9:00AM
Yesterday at 8am it was already 84 degrees.
This morning it is 77 and feels like 77.
What a difference when compared to yesterday.
When the sun was setting it seemed like
kids came outside to play. It was still
very hot out. I had junior high age kids
playing basketball here and they were
sweating up a storm. I took out a gallon
of water from the cooler and some cups
for them. My $12 thrift store water cooler
has been the greatest thing this Summer!
We don't buy water for it. Instead we just
refill it with tap water.
Our truck driver neighbor had a little birthday
party for his one girl last night at most
neighborhood kids, including ours, went
and had cake and ice cream. The only problem
I had with it was that he waited all day and
ended up having kids over at 9PM!! I think
that's a tad late to be having a kids party
don't ya think?!
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Sorry Kendra & Dewaine, I ended up falling
asleep last night before Wall to Wall Sports
came on. BUT I did dvr it so I wouldn't miss it.
Oh yeah gotta have some pics of y'all lookin'
like a deer caught in headlights! LOL!
Hey that's better than everyone telling
me I looked like Blair Witch when I was
on 10TV, LMAO!! But hey it was like 20 below
outside and I was having a cap on my head!
They zoomed in so close you could
see the pores on my face, ahhhh!
OK I better be nice, I still have the rest
of my fence to be done, LOL!
Y'all got more guts than I do
to go on tv!
__________________________________
$3:40PM
Just home from Kroger. Tony had to
pick up a prescription.
They had lots of sample ladies there
today :0)
While there I got the following:
2 packages 2 pound chicken breasts
$1.44 each
Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade Cups
.19 cents
Sweet Italian bread
.49 cents
Sweet Italian sub buns
$1.49
4 Mentos gums
$2.00 for 4
2 gallons milk
.99 cents each
Saw regular bread for .39 cents
but didn't get any.
Then we stopped by Speedway on the
way home and got 2 free 40 ounce
slushies.
On the way home the truck started
acting up. Tony thinks it's a
fowled out spark plug.
So there's more money to
spend to buy spark plugs
and hopefully that fixes the
problem. Bought a bottle of
Gumout to put in the tank.
I'm sick of spending money
on stuff. If they made things
they way they used to we
would have to kerplunk money
into things to get them repaired
or replaced!! Now a days things
are made cheaper with a higher
price tag on them!! Years
ago things were made to last.
Not now. They figured out how
they can make money off ya.
Don't know what was going on
around 315 & Henderson Rd today.
Saw the helicopter flying REALLY
low around where the bike path is
and just North of it along
Olentangy River. I thought
it was landing. Normally
you don't see the helicopter
in that area.
I think for awhile I'm gonna cut
back on grocery shopping as long
as money keeps flying out of this
house for one thing or another.
So unless it's dirt cheap or something
we really need, that's when I'll get it.
__________________________________
Today I spent cleaning the dining room
and vacuuming the floor. Then went
out and weeded out the garden.
I was a little behind with that.
But it looks good now and you can
see the veggies now, lol.
Tony putting in $40+ worth
of spark plugs in the truck.
Did not fix the problem of
running rough.
__________________________________
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I will keep this at the bottom of the page
so when you check back be sure to scroll up.
More jar and convenient mixes recipes:
CRISP IN A JAR
Note: I would let the jars thaw some
and come somewhat to room temperature
before putting in a hot oven!
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Homemade Baking Mix (AKA Bisquick)
Ingredients
5 ½ cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
3 tbsp baking powder
1 cup shortening
Mix all ingredients well until crumbly. Store in an air tight container.
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Homemade Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsp ground oregano
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp salt (adjust to your own personal preference)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground basil
¼ tsp ground thyme
½ tsp dried celery flakes
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. To prepare the dressing: Mix two tablespoons of the mix with ¼ cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of water, and ½ to 2/3 cup olive oil or canola oil.
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Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Ingredients
½ cup cocoa
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/8 tsp salt
¼ tsp vanilla
Mix the cocoa & the water in a saucepan. Heat and stir to dissolve the cocoa. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Boil three minutes. Add the salt & the vanilla. Pour into a sterilized pint jar, and store covered in the refrigerator.
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Homemade Pancake Syrup
Ingredients
3 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups water
3 tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp butter flavoring
1 tsp maple extract
Bring all of the ingredients to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Turn off burner, but leave pot on burner until the bubbling stops.
