15 Efficient Ways to Meal Prep or Cook for a Crowd!

 Smart Tips to Save Time!

Cooking and Food Hacks by Blossom

https://www.pawdose.net/15-efficient-ways-to-meal-prep-or-cook-for-a-crowd-cooking-and-food-hacks-by-blossom/?fbclid=IwAR2MkqakP_Uax2Gk-nf5ROktoRAEqH41aK8d9LodkY1D5MbKZAmQCJ8BB7A

Kitchen and Household Tips

How to Buy the Freshest Bread Possible ~ Since bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday), and each day has a different color twist tie, use this strategy to find fresh bread:
Monday = Blue Twist Tie
Tuesday = Green
Thursday = Red
Friday = White
Saturday = Yellow

So if your shopping day is Tuesday, look for a green twist tie; not white which is Fridays (almost a week old)! The colors are in alphabetical order: Blue - Green - Red - White - Yellow (Monday through Saturday) - minus Wednesdays. 

Popcorn ~ contains no GMO's

Make Your Own Seed Strips when ready to plant, by spreading seeds out in a straight row on a table, spaced the way you want them planted in your garden.  Carefully lower cellophane tape over them, pressing very lightly - just enough to pick up the seeds and not have the tape stick to the table.  Now you have seed strips to plant, with the seed facing up.  Check the seed packet for how much soil to use in covering the seeds.

Door Sticks in Humid Weather ~ Slide a bar of soap along the doorjamb to create a nonstick barrier.

Drawers Don't Open and Close Smoothly ~ Rub a bar of soap on the drawer where it slides to make it glide more easily.

Kitchen Sink Won't Drain ~ To break up grease clogs, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain, followed with boiling water.  Try this before calling a plumber or using other measures.

Shower Drain Stopped Up ~ To break up hair and hair conditioner clogs, pour 1/2 baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain, then flush with boiling water.  After this procedure, use a plunger on the drain.

A Lightbulb Breaks Off in the Socket ~ Unplug the fixture or turn off power at the main service panel.  Spread open needle-nose pliers inside the broken base and turn counterclockwise to unscrew.  If that doesn't work, cut a raw potato in half, press it into the broken lightbulb, and turn counterclockwise to remove the broken bulb.

Time-Saving Kitchen Tip - Garlic

by Lois Breneman

This tip will save so much time and you will have freshly minced garlic readily available to measure out for your meals when you are tired and busy.

I stumbled upon this bag of fresh peeled garlic at Walmart and grabbed it, knowing how I hate to peel garlic.  Even using the garlic press for each recipe is time consuming and can be messy. 

So today I got the idea to put all the peeled garlic into the food processor with a sharp blade and let her rip!  Instantly the garlic was minced! 

I store freshly minced garlic in a glass jar with olive oil in the refrigerator.  It has never gone bad for me.  Then when a recipe calls for minced garlic, there is no need to go through all the motions of peeling the garlic, using a garlic press, and cleaning it.  Just spoon out what you need!

Clever, Easy Solutions to get your Kids to do Chores

This post is by Contributing Writer Lori Hernandez of Three Acre Farm .

https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/kid-friendly-kitchen/?inf_contact_key=ae7b12b811a3ddf68e6c89d1a68f63acbe ab32f89ea78e676a5a900ea429d3bf

Note from Lois:  Teaching children how to work around the home is so important.  Not only is it a great help to the entire family in helping to operate a home more smoothly, but it lays a foundation for each child before they leave home.  Having responsibility gives them more confidence as well.

Tip for Making Peanut Butter Cookies

A great baking tidbit from a dear friend of mine!
Used by permission

As I was cleaning my sewing room tonight and tossing out close to empty spools, a memory was triggered.  My sister LONG ago showed me how these plastic spools with spokes can be used for pressing cookies (like peanut butter)....to make the cutest little flowers on top!  If you come across a spool....wash it up and toss it in your baking drawer for next time!  I just did.

