oils from dissipating, try to keep herbs out of strong light while preparing them for storage.

Culinary herbs will have the best flavor if harvested just before their buds have opened (when harvesting leaves), as soon as the buds have fully opened (when harvesting flowers), after the seeds have turned from green to brown (when harvesting seeds), or at the end of the growing season (when harvesting roots). Stems can be harvested as needed early in the morning on a dry day.

To cut stems cleanly and avoid damaging the plant, always use a sharp shears or scissors. Select only the highest quality foliage and blossoms when harvesting.

Catch ripe seeds as they fall by tying a piece of cheesecloth or an old nylon stocking around the seed heads. Avoid plastic bags. They can trap condensed moisture which can lead to mold.
Tips for Drying Herbs

The best place for drying herbs is someplace dry and dark, with good ventilation. Attics, closets, the tops of appliances like hot water heaters or refrigerators, or inside a gas oven (with a pilot light) are all ideal locations. Some people also use the interior of their cars while parked in the shade.

If necessary, you can speed up the drying process by using fans or dehumidifiers. You can also use your oven (set on the lowest temperature setting possible) but keep in mind that herbs will dry very quickly, and should be monitored closely.

Herbs can also be dried in the microwave oven. Sandwich them between paper towels and place a cup of water next to them. Set the microwave to run for 1 minute on the lowest setting. After one minute, check their progress. If you see sparks or if the leaves or stems are starting to turn black, try drying them for shorter increments of time.

Long-stemmed herbs (lavender, mint, yarrow) are easiest to dry in small bunches tied with a string or small rubber band. Hang bunches from hangers or nails to dry them. If your drying herbs in area prone to dust (like a barn or attic), cover the bunches with small paper bags. If you prefer not to hang them, separate the stems and lay them across drying racks, or spread them out on cookie sheets.

Seed heads can be blanched in boiling water to remove any unseen insects before being hung up to dry. To dry them, cover the heads with paper bags or cheesecloth to catch the seeds as they fall.

Leaves and flowers can be left on their stems to dry. Roots should be given a quick cleaning with a stiff bristled brush and cut into 1 inch slices. Lay the slices in a single layer on racks or trays to dry.

Flowers and leaves will turn crispy when they are finished drying. Root slices are finished with they turn hard and woody.
Tips for Storing Herbs

Decorative herbs can be secured with ribbon and hung in bunches around the kitchen or elsewhere in the home.

Herbs used for culinary purposes should be placed in airtight glass or metal containers or in plastic bags. Keep them cool, dry, and away from bright light.

Herbs can also be stored in the freezer. Harvest them at their peak, clean them, and place them (either chopped up or whole) into airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to use them, simply break off as much as you need and return the rest to the freezer.

Another easy and convenient method for freezing herbs (and especially good for entertaining) is to fill ice cube trays with water and chopped herbs. For example, add cubes of lemon verbena to a pitcher of lemon aid. For the holidays, try freezing fun shaped cookie cutters with chopped herbs and water You can wrap the cookie cutters with foil to keep in the water.

Many herbs tend to look alike once they are frozen or dried. You’ll thank yourself later if you take the time to label your containers carefully before storage.
About The Author: Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Huggs, Judith in Bama God is not mad at you, no matter what!

Pineapple Muffin Cookies
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

Posted by: “Nancy”
on Rhondas_Recipe_Exchange
Sun Jun 8, 2008 4:04 pm (PDT)

Pineapple Muffin Cookies

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 egg
1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
3-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar and egg. When light and fluffy, stir in crushed pineapple with juice. Sift flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg together and stir into batter. When the mixture is well blended, stir in nuts.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rhonda G in Missouri
Pen Pal, Friend, Mom and Chief Bottle Washer

