What's In Season For June

If you've been following my blog, you know I post what's in season the beginning of each month. Food items in season cost less because they are in abundance so not only do you eat fresher foods but it's good for your budget as well.
Here's what you can look forward to in June:

(n = newly in season; p = peak of season; w = winding down)

VEGETABLES:
beans:
green n
beets w
carrots w
corn n
cucumber n
garlic n
eggplant n
greens including kale
lettuces w
onions:
sweet Vidalia p
sweet Walla Walla w
red
peas:
English/shelling w
potatoes
squash, summer n
tomatoes n
FRUITS:
berries:
strawberries
olallieberries n
raspberries p
blueberries
blackberries p
loganberries
boysenberries p
cherries n
figs, Black Mission n
grapes n
limes p
melons:
cantaloupe n
honeydew n
watermelon n
nectarines n
peaches n
pineapple
apricots p

Popcorn Cookies

I bet you never thought of putting popcorn in your cookies! This recipe is packed with fiber so they are not only good, but good for you!
Enjoy

Ingredients:
1/4 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2p flaked coconut
3 cups popped popcorn
1 cup raisins, dried cranberries or other dried fruit, chopped
1/2 sunflower seeds or chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350º F. Lightly spray baking sheets with cooking spray and set aside. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, soda and salt; set aside.

Cream butter and sugar together and add egg and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour mixture and wheat germ and oatmeal until well blended. Add coconut, popcorn, raisins and sunflower seeds, if desired, and mix until well blended.

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto baking sheet, allowing 2 inches between cookies to allow for spreading. Bake 7-8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on pan 5 minutes before removing to racks to cool completely.
Yield: 4 dozen cookies

Mini Onion Tarts

Are you planning a tea and looking for ideas on what to serve? Place these tasty tarts among your "savory" items and they will be sure to please.



Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup butter cracker crumbs (Pepperidge Farms has some great ones)
1/3 cups butter
2 cup chopped sweet onion
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. minced fresh parsley

Combine crumbs and two-thirds of the butter in a bowl and mix well. Press the mixture on the bottom and up the sides of mini muffin tins. Heat remaining butter in a skillet, over medium heat, add onions and saute for 10-12 minutes, until tender and just beginning to carmelize. Divide onions among muffin cups. Now combine milk, eggs, and salt and whisk well. Pour over the onions into muffin cups. Divide the grated cheese between muffin cups and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and gently remove from muffin tin. Garnish with minced parsley and serve warm.

These can be frozen for later use in a flat tupperware or plastic container.

Orange Almond Cake

This is a refreshing cake for summer picnics or teas. You can dust it with confectioners' sugar or make a wonderful orange glaze to drizzle over the top.
Enjoy!


Ingredients:
2 large oranges, unpeeled
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups ground almonds, divided
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
Orange slices for garnish

Wash the oranges and boil them whole (unpeeled) in enough water to cover completely for 30 minutes. Drain and allow to cool. Cut into quarters and remove any seeds. Place in a blender or processor and chop until it's like a rough puree. Beat the eggs in a bowl until thick and add the orange puree, ground almonds, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix well and pour into a deep greased and floured 9 inch cake pan. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 45 minutes or longer, until the center of the cake is set. Remove the pan to a cooling rack and allow to cool before turning out onto a serving dish. Serve garnished with orange slices. Cut into small pieces.

Tip To Remove Mildew From Linen

This is from the GODEY'S Lady's Book, July - Dec. 1865, and is still a helpful tip today if you find yourself with mildew issues.

Wet the linen with soft water; rub it well with white soap; then scrape some fine chalk to powder, and rub it well into the linen; lay it out on the grass in sunshine, watching to keep it damp with soft water. Repeat the process the next day, and in a few hours the mildew will entirely disappear.

The Claddagh...

I have a pet peeve. Ok..so I have more than one, but I'll focus on this one for now. Perhaps it's because I'm Irish and we take our lore and history seriously, or perhaps it's because my husband and I have Claddagh rings for our wedding rings and the meaning is close to my own heart, whatever it is I have to do my part in broadcasting it's meaning, as it is to powerful a symbol to be unknown.

The ring, depicting two hands clutching a heart complete with crown, epitomizes the expression of lasting love and eternal friendship. The heart symbolizes Love, the hands Friendship and the crown Fidelity.

I have met many women here in Southern California who come across these rings in various ways, antique shops, flea markets, garage sales etc. and fall in love with the look of them. Who can blame them...they are eye catching and beautiful, come in either silver or gold, have stones, no stones, and are all unique in their own way. I can't help but wonder why they don't ask what kind of ring it is when they make their purchase. Is it just me (it quite possibly is!) who wants to know the meaning and history of unusual items before I make them my own? When I spy it on their finger I always ask (I'm not usually known to accost strangers but I just have to know) if they know the meaning of their ring. The answer has almost always been no. I know it's crazy but I find that irritating! I ask them if they want to know the meaning and they always seem surprised that there is one. After I tell them, they love their ring and symbolism of it even more.