Tips: Watermelon, Strawberries, & Peace Lilies

Solutions in the Kitchen
by Lois Breneman - 2016

1.  What can you do when you have a watermelon with a less-than-desirable flavor?  Not sweet enough?

Chop it up and put it in the blender with a bit of stevia!
Delicious solution!

2.  How can you make quick work of slicing strawberries? 

 Cap the strawberries.  Then slice them quickly and effortlessly using an egg slicer!




3.  What can you do when a houseplant, a peace lily that you love, blossoms and drops powdery white dust all over the green leaves?

Cut off the blossom, shake off the powder, stick the blossom in a vase, and put it on the windowsill, so you can enjoy it every time you wash dishes, and pray for the friend who gave you the plant!  This blossom lasted over a month and is still as lovely as ever.  I love the beautiful shade of green.

And to my sweet friend, Beatriz, thanks again!  The beautiful peace lily you so kindly gave me several years ago is still going strong!

Household Tips I Discovered Because of Specific Needs

by Lois Breneman - 2016 - Heart to Heart
                               Soaking Produce
I like to soak my produce as soon as I get home from the grocery store.  Either I use white vinegar, grapefruit oil, or a purchased produce spray - as natural as possible.  

Problem: When soaking fruit, it pops to the top, and is not covered with the natural cleaning solution! 

Solution: Putting my cutting board on top to immerse all the fruit for at least ten minutes before rinsing everything solved the problem. 

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The Kitchen Sink

There are two things when standing in front of my kitchen sink to wash dishes that I wanted to avoid when we remodeled last year.

Problem#1: A very deep sink because it increases back pain.  My sink was too deep to prevent lower back pain, however, it was impossible to find one that was not too deep for me.

Solution#1:  I set a plastic drawer from an organizer inside the deep side of our sink as shown below.  Next I placed a basin inside, but tipped it forward.  That makes washing dishes so much easier and more comfortable for me!

Problem #2:
A wide section (4 inches) between where I stand and the inside of the sink front increases back pain.

Solution#2:  When we had our kitchen remodeled last year, I insisted on a space of 3 inches if at all possible before the granite was cut.  The granite company was able to stick pretty close to that, and it helps immensely.  When I wash dishes where there is a 4-inch space between the front of the sink and myself, it doesn't take long for the back pain to increase.

A plastic drawer inside sink, turned horizontally, helps to raise up the basin and tilt it forward.

     A basin was placed inside the plastic drawer (also turned horizontally and tipped forward).

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Adding Cooked Eggs to a Recipe

Problem: It takes too much time to hard cook eggs for a recipe when I'm in a hurry.

Solution:  I cooked the eggs in a pan, and pureed them in my Nutra Bullet before adding them to chicken salad.

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     Washing a Scarf (or Skirt) that Is Crinkled


Problem:  How do you wash crinkled fabric and not remove all the crinkles?

Solution:  Wash by hand, and wring it as you would a dish cloth.  Allow to dry in that position to retain the crinkles.

Shown below:
1.  The scarf before washing.
2.  The scarf, after washing by hand, and being wrung out, forming a twisted effect.  It should dry in this position to retain the crinkled effect.

I hope these household tips will help others and make life easier for them.

How to Easily Peel Eggs, Garlic, Kiwi & Potatoes

https://www.facebook.com/beirutpress.net/videos/958065217609732/?fref=nf

These methods of peeling really DO work!