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7. Coconut Cookie Nests
Posted by: “luvmygroops”
From the Meals.com website...

~~~~~

Coconut Cookie Nests

Too sweet to hide, these fun Coconut Cookie Nests are the perfect addition to your Easter festivities.

With delicious egg-shaped chocolates nestled atop colorful cookie nests, these easy-to-make treats are sure to create a “hoppy” Easter.
Estimated Times
Preparation Time 20 mins.
Cooking Time 20 mins.
Cooling Time 20 mins.

INGREDIENTS

2 large egg whites
2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 colors of food coloring (optional)
12 NESTLÉ CRUNCH or BUTTERFINGER NestEggs, unwrapped
DIRECTIONS

PREHEAT oven to 325° F. Lightly grease and flour baking sheet.

WHISK egg whites until frothy in medium bowl. Stir in coconut, sugar, flour, vanilla extract and salt until well blended. Divide coconut mixture into 4 bowls. Add 1 to 2 drops different color food coloring to each bowl; mix until colors are dispersed evenly. Drop by tablespoonfuls into 12 mounds 1 1/2 inches apart. Press centers in slightly to form nests.

BAKE for 20 to 22 minutes or until set and lightly golden brown. Remove baking sheet to a wire rack. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes; transfer nests to wire rack to cool completely. Place 1 Nestlé NestEgg in each nest before serving.

Yields 12 cookies
~~~~~~~~~~

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8. Sugar Cookie Frosting
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

From the Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 9...

~~~~~

SUGAR COOKIE FROSTING

5 c powdered sugar
5 1/2 to 6 1/2 Tbsp water
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
paste food coloring

Combine powdered sugar, water and almond extract in a medium bowl; beat until smooth. Transfer frosting into small bowls and tint with food coloring. Spread onto cooled cookies.

~~~~~~~~~~

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9. German Cookies
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

This was submitted by Melissa

~~~~~~~~~~

4 Large eggs
2-1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 cup chopped pecan nuts
1 Ib. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of salt
1 cup powder sugar
1/4 cup water

Beat eggs and sugar together until creamy. Sift flour , measure, then
sift again with spices into egg mixture. Add nuts. Mix well.

Spread on greased 12 X 18 inch rimmed cookie pan. Bake at 375 degrees
for 20 minutes. Immediately spread powdered sugar/water glaze over
top. Cool. Cut into 2 X 3 inch strips..
~~~~~
Rhonda G in Missouri
.

Toasted Oatmeal Cookies
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

From the Betty Crocker website...

~~~~~

Toasted Oatmeal Cookies
Toasted oats, walnuts and brown sugar—there isn’t a better flavor combination!
Prep Time:40 min
Start to Finish:50 min
Makes:3 1/2 dozen cookies

2 1/2 cups quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350ºF. Spread oats and walnuts in ungreased jelly roll pan, 15 1/2x10 1/2x1 inch. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light brown; cool. Mix brown sugar, butter, vanilla and egg in large bowl. Stir in oat mixture and remaining ingredients. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slighty; remove from cookie sheet.. Cool on wire rack.

Nutrition Information
1 Serving: Calories 125 (Calories from Fat 65 ); Total Fat 7 g (Saturated Fat 1 g); Cholesterol 5 mg; Sodium 100 mg; Total Carbohydrate 14 g (Dietary Fiber 1 g); Protein 2 g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4 %; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 0%; Iron 2 % Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Fat
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
~~~~~~~~~~

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12. Happy Trails Mix
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

From the Pillsbury website...

~~~~~

Happy Trails Mix
Prep Time: 5 min ; Start to Finish: 5 min
Makes: 2 cups

Looking for a no-cook, 5-minute snack? Kids will gobble up these nibbles, container and all!
1 cup Chex Mix® snack mix (any flavor)
1/2 cup frosted animal cookies
1/4 cup candy-coated chocolate-covered peanut candies
1/4 cup raisins
Flat-bottom ice cream cones, if desired

1 . In 1-quart resealable food-storage plastic bag, combine all ingredients; shake to mix.

—

Chocolate Crust filled with Strawberries
Posted by: “Russie-— >^..^<”

ALMOND GANACHE TART

11 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbs amaretto liqueur
1 quart strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup apple jelly
14 cream filled chocolate sandwich cookies
1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped

In bowl of food processor, pulse cookies and almonds 10 times. In microwave bowl, microwave 3 oz chocolate 1 min. or until melted. In bowl, combine crumb mixture and melted chocolate. Coat 9 inch tart pan or other pan with cooking spray. Press crumb mixture into pan, chill 5 min.

Place remaining chocolate in bowl. In microwave bowl, microwave cream 1 min. 15 seconds or until boiling. Pour over chocolate. Let sit 2 min. Stir until smooth. Stir in amaretto. Pour ganache into tart shell. Chill 5 min.

Top with strawberries. In microwave bowl, microwave jelly 30 seconds. Brush over berries. Chill tart 2 hours. MAKES 12 SERVINGS.

SOFT CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES
Posted by: “luvmygroops”
Posted by: “Nancy”
on Rhondas_Recipe_Exhange
Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:00 pm (PDT)

SOFT CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES

These cookies are really yummy, we liked them, a glass of cold milk goes good with them.

2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
2 1/4 cups flour
2 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 400 degrees.* Beat butter, sugar, vanilla, baking soda and salt until creamy. Beat in eggs until fluffy. Beat in flour until blended. Stir in chocolate and nuts. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 min. or until golden. Cool cookies.
MAKES 46 SOFT CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES.*