--------------------------
Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
Ingredients
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ tsp poultry seasoning
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp salt
¼ tsp parsley
Dash of paprika
1 ½ cups milk
¾ cup flour
In a medium-sized saucepan, boil chicken broth, ½ cup of the milk, and the seasonings for a minute or two. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining one cup of milk and flour. Add to boiling mixture and continue whisking briskly until the mixture boils and thickens.
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Homemade Rice Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
¾ cup chicken bouillon granules
½ cup dried parsley
1 tbsp. basil
1 tbsp dill weed
2 tbsp, dried onion flakes
1 tsp seasoning salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 cup almonds, coarsely chopped (optional)
Mix together and store in an airtight container. When preparing rice, combine 1 cup rice, 2 cups water, and three tablespoons of the seasoning. Bring your water to a boil and add rice & seasoning. Reduce to simmer and cook for eighteen minutes.
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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Seasoning Mix (submitted by Marva)
Ingredients
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
Mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use this as a substitute for store bought pumpkin pie spice. Yield: 7 1/2 teaspoons.
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Homemade Poultry Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
2 tsp. ground sage
1 ½ tsp. ground thyme
1 tsp. ground marjoram
¾ tsp ground rosemary
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp finely ground black pepper
Mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use this as a substitute for store bought poultry seasoning.
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Chicken Rice Mix
* 4 cups uncooked long grain rice
* 1/4 cup dry instant chicken bouillon granules
* 1 tsp. salt
* 2 tsp. dried tarragon leaves
* 2 tsp. dried parsley
* 1/4 tsp. white pepper
* 2 tsp. dried minced onions
* 1/2 tsp. sugar
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until evenly distributed. Put about 1 1/3 cups into three 1-pint containers and label as "Chicken Flavored Rice Mix". Store in a cool, dry place and use within 6 to 8 months. Makes about 4 cups of mix.
To use: Mix 1 1/3 cups Chicken Flavored Rice Mix with 2 cups cold water and 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 to 25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. 4 to 6 servings
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Sloppy Joe Mix
* 1 cup dried minced onion
* 3 Tbsp. dried green pepper pieces
* 4 tsp. salt
* 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
* 4 tsp. instant minced garlic
* 2 tsp. dry mustard
* 2 tsp. celery seed
* 2 tsp. chili powder
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalent of 8 packages purchased Sloppy Joe seasoning mix. 3 Tbsp. Sloppy Joe Mix equals one package purchased mix.
Sloppy Joes
Brown 1 lb. lean ground beef in a large skillet; drain fat. Add 3 Tbsp. Sloppy Joe Mix, 1/2 cup water, and 1 cup ketchup or crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer 5-10 minutes until thickened.
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Convenience Taco Seasoning Mix
1/3 cup instant minced onion
1 tablespoon crushed dried red pepper
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon instant minced garlic
1 tablespoon curry powder
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons oregano
Combine all ingredients. Store in a jar and cover tightly. To use, measure 2 tablespoons to equal a package. Makes 8 packages or 1 cup mix.
Tacos
Brown 1 pound lean hamburger in skillet. Drain excess fat. Add 1 package taco mix and 3/4 cup water; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced. Stir. Place about 2 tablespoons meat mixture into each taco shell. Top the meat with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes and finely shredded lettuce. Makes 8 to 10 tacos
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Convenience Salt-Free Seasoning Mix
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
2 teaspoons paprika
Combine and place in an airtight container; store in a cool place. Use in place of salt to season food.
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Basic Pancake Batter
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup dry milk plus 1-1/4 cups water or
1-1/2 cups fluid milk
3 tablespoons margarine
Thoroughly mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, dry milk (if used) and margarine. Store the mix in a jar or other airtight container. Label with directions. Make only as many batches as you will use within 3 months.
When ready to make a batch of pancakes, empty one batch of mix into bowl. Add an egg and water or milk and combine well. Follow recipe directions for cooking.
It may be simpler to make and store several single batches individually. But it is also possible to multiply the dry ingredients to make a quantity of mix to be stored in a large container. The only difference in using this approach is that you must figure how much mix to measure out when you want a single batch of pancakes. To do this, add together all the cups, all the tablespoons and all the teaspoons to dry ingredients and fat in the original recipe for a single batch and then convert the answer you get into cups of dry mix.
2 cups four + 1/2 cup dry milk = 2-1/2 cups (or 2 cups and 8 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon baking powder + 2 tablespoons sugar + 3 tablespoons fat = 6 tablespoons
1 teaspoon salt = 1 teaspoon
Total = 2 cups + 14 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (or 3 cups minus 2 tablespoons)
As in this recipe, you are likely to come out with a sum that does not make an even 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2 cup. Estimate your figures to the nearest tablespoon. In this case, to make a single batch of pancakes, you would measure out 3 cups of the mix less 2 tablespoons.
