Simple Craft Ideas for Teachers and Co-workers

Check out these inexpensive easy Christmas gift ideas for the kids teachers or hubby's co-workers:

There's a lightbulb santa, ornaments ideas made from clear glass ornaments (trying swirling paint around in one-looks like a marble!) and snowmen made of washclothes. Get all the instructions, plus tons of other ideas at

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/index.shtml

Recipes for December Canning Items

Pumpkin gingerbread muffins
1/2 cup butter, room temp
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cups white wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup chocolate chips (minis)
3 eggs
2 Tablespoons molasses
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
Cream the butter and brown sugar together with a mixer . Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, and chocolate chips. Mix well, it will be dry and crumbly.
Add the eggs, mixing after each one. Add molasses and pumpkin and mix until well combined. Scoop into a greased muffin pan. Using a scoop will help the muffins be the same size, therefore cooking through evenly.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-23 minutes


Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Ingredients
· 4 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
· 8 teaspoons dried onion flakes
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper

Equals 1 packet


Bean Cookies
2 cups white beans, cooked and pureed
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar-
Mix-4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla-
Mix-4 cups oat flour (blend up rolled oats in your blender until fine)
5 cups quick oats
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon (opt.)
1 cups coconut (opt.)
2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
2 cups white chocolate chips-
Mix-
Drop on cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 min


Refried Bean 7 Layer Dip
Mix and add together:
1 cup refried beans (dried beans from cannery)
1 and 1/4 cups boiling water
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/8 cup dry pack onions
1 small can mild green chilies
Allow first 4 ingredients to sit 10 minutes.
Add green chilies.
Add salt and garlic to taste.
You may also add 2-3 TBSP of salsa.
Spread out on serving plate.
Continue to layer with taco flavored sour cream (1/3) package or less of taco seasoning added to sour cream, diced tomatoes, grated cheddar cheese, green onions, browned and crumbled hamburger, black olives, etc.
Serve with chips of choice

December Canning

Our next canning date is December 18th.
Orders are due by Nov. 25.
We will be canning:
white beans
white wheat
onions
refried beans
flour
cocoa

My Apologies

Please forgive my slacking of this sight the past couple weeks. I've had a daughter in and out of the hospital and things got a little crazy. But now I'm ready to get us all back on track. Be prepared in the coming weeks for simple inexpensive holiday ideas, new recipes and savings where ever I can find them.

Report cards are coming and Krispy Kreme gives out a free donut for every A up to 6 per report card. Got good students? Bring you card and come on by!

Closest one to me is 6626 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. Mesa : 480-325-6789

Powdered Milk Taste Test --Part 3 and the final

Brand B is United Dairyman Non fat Dry Milk - is sold in 50 pound bags at the Milk and More Store which is on the southwest corner of Broadway and Hardy in Tempe. It is $55.00 and will make60 gallons of milk. This is the least expensive of all the products at $.92 per gallon!

Nonfat, powdered, dry milk is prepared by removing water and milk fat from pasteurized fresh milk. It is fine textured and reconstitutes easily in water with agitation. It is made by spraying concentrated milk into hot air or also known as "spray drying".

Results of Powdered Milk Taste test Part 2

Brand C -LDS Cannery Nonfat Milk -- sold in cans on ward canning day for $5.30 per can or in a 25 lb bag for $24.80. Each can will make 4.3 gallons. That's $1.23 per gallon!

This is a dense dairy dehydrated milk powder that takes a good bit of mixing to get it to dissolve back into liquid without lumps. Try using a blender or wire wisk. It is milk that is basically spray-dried and put through one pass in the dehydration process. For the best flavor, shelf life is 3-5 years. After that, the flavor can start to definitely go down hill, although it is still usable for up to 10+ depending on storage environment. It can be used in all cooking. Do make sure it is well blended into dry ingredients when added in as a powder, or you can get powdered milk lumps.

Results of Powdered Milk Taste Test

Brand A -- Morning Moo sold at Costco for $57.99. This bucket will make 52 gallons of milk. That's $1.12 per gallon.

Morning Moo is a milk alternative and it doesn't have as much protein, so be careful when using it for babies. They use sweet dairy whey as the base and then add vitamins A and D to fortify this low fat product. It only contains 9% lactose instead of the 20% milk has and it has a 10 year shelf life.