~~~~~~~~~~

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24. Shamrock Cookies
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

From the Taste of Home website...

~~~~~

Shamrock Cookies

A handy cookie cutter shapes these sensational sweets from Edna Hoffman of Hebron, Indiana. With a hint of mint flavor, they’re especially yummy with cocoa or chocolate milk.
SERVINGS: 18
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 25 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup shortening
* 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* Green paste food coloring
* Green colored sugar, optional
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extract. Gradually add flour and salt. Tint with food coloring. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a lightly floured 2-in. shamrock cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.
Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks. Yield: 3 dozen.

~~~~~~~~~~

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25. Delicious Christmas Cookies
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

From the All Recipes website...

~~~~~

Delicious Christmas Cookies

SUBMITTED BY: Lynn Newton
“Our family always looks forward to the holidays, because they know we will have our favorite holiday cookies. The grand kids like to help make them.”
PREP TIME 15 Min
COOK TIME 9 Min
READY IN 25 Min
SERVINGS & SCALING
Original recipe yield: 4 1/2 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS
* 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups sweetened, flaked coconut
* 2 cups red and green candy-coated chocolate
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, flour and baking powder.
3. In a separate, large bowl combine condensed milk and butter; beat until smooth. Stir in graham cracker mixture, mixing well. Stir in coconut and chocolates.
4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely..
~~~~~~~~~~

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimpleMeals/

Sunrise Enchiladas
Posted by: “L. Cloutier”
Sunrise Enchiladas

8 whole green chilies (about 2 (4 oz cans)
8 flour tortillas (7 inch)
2 cups cooked sausage, crumbled or chopped ham or bacon
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 eggs
2 cups light cream
1 t. flour
1/4 t. salt
1 clove garlic, minced
Tabasco sauce
Avocado slices, optional
Salsa for garnish
sour cream for garnish
Cilantro for garnish

Place opened green chile on one end of tortilla. Combine meat, green onions, pepper and 1/3 cup plus 3 t. cheese. Spoon over green chiles. Roll up and arrange in greased casserole. seam side down. combine eggs, cream, flour, salt, garlic, and Tabasco. Pour over tortillas. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350. Uncover and bake 45 to 50 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake 3 minutes. Serve with avocados, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Makes 8 enchiladas.
Source: Breakfast and More

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4a. Spaghetti Bake
Posted by: “L. Cloutier”

Spaghetti Bake

8 to 12 oz. pkg. spaghetti, cooked
2 lbs. ground beef, browned and drained
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
3 to 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Mix spaghetti, ground beef, sauce and mushrooms together. Spread in a greased 13 x 9” baking dish, sprinkle with cheeses. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serves 6
Source:Unknown

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5. Potatoes and Chicken, Italian Style
Posted by: “L. Cloutier”

Potatoes and Chicken, Italian Style

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup nonfat Italian salad dressing
2 t. dried Italian seasoning
1 cup nonfat Parmesan cheese
4 baking potatoes, cut into wedges

Spray inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in bottom of slow cooker. sprinkle half the salad dressing, Italian seasoning and cheese on top of chicken; top with potatoes and repeat with remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Serves 4
Source: Unknown

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_____________________________

Old-fashioned Meat Loaf- A.K.A “Basic” Meatloaf
Posted by: “luvmygroops”

From the Food Network website...

~~~~~

Old-fashioned Meat Loaf- A.K.A “Basic” Meatloaf

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Show: Paula’s Home Cooking
Episode: Retro

Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings

1 pound ground beef
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
8 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

Topping:
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix all meatloaf ingredients well and place in a baking dish. Shape into a loaf.

Topping:
Mix ingredients for topping and spread on loaf. Bake for 1 hour.