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Cappuccino Mix
* 1 1/3 cups instant coffee, with or without caffeine
* 1 1/2 cups plain powdered coffee creamer
* 2 cups hot chocolate mix, reg. or sugar-free
* 1 cup sugar or sugar substitute
* 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
Directions:
Mix well and store in air-tight container.
To use, mix 3 teaspoons per cup of boiling water
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Homemade Baking Powder
* 1/4 tsp. baking soda
* 1/4 tsp. cornstarch
* 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
Directions:
Mix well. This makes one teaspoon of baking powder. Recipe can be doubled or tripled
--------------------------------
Homemade Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Drink Mix
* 2 cups instant non-fat dry milk
* 1/2 cup cocoa, unsweetened
* artificial sweetner to equal 1 cup (sweet n low-24 packets)
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 3 /4 cup dry non-dairy creamer
Directions
Mix all ingredients and store in airtight container. To make cup of hot chocolate, mix 1 /4 cup dry mix with one cup boiling water. You can add some spices like cinnamon or vanilla flavor, etc., if desired.
Note: Adding the non dairy creamer was my idea. The original is copied from a package of instant dry milk powder. Only difference is I add non dairy creamer. They do not. Name of company manufacturer is not available. I got the instant milk from a food pantry. Many times names are not available. Being diabetic, I could not afford to buy the mix in the store.
-----------------------------------
White Sauce, Gravy or Soup Mix
* 4 cups instant dry milk
* 1 cup flour
* 1 cup margarine, softened
Directions
Mix dry milk and flour until thoroughly blended. With pastry blender, cut in margarine until like fine meal. Store in lightly closed container in refrigerator. To make white sauce or gravy: Combine 2/3 cup mix with each cup of water or broth. Heat while stirring until mixture boils. Season as desired. Serve over meat or vegetables. Grated cheese may be added after mixture thickens. Note: Creamed dried beef can be made in a few minutes with this recipe.
---------------------------
Vegetable Dip Mix
* 1 Tbsp dried chives
* 1/2 tsp. dill weed
* 1 tsp. garlic salt
* 1/2 tsp. paprika
Directions
Combine all ingredients mixing well. Place in a ziplock bag. Use within 6 months. Makes 2 Tbsp.
Vegetable Dip
Ingredients
* 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 package vegetable dip mix (recipe above)
Directions
Combine all ingredients. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Makes 2 cups.
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Homemade Chocolate Pudding Mix
Ingredients:
* 3/4 cup powdered milk
* 7/8 cup cornstarch, 1 cup minus 2 Tbsp.
* 1 1/2 cup sugar
* 3/4 cup cocoa powder
* 1/4 tsp. salt, rounded
Directions:
Combine all the dry ingredients and store in an airtight container. The mix fits in a quart jar.
To prepare:
Add 2/3 cup mix to a saucepan. Add 2 cups milk and stir until blended. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer while stirring constantly until thickened. Cool and serve.
Serving Size : 24
Homemade Vanilla Pudding Mix
Ingredients:
* 1 1/4 cups powdered milk
* 1 1/4 cups cornstarch
* 1 5/8 cups sugar
* 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
* 3/8 tsp. salt
Directions:
Combine all the dry ingredients and store in an airtight container. The mix fits in a quart jar.
To prepare:
Add 1/2 cup mix to a saucepan. Add 2 cups milk and stir until blended. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer while stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cool and serve.
Variations: Leave out the nutmeg and substitute your choice of extract: Almond, Banana, Lemon, Maple or Pineapple or other flavor that you like.
Serving Size : 32
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Instant Oatmeal Packets
Check the cereal aisle for more flavor ideas. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
* 3 cups Quick-Cooking Oats
* Salt
* 8 Plastic Sandwich Bags
Directions
Put 1/2 cup oats in a blender and whirl at high speed until powdery; reserve in a small bowl and repeat procedure with an additional 1/2 cup oats. If you're using a food processor, powder the 1 cup of oats in one motion. Into each sandwich bag put 1/4 cup un-powdered oats, 2 tablespoons powdered oats, and a scant 1/4 teaspoon salt. Store in a box or airtight container.
To serve: Empty packet into a bowl. Add 3/4 cup boiling water; stir and let stand for 2 minutes. For thicker oatmeal, use less water; for thinner, use more water. (I microwave for 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 minutes or until done on high)
Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal: To each packet add 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, and 2 Tbsp. chopped dried apples.