Come back next week for Brand B!

October 16 cannery items

Pinto Beans $4.25
Dry Milk $5.30
AppleSlices $4.90
Carrots $7.10
Macaroni $3.55
Reg Oats $2.05

Orders due Sept. 25th

Yummy food storage dessert

Grandma Lori’s Best Rice Krispie Squaries (courtesy of Grandma Lori)
Ingredients:
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. corn syrup (karo light)
3/4 c. peanut butter
2 c. Rice Krispies
4 c. Corn Flakes
Directions:Use a large pot and stir together first three ingredients until melted & smooth. Then stir in the cereal. Spread in a 9×13 pan.

Pudding Recipe

1/2 c sugar
2-3 T. cocoa
2 c water
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup magic mix (see below)
Put dry ingredients into sauce pan. Stir well, add water and heat until bubbly. Add vanilla and beat. Cover and cool.

Magic Mix is a white sauce used in place of canned soups. Make ahead and store in fridge.

2 1/3 c nonfat dry mil (or 4 c instant)
1 c flour or 1/2 c cornstarch
1 c margarine or butter

stir until looks like coarse ground corn meal. makes 5 cups.

Never Ending Yeast

1 quart warm potato water
1 tsp salt
2 c white or whole wheat flour
1/2 T. dry yeast
2 T. sugar

Stir all ingredients together. Put in warm place to rise until ready to mix for baking. Leave a small amount for start next time. Between uses, keep in covered jar in fridge until a few hours before ready to use again. Do not use metal utensils while making yeast.

Add same ingredients, except yeast, to the everlasting yeast start for the next baking.

substitutions

1. equal amount of applesauce for oil
2. use 1 1/2-2 T. of canned pumpkin or squash for 1 egg
3. make ketchp with 1 cup tomato sauce, 1//2 c sugar, & 2 T. vinegar
4. substitute an egg for baking by combining 1 tsp unflavored gelatin with 3 T. cold water and 2 T. plus 1 tso. boiling water
5. Use oil instead of butter, 1 c butter equals 2/3 c of oil
6. substitute 3/4 c. of honey plus reduce liquid in recipe by 1/4 c or add 1/4 c of flour

Wet Pack Items

Wet pack cannery days start at 8am and go until finished (sometimes until mid-afternoon)

You must call the 1st business day of the month to order your product for the following month.

October 26,27, 30 and 31 Applesauce

November 3, 4, and 5 Pear Sauce & 20 Spaghetti Sauce

December 4 and 18th Jam (blackberry, peach, raspberry and strawberry)