~~~~~~~~~~

Pulled Pork Sandwiches on Buns-—Slow Cooker
Posted by: “Russie-— >^..^<”

PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp black pepper
2 1/2 pounds boneless pork butt or shoulder, trimmed
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 1/2 tbs dark brown sugar
1 tbs paprika
1 tsp chili powder
2 tbs cider vinegar
2 tbs ketchup
6 hamburger buns

In a small bowl, stir together 1 tbs sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin and pepper, set aside.

Lay pork on work surface and sprinkle on all sides with spice rub, rub into meat. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.

Unwrap pork and place in slow cooker with broth. Cover and cook on high 6 hours or low 8 hours. Remove pork from slow cooker and cut into large chunks, let stand 20 min. or until cool enough to handle.

Pour cooking liquid into a fat separator. Pour de-fatted liquid into saucepan. Heat. Whisk in vinegar, ketchup and remaining brown sugar. Cook until sugar has dissolved. Set aside.

Pull meat into shreds, place in bowl. Stir in sauce and put 1/2 cup meat on each bun. Serve immediately. MAKES 6 SERVINGS.

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16. Chicken & Biscuits with Vegetables and Cheese
Posted by: “Russie-— >^..^<”

CHICKEN & BISCUITS

1 cup baking mix
3 tbs milk
10 3/4 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup sour cream
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
16 oz pkg frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix soup and 1/2 cup sour cream in 8 inch square baking dish. Add chicken, vegetables and cheese, mix.

Place baking mix in bowl. Add remaining sour cream and milk, stir until stiff dough forms.

Drop by heaping tablespoons into 6 mounds over chicken mixture. Bake 35 min. or until biscuits are golden brown and chicken mixture is hot and bubbly. MAKES 6 SERVINGS.

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17. Chipotle Pork Soft Tacos with Accompaniments
Posted by: “Russie-— >^..^<”

CHIPOTLE PORK SOFT TACOS

1 tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin, cut in 1 inch cubes
1 tsp dried oregano
8 flour tortillas
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 tsp minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

Heat oil in a skillet. Add garlic and cook 1 min. Add pork and cook until golden brown on all sides. Add tomato sauce, chipotles and oregano. Bring to a simmer and let simmer until pork is cooked through and sauce has reduced and thickened.

If desired, warm tortillas, wrap them in a kitchen towel and warm in the microwave 30 seconds on high.

Arrange pork on tortillas, top with cheese. Serve with accompaniments: Sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado. MAKES 4 SERVINGS.

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18. Steak & Shiitake Fried Rice with Vegetables
Posted by: “Russie-— >^..^<”

STEAK & SHIITAKE FRIED RICE

1 tbs peeled and minced ginger
8 oz steak, cut in 1 inch cubes
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1 cup rice
1 tbs olive oil
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup snow peas, strings removed

Cook rice according to package directions. Heat oil in a skillet. Add eggs and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook until eggs are firm and set. Transfer eggs to a cutting board and set aside.

Add garlic and ginger to skillet, cook 1 min. Add steak and cook until cooked through. Add carrots, peas and mushrooms, cook until mushrooms are softened. Add soy sauce and sesame oil and bring to a simmer. Stir in rice and heat through. Remove from heat and stir in scallions.

Slice eggs into thin strips. Spoon fried rice onto a serving platter. Top with eggs and serve. MAKES 4 SERVINGS.