Stock Your Kitchen with These

http://recipestonourish.blogspot.com

referred by Meagan DeLong

 

• Organic Lemons – Great for colds, sore throats, cleansing.
• Organic Garlic – Naturally antimicrobial, both antiviral and antibacterial, great for upper respiratory issues.
• Raw Honey – Naturally antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal (not for babies).
• Coconut Oil -  Strengthens the immune system, is naturally antimicrobial and has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
• Organic Ginger – Great for upset tummy, chills, colds and fevers (use w/ caution if pregnant, consult w/ your health care practitioner). 
• Organic Cranberries – Preventative, bacteria cannot thrive w/ cranberry.
• Dried Thyme – Naturally antimicrobial, make as a tea for colds/flu, great for coughs and respiratory issues, helps relieve diarrhea.
• Organic Shiitake Mushrooms – Have immune boosting properties.
• Elderberry & Rose Hip Syrup – Preventative, increase amount w/ illness, known for helping prevent the flu and/or lessen the duration of the illness.
• Fermented Cod Liver Oil & High Vitamin Butter Oil – Natural dose of vitamin D, very important for staying healthy, helps the immune and digestive system.
• Organic Sea Vegetables like Kombu, Kelp, Nori, Wakame – Full of vitamins and minerals, very nourishing, add to soups, beans, grains, vegetables (See Resources).
• Seasonal Organic Vegetables & Fruits for Juicing – Very cleansing, full of nutrients that are readily available for your body.
• Lacto-Fermented and Cultured Foods – Great for your gut, loaded with natural probiotics, helps with digestion, helps boost your immune system. 
• Bone Broth or Homemade Stocks – Loaded with nutrition, very nourishing, helps with healing process, stock up and store in freezer.
• High Quality Probiotics – Important for your gut, keeps your gut healthy. 
• Organic Unfiltered Raw Apple Cider Vinegar – Old school remedy, natural antiseptic and antifungal, very healing.  

6 Creative Ways You Never Thought to Use Onions

http://tiphero.com/creative-uses-for-onions/ 

 

Onions are a key superfood in the kitchen – they’re usually cheap to get a hold, are rich in antioxidants, and are used in tons of recipes. But onions have a lot of other uses apart from cooking with them.

1. Soothe a Sore Throat: here’s another sore throat remedy for you. Boil about a cup of water with the peels of half an onion. Once boiling, remove the onion and serve for relief.
2. Ease the Pain of Burns: if you’ve sustained a mild burn, just rub some onion onto it to soothe the pain.
3. Remove Splinters:

   Have a splinter that just won’t budge? Try taping (yes, with tape, or a adhesive bandage) a piece of raw onion to it. Hold tight for about an hour before removing the onion.

4. Polish Metal: slice up an onion, then crush it. Combine the crushed onion with some water and use a cloth to dab this on the metal surface. Rub the metal until it’s clean.
5. Make Burned Rice Edible Again: accidentally let your rice burn? You don’t have to throw it away. Just place a half an onion on top of the rice to absorb the burned taste.
6. Preserve Avocados:

   Prevent your avocados from browning by storing them in a plastic airtight container with red onions. Place half of an onion in the container first, skin side up, and then place the avocado. You can use red onion to store guacamole, too: Place some slices on top of the guac’ in a plastic container.
   

Did You Know: Onions have anti-bacterial properties. That’s why you find onions called for more in meat recipes the closer you get to the equator.

How to Freeze Fruits and Veggies

Used with Permission by Dollar Stretcher http://www.stretcher.com/stories/15/15jul27a.cfm

We have a large garden, many fruit trees, and a large family. Most years, we have a pretty good crop of fruits and veggies. We can a lot and give a lot to neighbors. But, I'd like to freeze some. We have a large freezer that could store a lot of good food. I need some advice on which fruits and veggies freeze well and what's the best way to do it. Can anyone share their experience with freezing fruits and vegetables? Maddie

You Can Freeze A Lot of Produce!