Powdered Milk Recipes

Sweet Vanilla Milk: Run a little hot water into a 2-quart pitcher. Add 1/4-cup each powdered coffee creamer and sugar. Stir well to dissolve. Add 1/2-teaspoon vanilla. Fill the pitcher half full with cold tap water. Add 2-2/3 cups of instant nonfat dry milk powder. Stir well. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way full. Stir again. Chill and serve. This milk is more palatable to some folks than straight reconstituted milk. The powdered coffee creamer gives the milk a rich fullness, while the sugar and vanilla make it taste sweet and almost dessert-like. If you must switch to powdered milk, and are having trouble with the flavor, this recipe can make the transition easier. For a gallon of milk use: 1/2-cup each powdered coffee cream & sugar and 1-teaspoon of vanilla flavoring. Add a dash of salt too if desired. Be sure to dissolve the creamer and sugar in hot tap water first. They do not dissolve readily in cold water.
A Very Rich Gallon of Milk: Measure 3-1/2 quarts (14 cups) of water into a gallon size pitcher. Add 5-cups of dry milk powder and a 12-ounce can of undiluted evaporated whole milk. Mix all together. Chill and serve. This makes about a gallon. It is richer than plain reconstituted milk. If you must use powdered milk, but prefer a richer product, this is the recipe for you. Children will sometimes tolerate it better than straight reconstituted milk, especially if they are already used to fresh 1% or 2%.
To Mix with Whole Milk: Powdered milk is easily mixed half-and-half with whole milk. When combined and well chilled, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between fresh milk and mixed milk. To do this, use an extra, clean milk jug and two 2-quart sized pitchers. First reconstitute 2 quarts of milk in each of the pitchers, using the chart above. Then, using a funnel, pour half of the whole milk into the clean empty milk jug. Using the same funnel, pour the reconstituted milk from one pitcher into each jug, making a gallon of mixed milk in each jug. Both empty pitchers then have to be washed, but they are pretty easy to keep clean. I used to try to reconstitute the powdered milk in the milk jug, with the whole milk, but it never worked as well as I’d hoped. Now I find it much easier to reconstitute the powdered milk in the pitcher first, and then pour the liquid milk into the jug with the whole milk. Like regular powdered milk, mixed milk tastes best if well chilled.
Sour Milk: To sour reconstituted milk, just add a little vinegar to it and stir it up. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1-cup of sour milk or buttermilk, then measure a tablespoon of vinegar into a measuring cup. Add reconstituted milk to reach the 1-cup mark. Stir the milk gently. In a moment or two, it will sour. This can replace soured milk or buttermilk in baking recipes.
Overnight Buttermilk: To make your own buttermilk, you have to start off with 1/2-cup of fresh, store-bought buttermilk and a quart (4-cups) of reconstituted milk. Combine the fresh buttermilk and reconstituted milk in a pitcher or jar. Mix it really well. Allow it to stand at room temperature overnight, or for about 8 hours. The milk will have thickened up and cultured into regular buttermilk. Refrigerate or chill and use anywhere fresh buttermilk is called for.
Easy Evaporated Milk: To make this you only need dry milk powder and water. Measure 1-1/3 cups water into a jar or bowl. Add 1 cup of instant dry milk powder. Stir or shake to combine. This is the equivalent of a 12-ounce can of evaporated skim milk. To make evaporated whole milk, you will need to add some fat to replace the milk fat in whole milk. Do this by preparing evaporated skim milk and then adding 2-tablespoons of vegetable oil to the milk. Stir it up vigorously to emulsify the fat with the milk. It will separate on standing, so mix it really well right before using it. This is best used in cooking and baking. A spritz of nonstick spray will help the emulsification process.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: On the stove, bring to a boil 1/2-cup of water, 1-cup of sugar and 3-tablespoons of margarine or shortening. Add a dash of salt. Stir the mixture every now and then. When it comes to a full rolling boil, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly. Add a cup of instant dry milk powder. Use a whisk to stir it smooth. A fork or a spoon will not work out all the lumps. You really need a whisk, or egg beaters. There, you are done. This is the equivalent of a can of sweetened condensed milk. This will keep unrefrigerated for a day or two because of the sugar. I have never kept it longer than that without refrigeration. In the fridge it will keep for 2 weeks. For longer storage than that, I freeze it.
Quick Whipped Topping: This recipe is best made if you have electricity. Put 1/2-cup of water into a large bowl and place it in your freezer. Whenice crystals form around the edges remove it from the freezer. Add 1/2-cup instant dry milk powder. Whip the mixture with electric beaters until it is light and fluffy. This will take a couple of minutes. Add 2-tablespoons sugar, 1-teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/2-teaspoon of vanilla. Beat until thick enough to spoon like whipped topping. Use immediately.
Molasses Milk: High in iron, with a caramel-toffee flavor this hot beverage is quite delicious. Heat 3/4-cup of reconstituted milk in a cup in the microwave. Stir in a spoonful of molasses. Serve hot. My kids love this stuff.
Chocolate Milk: Fill a cup with reconstituted milk. Squeeze in a couple spoonfuls of homemade Chocolate Syrup. Stir to combine. Serve to thirsty children who object to plain reconstituted powdered milk. Cold chocolate milk can be heated in the microwave for hot chocolate.
Homemade Yogurt: Reconstitute a quart of milk in a very clean container like a wide mouthed canning jar. Add another 1/2-cup of milk powder for body. Whisk in 1/4-cup of commercial yogurt with active cultures. Read the label to be sure the yogurt has active cultures. Stash the milk in a warm spot, between 80° and 110°. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours. It should be thick and creamy, like commercially available yogurt. Chill your yogurt and use anywhere you would regular yogurt. It makes a great substitute for sour cream. Or mix it half and half with prepared mayonnaise for your own homemade low-fat mayo.
Yogurt Cheese: Line a colander with a clean, damp piece of cloth. Pour prepared yogurt into the cloth. Allow the yogurt to drain overnight. In the morning the remaining solids will be yogurt cheese. They can be used anywhere you would use cream cheese or thick sour cream.
Curds & Whey: In a large pot combine 6-cups of fresh water and 3-cups of dry milk powder. Stir to dissolve. Heat the milk over a medium flame until it is very warm, about 120°. This is hot to the touch, but not scalding. Stir in 1/2-cup of plain white vinegar. Allow to stand for 10 minutes. There should be a large mass of curds in an amber pool of whey. If the liquid is still milky, add another 1/4-cup of vinegar. Stir and stand again for 10 minutes. Line a strainer with a clean cloth and drain off the whey. It can be used as the liquid in bread or muffins or biscuits. Rinse the curds under cool water and store in the fridge. This recipe makes about 1-1/2 to 2-cups of curds.
Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: The dry cheese curds from the above recipe will work for ricotta cheese in most recipes. To turn it into cottage cheese add a little evaporated milk or yogurt to “cream” it and stir to combine. You can divide the mixture in half and make some of each if you want to give them both a try.