Beef Barley Soup
Posted by: “Melissa”

Beef Barley Soup
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped veggies
3 cups water
2 (14.5 ounce) cans beef broth
1 cup quick-cooking barley
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with garlic and onions, undrained
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil

DIRECTIONS
In a Dutch oven, cook beef, onions and veggies until meat is no longer pink and veggies are tender; drain. Stir in the water and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Add barley; cover and simmer for 10-20 minutes or until barley is tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients; heat through. Transfer to three 1qt. freezer containers; cover and freeze for up to 3 months.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimpleMeals/

MELAMINE CONTAMINATED FOOD PRODUCTS (02): WORLDWIDE ex CHINA
************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

In this update:
[1] US Food & Drug Administration risk assessment
[2] Canada
[3] Slovakia

******
[1] US Food & Drug Administration risk assessment
Date: 3 Oct 2008
Source: FDA [edited]
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01895.html

IMPORTANT NOTE re Infant Formula: ***this does not mean that any
exposure to any
detectable level of melamine and melamine-related compounds in
formula will result in harm to infants***. {Emphasis added. - ProMED]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today [3 Oct 2008] issued
the results of its interim safety and risk assessment of melamine and
melamine-related compounds in food, including infant formula.

A safety/risk assessment is a scientifically based methodology used
to estimate the risk to human health from exposure to specified
compounds. It is based on available data and certain scientific
assumptions in the absence of data. The purpose of the FDA interim
safety/risk assessment was to identify the level of melamine and
melamine-related compounds in food which would not raise public
health concerns. The interim safety/risk assessment evaluated the
melamine exposure in infant formula and in other foods.

The safety/risk assessment, prompted by reports of melamine
contamination of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products
containing milk manufactured in China, was conducted by scientists
from the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the
Center for Veterinary Medicine. The FDA reviewed scientific
literature on melamine toxicity.

Infant Formula
The FDA is currently unable to establish any level of melamine and
melamine-related compounds in infant formula that does not raise
public health concerns. In large part, this is because of gaps in our
scientific knowledge about the toxicity of melamine and its analogues
in infants, including:
- the consequences of the continuous use of infant formulas as the
sole source of nutrition;
- the uncertainties associated with the possible presence and
co-ingestion of more than one melamine analogue; and
- for premature infants with immature kidney function, the
possibility that they may be fed these formulas as the sole source of
nutrition and thus on a body weight basis experience greater levels
of intake for a longer time than is experienced by term infants.

There is too much uncertainty to set a level in infant formula and
rule out any public health concern. However, it is important to
understand that ***this does not mean that any exposure to any
detectable level of melamine and melamine-related compounds in
formula will result in harm to infants***. {Emphasis added. - ProMED]

Other Food Products
In food products other than infant formula, the FDA concludes that
levels of melamine and melamine-related compounds below 2.5 parts per
million (ppm) do not raise concerns. This conclusion assumes a worst
case exposure scenario in which 50 percent of the diet is
contaminated at this level, and applies a 10-fold safety factor to
the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) to account for any uncertainties.
The TDI is an estimate of the maximum amount of an agent to which an
individual could be exposed on a daily basis over the course of a
lifetime without an appreciable health risk. [Lifetime being 70-80 years.
- Mod.TG]

The FDA continues to screen products, collaborate with foreign
governments and their regulatory agencies, and monitor reports of
contamination from international sources to help ensure that
potentially contaminated products from foreign sources are examined
if imported into the United States. If products are adulterated
because they contain melamine and/or a melamine-related compound, the
agency will take appropriate actions to prevent the products from
entering commerce.

Additional links [the links to the items shown below are available at
the source URL]:
Interim Safety and Risk Assessment of Melamine and Its Analogues in
Foods for Humans
Additional Information
FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination (
26 Sep 2008)
FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination (23
Sep 2008)
FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination (20
Sep 2008)
FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula (12 Sep 2008)
Mr. Brown 3-In-1 and and 2-In-1 Powdered Packets in Bag Coffee Mixes
Due To Health Risk (1 Oct 2008)
QFCO, Inc. Recalls White Rabbit Candy Because of Possible Health Risk
(26 Sep 2008)

—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
promed@promedmail.org

******
[2] Canada
Date: 2 Oct 2008
Source: Canada.com [edited]
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=cbf98176-feb6-4ce7-adc2-e9cc4065bc80

Made-in-China pretzels recalled in Ontario
Two varieties of coated pretzels made in China have been taken off of
Ontario store shelves after testing positive for the harmful chemical
compound melamine. 40-gram packages of OK OK-brand Kaiser Strawberry
Dressing Pretzels and 50-g packs of Kaiser Chocolate Dressing
Pretzels were found to have traces of melamine and were subsequently
recalled, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced Wednesday [1
Oct 2008].