In my experience, lots of fruits and veggies can be frozen, including tomatoes. One of the best ways I have found is to slice the fruit into bite size pieces first. In the case of strawberries, I slice them in half. I lay them out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and then pop the cookie sheet into the freezer until they are frozen. Then I transfer them into a freezer bag. One of those devices that sucks the air out of the bag might be a good investment, but I never seem to keep the frozen fruit that long as I use it up in smoothies. I do this with other fruits like bananas (they don't even turn brown), blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, cantaloupe, mango, etc. You can also do this with veggies like butternut squash, green beans, broccoli, and others as well. Of course, with most vegetables, blanching them first and then cooling them down in a bath of ice water is the first thing to do. I like the idea of freezing the veggies and fruit individually as it is easier to separate out how much you want to use of it. Donna

Freezing Tomatoes with Ease

I grow tomatoes, but they ripen at the hottest time of the year. Who wants a steam bath at that time of the year? My solution is so easy. I wash the tomatoes, put them on a cookie sheet covered with waxed paper, and put them in the freezer. When they are frozen, I put them in a zippered storage bag and return to the freezer. Repeat until the tomatoes are all frozen. When I need tomatoes, I take out what I need and let them thaw in a bowl. When they are thawed, I pinch the skin and pull it off. It's like they just came out of a can with far less effort. Linda

Find All the Information You Need in One Place

The US Dept. of Agriculture publishes tons of information on freezing and canning garden produce. It's all free and paid for by your tax dollars. Your county extension office will have this information and probably also has information geared to your state or local area as well. Contact your county agriculture extension agents. Their offices will be listed in the phone book under the government listings and they have a wealth of information and knowledge to share with you. Lynn

Check Your Grocer's Freezer

Almost anything that you can grow may also be frozen. The only exceptions I can think of right now are lettuce and cucumbers. Bu, if you use the lettuce in cooking, such as in a soup, you could probably freeze even lettuce.

I have frozen tomatoes for use in cooking by simply quartering them and putting them in freezer bags. The skins slip off when cooked and can be removed if you wish. I chop onions and peppers in sizes appropriate for dishes I cook.

To use space efficiently, either freeze individual pieces on a tray and then bag or be sure to flatten the bag before placing in the freezer. I prefer the former, so I can use small portions when I wish.

Look in the grocer's freezer at all the fruits and vegetables to get more ideas about what to freeze or check the website of your local extension service. Barbara

Connect With Your County Agricultural Extension Agent

One of the most overlooked sources of information is your friendly county agricultural extension agent. They have all kinds of information, such as the best varieties of produce for your area, best growing practices for your particular area, recipes galore, and so much more. They can even help identify wildlife you've never seen before (like snakes!). I learned about these folks by being in 4H so many years ago. Karen in Schertz, TX

Most Produce Freezes Well

Freezer boxes are space-effective and can be used for leftovers once emptied. Boxes keep out odors from other produce better than bags, but plastic bags can be used if you prefer.

Peel fruit and place in water with vitamin C pills dissolved in it. This will keep fruit from browning. Reserve peels for making jelly. Fruit can be put directly into boxes with a slotted spoon or can be flash-frozen on cookie sheets and then stored.

Buy groceries, earn cash back at Checkout 51

Non-browning fruit can be washed in a weak solution of white vinegar and water to kill mildew and then frozen.

Bananas can be frozen whole for snack pops, sliced for puddings, or pureed when overripe for banana bread.

The Punk Domestics website has great recipes for herb or wine jellies made with fruit peelings. Margaret

How to Preserve Fresh Basil

by Lois Breneman

This afternoon I harvested some of our fresh basil from the herb garden mixed in with one of our flower gardens which my husband lovingly tends. The peaches, bananas, and red onions from the grocery store are just for additional color in the photo.

 

The basil leaves were chopped in the food processor and frozen in a freezer bag.  After it is frozen it will easily break apart so just a small amount can be added to a dish while cooking.

Reducing Harmful Compounds While Grilling Meats

by Lois Breneman

We've all heard how grilling meats can be unhealthy for us, but there are ways to make it work for our good health.

Marinating meats for hours beforehand in liquid mixtures that contain rosemary and other herbs and spices can dramatically prevent harmful compounds that can form while grilling meats at high temperatures. 

The simple and tasty solution is to marinate meats in antioxidants such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, oregano and/or other spices before grilling to drastically reduce any harmful effects that normally would form when grilling meat.