Food Storage Classes

The classes are held on Monday mornings from 9:30 - 11:00 AM in the wet pack area of the Mesa Cannery. Everyone is welcome. No sign up or registration is necessary. There is no charge for the classes. The classes are based on the church pamphlet of building a three month supply of food.

COOKING CLASSES - FALL 2009

August 24th Building and Using a three month supply
August 31st No class - she will be out of town
September 7th No class - Labor Day
September 14th Finance Class
September 21st Yeast and Bread Class
September 28th Gluten Free Cooking
October 5th No class - she will be out of town
October 12th Incorporating Dry Pack into your 3 month supply
October 19th How to and substitutions
October 26th Tortilla's, refried beans & tomatillo salsa
November 2nd Baking Powder, Baking Soda and Breakfast
November 9th Soups
November 16th Main Dishes
November 23rd Desserts
November 30th Gifts from your kitchen
December 7th Something to Share

September Canning

September Canning is on the 18th.
Deadline to order is August 28th.
White beans $5.20
Red wheat $2.95
Dry Onions $7.15
Refried beans $4.05
Hot cocoa $6.70
White flour $3.30

Controlling Family Finances

President Guilbrandson likes to show this fun video to couples about to be married. Take a look!
http://consumerist.com/consumer/clips/snl-skit-dont-buy-stuff-you-cant-afford-252491.php

Melissa's Famous Bread!

If you missed the bread making class last week, here is the fabulous bread recipe from Sister Knighton. If you do not have a Bosch and are doing it in a mixer, half the recipe so it doesn't burn up your motor and round up yeast to the next measurement. Thanks so much Melissa!

Honey whole wheat bread
(makes 4-12oz and 3-2lb loaves)
6c warm water (115F)
2TBS salt
2/3c canola oil
1c honey
8c fresh ground flour (to begin with)
1c dry milk powder
3TBS instant yeast
*optional* 2-3 TBS dough enhancer


In Bosch bowl, add water, salt, oil (first to coat cup) and honey (will slide out of already-oiled cup). Mix to combine. Add 4-6c fresh flour, dry milk powder, then remaining flour and yeast. Mix on speed one and continue to add flour until dough starts to clean the side of the bowl. Continue mixing for 7-10mins to develop gluten. Remove from bowl, weigh and shape into greased loaf pans. Bake at 350F until internal temp is 180F or about 18-20mins on mini loaves and 23-25mins on large (or until your desired crust color is achieved). Remove onto cooling racks immediately after baking. Rub unsalted butter over tops, allow to cool. Bag and freeze or eat, enjoy!

Are You Ready?