I am doing this post in case there is someone out there reading my blog that has either a necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings with this symbol on it and would like to know the history of it.

The Story
The romantic story of the mystical and beautiful Claddagh Ring began over 300 years ago, in the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, just outside the walls of the city of Galway on the west coast of Ireland.

Legend tells of a fishing boat from the village that was captured by pirates and the crew taken and sold as slaves. One of the crew, Richard Joyce (who was to have been married that very week,) was sold to a Turkish goldsmith. During his captive years never forgetting his girl back home, he made a ring of gold for her.

After many years Richard eventually earned his freedom and returned to Claddagh. To his great joy he found his girl had never given up hope of seeing him again. He gave her the ring and they were married never to be separated.

The Claddagh Ring became popular outside Claddagh about the middle of the last century, especially as it was the only ring made in Ireland worn by Queen Victoria and later by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII.

How to wear the Claddagh
Worn on the right hand, crown turned inwards, your heart is yet unoccupied.
Worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards, shows a special commitment to someone.
Worn on the left hand, crown outwards, let our love and friendship reign forever - never to be separated. It is in this way that it is worn as a wedding ring.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

It seems that every time I've gone to a potluck or picnic, there is a green bean casserole. Everyone seems to like it so I thought I'd post a healthy vegetarian recipe that you can take to your next get together.

Ingredients:
1 can French cut green beans
1 1/2 canisters vegan French fried onions
1 1/2 cups soy milk
1 cube veggie bouillon
2-3 tablespoons corn starch (or potato starch) mixed with 2-3 tablespoons cold water to use as a thickener
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
3/4 cup chopped mushrooms (button, crimini, portabella, whatever)
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon each of garlic, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, sage, marjoram, thyme
Directions:
Heat soy milk and veggie bouillon in a saucepan, stirring until bouillon cube disintegrates. Do not boil or scald the soy milk. Just heat it.

Sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms in the veggie oil in a skillet. Add salt, pepper, and herbs and spices.

Mix the starch and water well, pour into the soy milk/bouillon. Stir well, because this will coagulate pretty quickly. Quickly add the can of green beans, the sautéed veggies, and about half of your French fried onions, and stir well.

Pour that mixture into a casserole dish or pan and top with remaining French fried onions. Bake in oven at about 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until the onions begin to brown. Remove. Eat. Enjoy.

Makes: 4-6 servings, Preparation time: 10 minutes, Cooking time: 20 minutes

Use Vinegar To...

Give acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias a little help. Watering them with a white distilled vinegar solution now and again gives them a boost. A cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of tap water is a good mixture.

Happy Memorial Day

I have many members in my family who have served in the military, including ancestors such as Nelson White, pictured on this post. I'm sure that either you, your loved ones, or ancestors served as well. Please take a moment to honor them and their service this weekend.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 this year). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

Charles Ives's symphonic poem "Decoration Day" depicted the holiday as he experienced it in his childhood, with his father's band (George White Ives) leading the way to the town cemetery, the playing of "Taps" on a trumpet, and a livelier march tune on the way back to the town.

Please honor those who have served and a Happy Memorial Day To Everyone! Thank You For Your Service!

Rabbits In Your Garden?

Have you planted your garden and peeked out every morning to see if the little plants are reaching up from the ground? I know I do! If you've ever gone out to check your seedlings only to find a furry little rabbit nibbling on your tender sprouts, here is the way to stop it. Put cotton balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container, empty aspirin bottles, or any small plastic container. Poke a hole in the tops and place in the garden. The rabbits are repulsed by the aroma and will leave your plants alone.

Use An Apple To...

Fluff up hardened brown sugar! Brown sugar has the irritating habit of hardening up when exposed to humidity. Fortunately, it doesn't take much to make this a temporary condition. Simply place an apple wedge in a self-sealing plastic bag with the chunk of hardened brown sugar. Tightly seal the bag and put it in a dry place for a day or two. Your sugar will once again be soft enough to use.

Cheery Cherry Popcorn

In American Indian folklore, some tribes were said to believe that quiet, contented spirits lived inside of each popcorn kernel. When their houses were heated, the spirits would become angrier and angrier, shaking the kernels, and when the heat became unbearable, they would burst out of their homes and into the air in a disgruntled puff of steam.

I don't know about that, but I do know if you like popcorn you'll enjoy this treat! Pop some up for the children while they are watching their favorite movie. They will love you for it!