Even essential oils of rosemary, thyme and oregano can be used to replace the actual herbs for adding delicious flavor and good health, but go easy.  Only a drop or two of each is needed.  Not every brand of essential oils is safe to ingest, so check into that first.  I keep my essential oils for cooking in my kitchen cabinet, along with others that I use when making smoothies.

Excellent essential oils to use in grilling are rosemary and thyme.  Garlic, oregano, and others also add to your good health.

Charred meats are a real health problem, so be sure to keep the temperature lower and be careful not to burn the meat.  If you do, remove those burnt parts before consuming.

So why not give your meats extra flavor as well, while you treat yourself and your loved ones to better health!

Housekeeping Tip

Submitted by Stephanie Morrell from Troutville, VA

"I used to put vinegar in my rinse compartment of the dish washer only.  I have hard water and it leaves spots and stains.  Then I added vinegar to the bottom of the dish washer as well each time and viola!  No more stains."

Solution to Keeping Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks Clean

by Lois Breneman
Heart to Heart - 2015

Most households, I would guess, deal daily with keeping the bathroom sink clean.  Soap scum and toothpaste can make quite a messy and germ-filled sink. 

So what is a good solution?  I found this handy and inexpensive little soap dispensing palm brush in the grocery store, and it tackles the problem perfectly.  I bought one for each bathroom and sink, and find it to be most helpful.

Enlist your children to clean out the sink after they brush their teeth.  They just might find brushing the sink more fun than brushing their teeth, and they will be learning how to be responsible for cleaning up after themselves.  They will also be helping to slow down the germs in your home.  Hopefully this will mean less illness in your family, and they can all help in being part of the solution.

When introducing a new job or concept like this to your children, these steps may make it "take" more easily:
1. First show them how to do it.
2. Have the child do it while you watch (and give advice).
3. Have the child do the job alone. 
4. Inspect the job when the child finishes.

Soon your child will be doing the job out of habit, and helpfulness to the family so everyone will be healthier and happier.

After almost filling the palm brush with dishwashing liquid, I added about five drops of immune boosting essential oil to boost the cleaning effect.  Even adding melaleuca (tea tree) oil or lemon essential oil will help with the effectiveness of the cleaning power.

Trash It or Eat It? The Truth About Expiration Dates

Clearing up label confusion

by Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD 

http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/05/trash-it-or-eat-it-the-truth-about-expiration-dates/

You stand in front of the refrigerator staring at a “sell by” date on food and have the internal debate: Do I throw it in the trash or take my chances?

You’re not the only one. Upwards of 91 percent of consumers have thrown food out based on the dates on packaging. But the dating system isn’t as clear as it seems.

Nobody wants food poisoning — no fun — but few people want to waste food, either.

Let’s get some clarity.

What the dates mean

“Let common sense — and your senses —be your guide. If something smells rotten, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it in the trash.”

Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD

Wellness Institute

Federal law does not require food dating in most cases, but 20 states do have laws about dates. In many cases, manufacturers add dates voluntarily.

In general, perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy get dates. But those dates aren’t always about spoilage. Some dates simply inform retailers when products are at their best for freshness, taste and texture.

The label types vary:

• The “Sell by” date indicates how long a store should display a product on its shelves. But foods are still flavorful and safe to eat several days after this date if you store them properly.
• The “Best if used by” date comes straight from manufacturers. The product will be freshest and have the best taste and texture if you eat it by this date. But this date does not refer to food safety.
• The “Use by” date also comes from manufacturers. It’s the last date for peak quality. After this date, taste, texture and quality may go downhill, even if food safety does not.
• The “Expiration” date is the only packaging date related to food safety. If this date has passed, throw the food out.

How long will it last?

Still confused or concerned? Use the following rules of thumb for foods in your fridge or pantry.