On Saturday, August 22, 2009, from 9am-12pm, City of Mesa (COM) Citizen Corp will host the first, all 1st Responder Volunteer Conference. The theme for this conference, “Are YOU Ready?” is to inquire and assist our volunteers in developing their individual “Family Disaster Plan.” This scheduled three hour conference is being held at Mesa’s Police and Fire Training Academy located at 3260 N. 40th Street, Mesa. Seating will be limited. City volunteers are a vital component, which assists with the critical operational responsibilities tasked to first responders. During times of disaster, trained volunteerism would become a key component in expanding the role of first responders within our communities. Yet, before our volunteers can realistically assist city organizations, their families must be prepared with basic fundamentals. COM Emergency Management is encouraging individuals to become more emergency prepared and disaster ready. This conference will expand on the concept of “Have a Plan, Have a Kit, and Stay Informed” in preparation for emergency, or disaster events. Everyone should have their own individual “Family Disaster Plan.” The objective of this 1st Responder Conference is to educate and share with our volunteers essential concepts in developing their “Family Disaster Plan.” Coordinators, collectively I am asking you to please encourage your volunteers to become aware of and also attend this conference. Please assist me in determining a possible head count of attendees, by sending me the number of members from your volunteer group, which you anticipate will attend this conference. Additional conference information will be sent as this conference date approaches, but please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. Thank you.

PROVIDENT LIVING FHE

FHE: Provident Living

Thought: When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior's example to serve and bless others. (Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually," Ensign, May 2009, 7-10.)

Song: "When We're Helping We're Happy," Children's Songbook, p. 198

Scripture: Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness. (2 Nephi 9:51)

Lesson: In one hand have a sack labeled "lots of money"; in the other hand have a spoon. Show your family what you have in your hands and ask them which they would rather have and why. Replace the spoon with a picture of your family and ask the same question. Hold up the money and ask, "Is it wrong to seek for riches?:" Turn to and read Jacob 2:18-19. Ask:
What should we seek before we seek for riches? (Verse 18.)
Why is the kingdom of God more valuable than earthly wealth?
If the Lord blesses us with riches, what should we do with them? (Verse 19.)
What other kinds of riches can the Lord bless us with?

Share your testimony of the greater joy that comes from the Lord's eternal blessings compared to temporary, earthly blessings.(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 78.)

Story:"I Guess You'll Have to Walk," By Bishop John H. Vandenberg
My wife and I were married during the time of the depression. I had purchased a new car, and it was all paid for. I was employed; my salary was $125 per month. I remember bringing home my first check. My wife said, "It isn't very much, is it?" I replied, "No, but it will do." She said, "Yes, if we budget it." So we sat down and budgeted: $12.50 for tithing; $1.00 for fast offerings; $45 for rent; $40 for food, and additional amounts for utilities and clothing; and $10 in the savings account, for we presumed and anticipated that a child would come eventually. When we added it all up, the $125 was all allocated. I said to my wife, "It's all gone, and there isn't any left to buy gasoline for my car. What am I going to do?" She replied, "Sorry. I guess you'll have to walk." So I walked back and forth to work. And the car stayed right in the garage for several months until I got a raise and could spare a little to buy gasoline. We've always managed to get along on my income, and I don't think we have ever had an unhappy moment over it, but rather, much satisfaction in coping with the situation. It isn't so much what you earn, but how you manage. (Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971].)

Activity:Preparation: Collect several different items which family members could "buy" (for example cookies, small toy, magazine, etc.). Put them in a box or sack so they can't be seen until auction time. Obtain play money from a game or make some "family money."
Activity: Distribute the money evenly among the members of the family. Take one of the items out of the sack, hold it up, and tell the family you are going to sell it to the highest bidder. Ask someone to begin bidding for the item. The highest bidder pays with family money and receives the item.
Continue to auction the items until all have spent their money or all the items are gone.
Ask family members who they think go the most for their money and who got the most valuable item. Then ask the family members what they think are some of the most valuable things we can gain in this life and why they are valuable. Discuss what makes something valuable. Point out that the things that are of the most value are the things that last forever.(Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard, Fun For Family Night: Church History Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 193.)

Refreshment:
Saltwater Taffy
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
I cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
Grease a 9 × 9 x 2-inch baking pan. In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Stir in corn syrup, water, and salt. Add butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and sugar is completely dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, until temperature reaches 260 degrees on a candy thermometer, or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a ball that is hard enough to hold its shape, yet pliant. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Butter fingers and pull taffy until it has satin-like finish and light color. Pull into long strips, 1/2-inch wide. With scissors, cut into 1-inch pieces. Wrap individual candies in wax paper. Makes 1 pound.

What's it like at the cannery?