Ingredients:
Large bowl of air-popped popcorn
Butter flavored spray (like PAM or similar)
1 package cherry flavored gelatin (you can use any flavor you like)

Put popcorn into a very large bowl and spray lightly with butter flavored oil. Sprinkle with gelatin. Spread out on a cookie sheet and put in 350 degree oven for five minutes. Gelatin will dissolve slightly and stick to the popcorn.

Orange Zest Waffles...Low Sodium

You’ll get compliments galore with this recipe.You can easily double or triple it.
Makes 4 Round Waffles


1 cup white, unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 large egg, separated
1 cup orange juice with calcium
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon featherweight Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon white granulated sugar or Splenda

In a medium to large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and cinnamon.

Separate egg (save whites).

Add to the flour the egg yolk, orange peel(zest), orange juice and vanilla, and beat to make a smooth batter.

In another bowl, whisk or beat the egg white with the cream of tartar until it forms stiff peaks. Fold this into the batter.

When ready, lightly spray oil on waffle maker, place 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup on your waffle iron depending upon size. Bake as you regularly do.

Serve with warm natural (no or low sodium) syrup, jam or applesauce.
Nutritional Information
Per Waffle:
Sodium Per Recipe: 71.8 mg Sodium Per Serving: 18 mg
Calories: 224.8
Carbohydrate: 47.1 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.777 g
Total Sugars: 12.9 g
Total Fat: 1.812 g
Saturated Fat: .477 g
Cholesterol: 52.9 mg

Happy Birthday Gemini..Here's Your Flower

Happy Birthday Geminis May 22 - June 21

Surprise a Gemini with a flower bouquet filled with roses – a flower that symbolizes the essence of their zodiac sign: love and companionship. With the ability to convey a wide range of messages and sentiments depending on their color, roses are a perfect match for this birth sign’s multi-dimensional (twin) sides, from friendship to passion, quiet sophistication to a bright burst of fun.

Easily adaptable and versatile – with a lively (sometimes bordering on the mischievous) imagination – Geminis are one of the most creative of all the zodiac signs. With the heavenly twins as their birth sign symbol, and a lightheartedness often associated with air signs, it’s no surprise that Geminis have highly sociable and playful personalities. Their expressive (downright talkative), clever qualities make them fun-loving friends and treasured companions.

Lucky Number 6

Have you been reading my posts on the meanings of your lucky numbers? Have you been waiting for the number 6? If so read on:

The symbolism behind number Six is legend. With Venus as its ruler, Six represents harmony, balance, sincerity, love, and truth. Six naturally reveals solutions for us in a calm, unfolding manner. We invoke the six when we need delicate diplomacy when dealing with sensitive matters. The spiritual meaning of number also deals with enlightenment; specifically "lighting" our path in areas we require spiritual and mental balance. It beckons us to administer compassion and consciously choose forgiveness in a situation.

Vintage Lingerie Care

For cleaning vintage clothing at home, the most important advice is to be very careful. You need to understand the risk you take when cleaning vintage clothing. For antique items, the fabric could disintegrate. Old silks and chiffons are especially fragile and should be treated with extreme care. If you happen to have original care instructions, follow those instructions carefully.

1. Remove any buckles, buttons, sleeve pads, trimmings or ornaments that might cause stains.
2. Wash each garment separately that is not color fast, that is new, or that is dyed with more than one color.
3. Use lukewarm water* (95-100 F.), softened (Borax or other commercial softeners do the trick) if necessary.
4. Make suds with mild soap.
5. Squeeze garments gently under water until they are clean. Rayon fibers weaken when wet and must be handled gently. Never rub silks or rayons when you wash them.
6. Squeeze out suds, do not twist or wring.
7. Rinse at least three times in lukewarm water 95 F.), softened if necessary and squeeze out water after each rinsing.
8. Hang or lay flat to dry, what ever is appropriate for the garment.

Cucumber Sandwiches

By now you've more than likely noted how much I enjoy tea time. I am sure you will agree that it is a wonderful habit when you take time out of your day to relax a bit and just enjoy a little treat. These little sandwiches seem innocent enough but believe me, they can be addicting, and in no time you will be making them on a regular basis. Make it a nice part of your weekend and plan an afternoon to have tea with someone you care about. Here is the simple recipe:

1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and very thinly sliced (about 32 slices)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup coarsely chopped watercress leaves
16 slices best-quality white bread
Salt to taste
1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts

Place cucumber slices between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.

In a small bowl, combine butter and watercress; spread on one side of each slice of bread. Lay cucumber slices onto the buttered side of 8 slices of bread. Sprinkle with salt. Cover each with 1 tablespoon alfalfa sprouts and top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.

Carefully cut the crusts from each sandwich with a sharp knife. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again.

Yields 8 whole sandwiches or 16 halves or 32 fourths.

Protect Your Manicure

This is a repost but for those who haven't read it, it may be a handy tip to save your nails!