The products, distributed by Dai Jung Distributing of Scarborough,
Ontario, have been distributed throughout Ontario, a CFIA statement
said. No illnesses have been reported from ingesting the pretzels.

The pretzel recallis part of an ongoing CFIA investigation into milk
and milk-derived products originating in China.

—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Brent Barrett

[The melamine problem has clearly extended from infant formula to other foods.
The risk assessment is appropriate but does not answer all the
questions - Mod.TG]

[A map of Ontario is available at:
http://listingsca.com/Ontario/map2.asp
- CopyEd.EJP]

******
[3] Slovakia
Date 3 Oct 2008
Source: AFP [edited]
http://www.afp.com/english/news/?pid=ticker

Traces of melamine found in Chinese milk drink in Slovakia.

—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
promed@promedmail.org

[see also:
Melamine contaminated food products 20081002.3107
Melamine contamination, animal feed: RFI 20081001.3097
Infant kidney stones - China (03): melamine 20080917.2915
Infant kidney stones - China (02): Gansu, milk, melamine 20080912.2856
2007
Fish mortality - South Africa: melamine?, RFI 20070612.1919
Contaminated pet food - China: melamine 20070430.1403
Pet food fatalities, pets - USA, Canada, Mexico (03): melamine 20070330.1099]
....................tg/ejp/jw

http://www.marcandangel.com/2007/10/17/30-if-statements-in-life-worth-learning/

30 “If Statements” in Life Worth Learning

Here are 30 “if statements” worth learning if you have the intentions of leading a more productive life.

If I am what I have and if I lose what I have, who then am I?
- Erich Fromm

1. If you don’t understand the product or service, don’t buy it until you do.
2. If you do not take ownership of your actions, your actions will eventually own you.
3. If you are not saving at least 10% of your salary, you are not saving enough.
4. If you talk too much, people will stop listening. If you don’t talk enough, people will never hear your point of view.
5. If you are lazy, you will fail. Laziness will always overshadow your true potential.
6. If you hate your job, you also hate half of the time you spend on this planet.
7. If you are not investing (120 minus your age) percent of your savings in the stock market, you are giving up thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime.
8. If you don’t finish what you start, your success rate will always be zero.
9. If you don’t consume enough liquids, you will never be healthy.
10. If your monthly debt payments exceed 40% of your total income, you will go broke if you don’t fix your spending habits promptly.
11. If you avoid your problems, your problems will steer the course of your life.
12. If something sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
13. If you are buying a brand new car every 3-5 years, stop! You are wasting your money.
14. If you don’t keep up with important current events, you will look like an idiot in front of others.
15. If you back-up on a freeway off-ramp, you increase your chances of having an accident by about 1000%. Go to the next exit and turn around.
16. If you are not learning something new every day, you are wasting away days of your life.
17. If you threaten to quit your job, even if it’s a subtle suggestion, you better be ready to leave now.
18. If somebody asks you for your social security number, don’t give it to them!
19. If you are paying high monthly insurance premiums for a lower claim deductible, you are pissing in the wind.
20. If you don’t ever intend to help others, expect them to return the favor.
21. If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you probably aren’t learning much at all.
22. If you don’t dream, you will live solely as an entity of someone else’s dreams.
23. If you are ever confused, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
24. If you don’t listen to good music while exercising, you are missing out on the best part of your workout.
25. If you are not happy, it’s time to change something.
26. If you never stare off into the distance, you’ll never get there.
27. If you dress a certain way, people will treat you a certain way.
28. If you never try something new, your life’s story will be boring.
29. If you aren’t in love, don’t settle.
30. If you are overly emotional right now, make the decision later.

RABIES, FELINE, HUMAN EXPOSURE - USA (02): (TEXAS)
**************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: 2 Oct 2008
Source: My SA health [edited]
http://www.mysanantonio.com/health/30077809.html

An elderly man who fed stray cats in his Oak Hills neighborhood was
bitten by a kitten that has tested positive for rabies, health
officials said Wednesday [1 Oct 2008]. It was the 2nd rabid cat
identified in Bexar County this year [2008] - a highly unusual
occurrence. And it comes as a nationwide shortage of human
post-exposure rabies vaccine is worsening.