Fear of the unknown sometimes deters us from trying new things...like going to the cannery. Yesterday I photographed each step of the cannery. Take a peek.

Driving to the cannery is not hard or time consuming. Take the freeway west to Dobson. Turn onto Dobson and head toward Broadway. Go West on Broadway to El Dorado. Turn North on El Dorado. This took me 16 minutes.

You will run straight into the cannery (don't really run into it!) Go into the Parking lot and turn right. Go around back and park your car.
This is where you walk in. Go through the double doors on the right.
Go up to the front desk. (That's sweet Sister Carter in the pink shirt!)
Sign in with your name, ward and stake. Wash you hands and go through the tan colored door.

You can put your purse, keys, cell phone etc. in the cabinet.

Put on your hairnet and gloves.
This is what it looks like in the cannery. Someone will be there to instruct you on safety, then we have a prayer.
This is the board that tells us how many of each item to can and how many bags of product it takes to can them.
Product comes in bags or boxes. Bags you cut open and fill the hopper, then scoop into the cans. Boxes you scoop right into the cans.
Next an oxygen packet is put in, a lid put on then it's given to the machine operator to seal the can. And finally a label is put on and it is set on a cart.After the canning, you help clean up then go out to the pallets and pick up your order.
Then you stand in line to pay. Don't fill out your check in advance, as sometimes the product isn't there or the prices have changed.
Then you take your order home. It's that simple. It usually only takes about an hour. So with drive time I'm usually there for two hours at the most. So come to the cannery! It's the 3rd Friday of each month at 1pm.

August Cannery Items

Black Beans $5.30
White Rice $4.10
White Sugar $4.95
Quick Oats $2.55
Potato Flakes $3.55
Fruit Drink $6.45

Recipes for July Cannery items

Spaghetti Zucchini Bake-serves 8

1 lb. Macaroni Pasta
1 1/2 lb. Italian Sausage, cooked and cut into bite size pieces or Meatballs
2 cans 14 oz. Diced Tomatoes
1-2 cans Mushrooms (optional)
1 can Tomato Paste
1/4 C. Dehydrated onions, hydrated
1-2 Cloves of Garlic
4-5 C. Zucchini, cut into large chunks
1 t. Oregano
2 t. Basil
2 C. Mozzerella Cheese, grated
Salt to Taste

1. Cook your pasta in boiling water until tender.2. Combine diced tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato paste, hydrated onions, garlic, oregano, and basil in large pot. Heat to boiling and simmer for 5- 10 minutes.3. While the noodles are cooking, grill Italian sausage. (Or if you’re using the frozen meatballs you can just microwave them…EASY!)4. Place zucchini chunks in a bowl and microwave for 3 minutes (just to cook them slightly).5. Add zucchini and meat to sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Add in noodles and 1 C. of cheese and stir. If you don’t want to heat up your oven just place remaining cheese on the table for people to top theirs with.6. Place Spaghetti Zucchini Bake in a 9×13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted. Make sure and watch it so the cheese doesn’t burn.


Crunchy Granola
1 ½ cups brown sugar½ cup water4 teaspoons vanilla extract½ teaspoon salt8 cups rolled oats¾ cup pecans, coarsely chopped¾ cup almonds, coarsely chopped½ cup sunflower seeds, unsalted½ cup shredded coconutdried fruits, if desired (tropical fruit is good, raisins, b

Heat oven to 275 degrees.Combine brown sugar and water in a 4 cup microwave proof cup.Microwave on high 5 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved.Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla and salt.In a large mixing bowl, mix oats and nuts.Add the brown sugar mixture.Mix thoroughly.Spread onto 2 cookie sheets and bake for a total of 45 minutes or until golden brown.After 25 minutes, stir and put back in the oven for the rest of the time.When granola has cooked completely, add dried fruits.
lueberries, cranberries, cherries are all great.)