Cinnamon-Spice Oatmeal: To each packet add 1 Tbsp. sugar, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, and a scant 1/8 tsp. nutmeg.
Fruit and Cream: To each packet add 1 Tbsp. dry milk and 2 Tbsp. dried fruit or fresh fruit after cooking or jam.
Oatmeal with Raisins and Brown Sugar: To each packet add 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar and 1 Tbsp. raisins.
Sweetened Oatmeal: To each packet add 1 Tbsp. sugar
Wheat Germ Oatmeal: To each packet add 2 Tbsp. any kind of wheat germ
----------------------
Make Your Own Cake Mix
* 8 cups all-purpose flour
* 6 cups granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup baking powder
* 1 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 lb. can vegetable shortening (2 1/4 cups)
Directions
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with 2 knives or pastry blender until the consistency of corn meal. Mix well and put in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator, if you have the space. Use within 10 to 12 weeks. Makes about 16 cups
Plain Cake:
* 2 cups cake mix
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 1 egg, slightly beaten
* 1/2 cup milk
Stir ingredients for plain cake until well blended. Pour into 8-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. For a 9 x 13-inch pan or layer cakes, double the ingredients.
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Making Mock Condensed Milk (like Eagle Brand)
With the holidays coming sooner than we think, it is time to make those delicious recipes that call for Eagle Brand condensed milk. But it is really expensive to buy. So make your own with this simple recipe. I guarantee it works as well as the real thing!
Mock Condensed Milk
Mix together in your blender: 2 1/4 cups Milk Powder, 1/4 cup warm water, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Pour into covered container and refrigerate until cold and thick. This amount is equal to 1 can Eagle Brand.
----------------------------
Creamsicle Drink Mix
1 part orange-flavored instant drink mix (Tang)
1 part powdered milk
2 parts instant vanilla pudding
To use, stir 2 tablespoons of Creamsicle Drink Mix into 1 cup of cold water.
-----------------------
Gatorade Sport Drink Mixes
10 tbs. sugar (5/8 cups or 120 grams)
3/4 tsp Morton Lite salt (4.2 grams)
1 package of unsweetened Coolade mix for flavor (ie ... Koolaid or similar store brand)
Water to make 2 liters
The recipe will give a total of 124 grams of solute which in 2 liters water gives a total of 6.2% concentration. For an 8 oz serving this gives:
14.2 grams carbohydrate (6%)
53 calories
103 mg Sodium
121 mg Potassium
You'll notice that the amount of potassium is quite a bit higher than Gatorade, but the rest is pretty close. If you wanted to reduce the potassium, another option would be to use 1/2 tsp. each of regular salt and the Morton Lite Salt. This would change it to:
104mg sodium
40mg potassium
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Brown Sugar
2 tablespoon molasses
1 cup granulated sugar
Add molasses to sugar and stir with a fork. Store brown sugar in an airtight container to keep it soft.
----------------------
Ketchup
Yield: 2 1/2 cups
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard
Combine ingredients and store in refrigerator.
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Heinz Ketchup
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth. When mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove pan from heat and cover until cool. Chill and store in a covered container.
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Confectioners' Sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Blend sugar on highest speed of blender for two minutes. Add cornstarch to keep from packing. Store in an airtight container.
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HOMEMADE PICKLING SPICE
2 tb Mustard seed
1 tb Whole allspice
2 ts Coriander seeds
2 Whole cloves
1 ts Ground ginger
1 ts Dried red pepper flakes
1 Bay leaf, crumbled
1 Cinnamon stick (2 inches)
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight jar or container. Use in favorite pickle recipes. Yield: 1/3 Cup
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Homemade tortilla chips
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut each tortilla you want to bake into 8 triangles. Spread the triangles on a foil-covered baking tray, making sure none of the triangles touch or overlap with each other. Spray the triangles lightly with olive or vegetable oil, then salt to taste. Bake for 15 minutes, rotating the pan once half-way through baking, then let sit for 5 minutes so the chips can harden before serving.
Two tortillas make 16 chips, or one serving. You can bake your homemade tortilla chips fresh, or do a large batch at once, and store them in an airtight container. If you bake chips as you go, be sure to store unused tortillas in an airtight container as well. The homemade tortilla chips will keep for 4-5 days.
Doing the math
For families who are used to buying one bag of tortilla chips weekly, switching from that $4 bag to this simple $1 recipe can save them up to $156 a year on their grocery bills. Plus, your homemade tortilla chips are healthier for you, without all the added preservatives that keep chips fresh on the grocery shelf. And there's hardly any broken chips to contend with!