The man, identified only as being in his 80s, is undergoing
post-exposure rabies treatment, said Christine Patmon, a spokeswoman
for the Metropolitan Health District.

“He had been seeing a skunk around his neighborhood,” Patmon said.
“The concern now is that obviously this is our 2nd domestic cat within
Bexar County, and this skunk has not been captured.” [Evidently the
cats are thought to have contracted rabies from the skunk. - Mod.JW]

Animal Care Services staff will distribute fliers in the neighborhood
Friday [3 Oct 2008], alerting residents to the risk for rabies,
Patmon said. State health officials have been rationing access to
rabies vaccine since the 2 worldwide manufacturers have seen their
supplies dwindle.

Problems began last summer when one of the manufacturers, Sanofi
Pasteur, began renovating its plant in France to comply with Food and
Drug Administration regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) reports that the shortage is unlikely to be resolved
until mid- to late 2009.

Metro Health, which maintains one of several state depots for human
rabies vaccine in Texas, is down to only 7 doses. The Texas
Department of State Health Services, which normally maintains 2300
doses in Austin and throughout the state, currently has just over 200.

Each series of rabies shots typically consists of 5 doses of vaccine,
along with 1 dose of immune globulin. The series costs between USD
1200 and USD 2000. Under the current system, state health officials
judge each possible human exposure on a case-by-case basis to see if
it warrants treatment. If it does, the patient’s doctor or hospital
is given a password to order vaccine directly from the manufacturer.

“We’re not aware of anyone who needed the vaccine in Texas who has
not gotten it,” said Doug McBride, a spokesman for the state health
department.

Matthew Whitson, who oversees the vaccine for Metro Health, said the
city released vaccine to just one person last month [September 2008]
— a resident who was bitten by a raccoon that could not be found for
testing. Rabies in domestic animals — dogs and cats — is uncommon
in Bexar County, which has reported a single case every few years,
predominantly in cats. It is much more common in wild animals. This
year [2008], rabies has been confirmed in 17 animals locally - 8
bats, 7 skunks and now 2 cats. The 1st cat was infected by a skunk
strain of rabies. The type of virus that infected the most recent cat
has not yet been determined.

Health officials are stressing the basics of rabies prevention —
vaccinating pets (the rabies vaccine for animals is not in short
supply) and keeping pets and people away from wildlife. Texas has had
one of the most complex problems with rabies in wildlife, with
outbreaks in coyotes, foxes, skunks and bats in recent years. Since
1995, the state has maintained a program of dropping vaccine-laden
biscuits in South, Central and West Texas to snuff out rabies in
coyotes and foxes.

Only one unvaccinated person is known to have survived rabies
infection, a teenage girl treated in 2004 with a combination of
antiviral drugs and put in an induced coma. A total of 14 Texans have
died of rabies in the past 30 years.

[Byline: Don Finley - Express News]

—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Susan Baekeland

[The Post Exposure Rabies Prophylaxis shortage is a concern to all.

Regardless of how many animals an individual or family has, there is
the clear need to have the animals vaccinated against rabies.

The article does not provide us enough information to know if the
kitten was acting strangely or if the man had any indication the
kitten had been exposed. - Mod.TG

The age of the kitten is not given, but the standard vaccination
protocol is to vaccinate cats and dogs at 3 or 4 months and then again
at one year of age, followed a year later by a 3-year shot. - Mod.JW

A outline map of the state of Texas showing the location of Bexar
County is available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Map_of_Texas_highlighting_Bexar_County.svg
- CopyEd.EJP]

[see also:
Rabies, bat, human exposure - USA (04): (AZ) 20080924.3015
Rabies, bat, human exposure - USA (03): (AZ) 20080921.2971
Announcements (03): Rabies vaccine supply limited - USA (CDC) 20080826.2659
Rabies, equine - USA: (MO) 20080823.2632
Rabies, animal, human exposure - USA: (SC, VT) 20080823.2627
Rabies, wild & domestic canids - USA (AK) 2007 (02): corr. 20080815.2537

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