Sour Cream Apple Pie
Preheat oven to 375
1 pie crust for 9” pie
2 eggs ( 2 T. Dry Egg Powder + 1/4 C. Water)
1 cup sour Cream
1 cup sugar
4 TBS all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
2 1/2 c. dried apples. Place 2 1/2 dehydrated apple slices in 3 1/2 C. boiling water and let stand for five minutes, discard excess water )

In a large bowl beat eggs then add sour cream and sugar. Put in 4 TBS flour, vanilla, & salt and mix well. Stir in apples, and then pour into pie shell.
Bake at 375 for 20 minutes
Crumb Topping
3 TBS butter – melted
¼ cup brown sugar
6 TBS all purpose flour
Mean while combine brown sugar, flour, & butter with wire whisk or whisk on mixer until crumbly (should look like small peas)
After 20 minutes cooking take pie out and top with crumb topping, then return to oven and continue cooking for 20 – 25 minutes.
Cool, cover and store leftovers in fridge.


Carrot Raisin Salad-serves 5
3/4 C. dehydrated carrots from the cannery)
1/2 C. raisins
1/2 C. Mayonnaise
1 t. lemon Juice
2 T. sugar
1 can Crushed pineapple, drained-optional (you can save the juice and soak your raisins in it for a half hour for more flavor) Mix all ingredients together and store covered in refrigerator. For an added flare, serve on a bed of lettuce greens.

Free Fun

Lowes and Home depot have some fun activities for the kids to do on Saturday mornings. Home Depot is the first Saturday of the month at 9am. June is the organizer and July is a picnic tray. Lowes is the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10 am. In June they will do a putting green and pirate ship. Just show up!

July Cannery Items

Here are the items you will be able to can at the Mesa Cannery on July 17th at 1pm. Orders are due by June 26th.
Pinto Beans $5.05
Carrots $7.45
Dry Milk $7.60
Apple Slices $6.95
Macaroni $4.00
Regular Oats $2.60

Inexpensive Summertime Activities

1. Library

2. Culture Pass (free admission for 4 to valley museums-check it out at the public library get there early)

3. Lemonade stand with the kids (Peel three fat lemons. Cut them into smaller pieces. Drop the pieces into a blender with 1-1/2 cups of sugar and 1-1/2 cups of water. Use the blender to chop until coarse, then strain into a pitcher. Add ice cubes.

4. Set up a tent in the backyard, roast marshmallows and sing songs around the grill.

5. Visit valley swimming pools cost :$1.75 for kids and $3.50 for adults. Carson Jr. High has free breakfast and lunch for kids 18 years and younger. Stop by for lunch then head on over to the pool. See times and special events like family night at Taylor Pool every Monday night (whole family for $1)at http://mesaaz.gov/parksrec/timeout/pdf/aquatics.pdf

6. Build a Fort. Let the kids drape sheets and blankets over some tables, chairs, and piles of couch cushions for a few days, or round up some cardboard boxes from furniture or appliance stores and have the kids paint their houses with old paints or markers.

7.Picnic lunch at the park. Try one of the four east valley parks that have splash pads. For locations and info see http://www.azcentral.com/families/articles/0514gr-mombeat14Z12.html

8. Re-decorate or paint the kids rooms or the play room. The "oops" paint at Home depot is only $5 a gallon and check craigslist.com for free or cheap used furniture.

9. Have a Christmas in July. Have kids make presents or give them each a few bucks and hit the thrift store. Goodwill has half price day every other Saturday.

10. Go to the movies. AMC has summer movies every Wednesday for $1 at 10am http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/ and Harkins has a similar deal at: http://www.harkinstheatres.com/theatreDetails.aspx?theatreId=4539

Have a fun safe summer!

Gutter Gardening

Want to grow your veggies but don't have a place to plant? Try what this sister did. For more info click here: http://preparetodaynewsletter.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-does-your-garden-grow.html

43 things to do with WD-40

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.

2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.

4) Gives floors that "just-waxed" sheen without making it slippery.

5) Keeps flies off cows.

6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7) Removes lipstick stains.

8) Loosens stubborn zippers.

9) Untangles jewelry chains.1

0) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12) Keeps ceramic/terracotta garden pots from oxidizing.

13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes

18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Open some windows if you have a lot of marks.

19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car. Removed quickly, with WD-40!

20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21) Lubricates gear shift on lawn mowers.

22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.

24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, well as vinyl bumpers.

26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.

28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.

29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.

30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.

31) Removes splattered grease on stove.

32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35) Removes all traces of duct tape.

36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain

37) Florida 's favorite use 'Cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'

38) Protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.

39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time.

40) Ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.

41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.

42) If you've washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and Presto! Lipstick is gone!

43) If you spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

*Keep a can of WD-40 in your kitchen cabinet. It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring. Remember, the basic ingredient is FISH OIL*

Lowes build and Grow

Lowes has a free kids building program. Twice a month you bring your kids in at 10am and they make something. It's completely free! This month they will make a Mother's Day planter (May 9th), and on May 23 they will make a ready to go kit (emergency preparedness). June's projects are: June 13th putting green, and June 27th pirate ship. You can register online at lowes.com.

Powdered Milk...Yuck!

Does powdered milk make you queazy? Well Morning Moo is here and it's fantastic! It used to be that you had to order it online, but now it's available at Costco. The price is $57.99 (cheaper than online) and it will make 52 gals of the white stuff! That's $1.12 per gallon. My house goes through a gallon a day, that's $60 a month assuming I get it on sale for $2. I can save myself $26 a month by switching and I don't have to make room in the fridge. You mix it up with warm water and refrigerate overnight. You can also use it half strength for skim milk, double strength for light cream and triple strength for condensed milk. It only contains 9% lactose instead of the 20% milk has and it has a 10 year shelf life! If you're interested, but don't have a Coctco card, or if you want to split a bucket with someone, send a post and I'll hook you up.

CLEAN CHEAPLY

I hate to clean! But more than cleaning, I hate spending hundreds of dollars every year on the supplies to do it. Here's a link to make your own cleaning products, oh and bonus--they're non-toxic. www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

CHEAP MEALS

Ever shopped at the 99 cent store? This guy makes entire meals using only items found there. Try some recipes and let me know how they are. http://http://the99centchef.blogspot.com/

16 WAYS TO SAVE $100

I came across a Readers Digest article on how to save money. They included such things as changing the deductibles on your car insuance and challenging your property taxes. Here's the link: http://http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/16-ways-to-save-100/article12622.html

June 19th Cannery Items

White Beans $5.20

Red Wheat $2.95

Dry Onions $7.15

Refried Beans $4.05

Hot Cocoa $6.70

White Flour $3.30

If you are interested in going to the cannery to can and purchase any of these items, please let me know by May 29th. Our canning date is June 19th at 1pm. You need to have a personal check as the cannery does not have cash to make change. Please do not fill out your check ahead of time as sometimes items are unavailable. Please contact me if you have any questions katiehuston@gmail.com or 218-1891.

72 HOUR KITS

What will you do if disaster strikes your neighborhood: a fire, a riot, a flood, a tornado, a hurricane, or an earthquake? The most critical need for help after the disaster is during the first 72 hours, yet community and government assistance will probably not be available during this period.

IDEAS FOR FOOD FOR 72 HOUR KITS

This is a survival kit. You will want to be comfortable but not extravagant.

Ideas for Food: Beef Jerky, Saltine Crackers, Gum, Cup-o-soup, Roast Beef Hash, Cheese & Crackers, Beef Stew, Tuna pouches, Chili, Dried Beef, Ravioli, Fruit Cups, Applesauce Cups, Vienna Sausages, Pudding Cups, Soup, Cookies, Cereal (in zip lock baggies), Top Ramen, Powdered Milk, Fruit Rolls, Packages of Raisins, Packages of Peanuts, Granola Bars, Beef Sticks, Box Juices, Hot Cocoa Mix, Suckers, Hard Candy, Trail Mix, Power Bars, Water bottles (at least 3 per day)

Each person will need:

Backpack to carry their own food and supplies (check local thrift stores)

Plastic bowl and spoon(old cool whip containers work great)

Flashlight (store batteries separately)

Roll of Toilet paper and plastic grocery bags for sanitation

Pancho or large garbage bag

Entertainment (crayons, coloring books, puzzles, etc)

Small blanket or space blanket

Change of clothing stored in plastic bag

Parents and older children can distribute these into their larger packs or in “Home Depot” type buckets with lids:

Sterno, latex gloves, family records and valluables, femenine hygeine needs, disposable diapers, medications for three days (include Tylenol, tums, etc.), First aid kit, hand towel, radio, Can opener, pot, and pot holder, utility/pocket knife, Small Ax, Heavy Gloves, tarp, and matches