• Milk is typically safe for two to three days after the “use by” date. Keep it in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest.
• Butter will keep for two to three weeks after purchase.
• Margarine will last for four to six months after purchase.
• Eggs are safe for three to five weeks after purchase. Keep them in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest, rather than in the door.
• Chicken, ground meat and ground poultry will last for one to two days after purchase.
• Pre-cooked poultry should keep for three to four days
• Fish will last one to two days in the refrigerator after purchase.
• Luncheon meat is safe for two to three weeks when it remains unopened. Use within three to four days after opening.
• Dry pasta will last for one to two years after purchase.
• Canned fruits and vegetables will last indefinitely. However, that rule goes out the window if they’re exposed to freezing temperatures or temperatures above 90°F. And be wary of damaged, dented or rusty packaging.

Also, remember that if you freeze something, it will last indefinitely, even if not at peak freshness, taste or texture.

Above all else, let common sense — and your senses —be your guide. If something smells rotten, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it in the trash.

 

That food label might not mean what you think it means. Get the facts on #expiration dates.

Problem Solved! A New Way to Cook Fresh Eggs So They Peel Perfectly!

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - August, 2014

For years I have tried various tips for hard cooking  fresh eggs to make deviled eggs so they wouldn't look like they had gone through a battle, with much of the egg white peeling away along with the shell.  As a result of numerous failed attempts, many of my hoped-for deviled eggs left me with no choice but to turn them into egg salad!   

None of these previously tried solutions really produced good results.  I have added baking soda to the water, pricked the eggs with a pin at the wider end, and plunged them into ice water before peeling.  Well, just today I tried a new way (new to me), and it worked like a charm!

The Real Solution: 
If you have a steamer, you're all set! 

1. Run water into the bottom of a cooking pot - one that a steamer fits well.
2. Place the eggs in a steamer, so that the eggs are not submerged in the water, but use enough water so it won't all boil away.
3. Bring the water to a boil and simmer in the steamer for 20 minutes.  Set a timer. 
4. Remove the colander (or steamer basket) from the pot after 20 minutes, and plunge the eggs (ONE at a time) in ice water and peel.

Thankfully I found my farm fresh eggs peeled to a super smooth finish using this method!

Tips for Fresh Produce

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2014

When you get home from the grocery store, this preparation will prolong the life of your produce and prevent rot and mold for a longer period of time!

Celery - Wrap in aluminum foil.  You will be amazed at how much longer it will stay fresh.

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, oranges, mangoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc. ~  

Here's how you can wash as well as prevent your berries from going bad in a day or so:

1. Pour at least 1/2 cup white vinegar into a large bowl, basin, or sink. 
2. Soak one kind of produce for at least 5 minutes, covered in vinegar water.  I reuse that same water for other produce.
3. Rinse and drain in colander. 
4. Place one or two paper towels inside a Ziplock bag to absorb moisture from each type of washed fruit.
5. You can reuse the bag for next time.  Just rinse out with water.

Melon - My holistic doctor told me when the listeria outbreak occurred with cantaloupe that it can be prevented.  She said to saturate a dish cloth with hydrogen peroxide, cover the surface of melon with it, and let it set for ten minutes.  That would get rid of the danger of listeria, she said.

Keep Listeria Out of Your Kitchen: http://www.everydayhealth.com/fda/keep-listeria-out-of-your-kitchen.aspx

A Nifty Tip for Corn on the Cob

Remove outer husks, but leave on enough inner layers to cover the corn kernels. I do this in the grocery store.

Cook the corn in boiling water or in a microwave with the remaining husk intact.

Using a large knife, cut off the stem end, along with the end of the cob.

Holding the hot cob tightly (with a towel) at the end where the silks are, squeeze the corn cob out of the husks.  There will be barely any silk remaining on the corn kernels!

Edible Apple Swan

All you need to make this beautiful swan is a cutting board, a sharp knife, and two table knives.

 

http://www.downvids.net/the-amazing-edible-apple-swan-513801.html