Are you tired of polishing your nails, only to have them chip soon after? With all of the spring cleaning and gardening we're doing, it is all to easy to ruin your manicure. Try this frugal trick to make your nail polish last longer and hopefully you will be able to avoid having to repolish your nails for awhile. It's so simple!

What You Do:
Dip your nails in vinegar (white or apple cider), and allow them to dry. Then, paint as usual.

Why This Works:
Vinegar removes the natural oils from the surface of your nails, so that the polish adheres to your nails (and not the oils).

Also, make sure to wear some sort of kitchen gloves while you are cleaning or even washing your fruits and veggies.

Use Baking Soda To...

Clean your produce! You can't be too careful when it comes to food handling and preparation. Make sure to wash your fruits and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. The baking soda will remove some of the impurities tap water leaves behind. You can also put a small amount of baking soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing before serving.

Did You Know?

Did you know you can make emergency makeup? I'm pretty sure I'd realize when I was out of my favorite product...but if you don't and you run out, read on!

You've run out of your favorite shade of eye shadow. What do you do now? Add a bit of food coloring to a small amount of petroleum jelly and apply as usual. This is a quick way to make blush, lipstick, or eye shadow.

Easy Pesto

Pesto is an aromatic herb paste, traditionally made from fresh basil, garlic, nuts and olive oil. You can also add some parmesan cheese to add flavor. To make other flavorful, fragrant variations of pesto, use other herbs such as cilantro or mint.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup almonds
3 cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
1 pinch ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place almonds on a cookie sheet, and bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
In a food processor, combine toasted almonds, garlic, basil, olive oil, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Process until a coarse paste is formed.

Crockpot Black Beans And Rice Soup...Vegetarian

Here is a quick and easy meal you can put together in your crockpot on those busy days. Enjoy!




Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
3 carrots, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
2 (16 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans broth
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except rice in crockpot.
Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours (high 3 to 4 hours).
Add cooked rice before serving.

Avocado Eye Treatment

I don't really know why this is so effective on under-eye puffiness, but it is. The procedure is very simple: peel an avocado, remove the pit, and slice a half of the avocado into quarter-inch crescents. Lie down, place a slice under each eye, and rest for about 20 minutes. The result is corrective magic!

Eat the other half of the unused avocado in a salad. They are wonderful for you!

Celtic Tree Astrology..Hawthorn - The Illusionist

Celtic tree astrology is based on the ancient idea that the time of our births is pivotal to the formation of our personality and behavior.

The spiritually savvy Celts, particularly the druids were expert observers. Over time, they recognized that a child born within a certain season would develop certain qualities.

May 13 – June 9
Happy Birthday to the Hawthorn sign! In Celtic tree astrology this sign is not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn’s are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well – making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight, although you typically won’t give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with the Ash and Rowan tree signs.

The Lucky Number Five

Numbers have been thought to hold mystic significance from the beginning of time. If a certain number keeps coming up in your life it would be wise to pay attention to that number's meaning. Some believe that a person's number could even represent the development of the soul.

If five is your lucky number, you make friends easily, you are versatile and multi-talented, upbeat and inspirational and a good communicator and motivator. You have great verbal skills and you are very dynamic, persuasive, adaptable, versatile and curious, courageous, bright and quick-witted.

You are an explorer and adventurer who wants to experience all of life, and you also like to perform in front of audiences as well as doing several things at the same time.

The spiritual meaning of number five deals with travel, adventure, and motion. With the highs that come with these attributes, fives also carry instability and unpredictability, and radical changes. Five beckons us to appreciate the perception of chaos all around us. It has wild vibrations: primitive and erratic. When five continues to pop up in your life be prepared for some action, like a trip. Remember, trips aren't all necessarily taken physically. Some of the best journey's are taken in the mind and spirit.

Trader Joe's Gluten Free Brownie Mix..A Review

I cheated and made brownies the quick way yesterday! I'm known for my homemade baked goods so this was out of the ordinary for me and I wasn't sure how they would turn out. I wanted to bake the gluten free brownie recipe that I posted some time ago, but did not have the supplies on hand. I had been saving this Trader Joe's mix and decided to give it a try. I was impressed! They are dark, rich, moist and as good as any brownie I have ever tasted! I added a couple squares of a 70% dark chocolate bar that I chopped into pieces and I substituted applesauce for the oil. They were nice and moist. I cut the brownies into squares after they cooled and individually wrapped them in saran wrap froze them. They will be great when I want that chocolate fix!

The nice thing about this mix is you simply add 1 Egg, 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil (I substituted applesauce), and 1/4 Cup water to the mix and bake it for 1/2 hour. No searching at the market for ingredients you may not use again for awhile, such as rice flour, tapioca flour, etc. You can add nuts, chocolate chips or whatever you'd like.

The brownie mix contains the following ingredients: organic evaporated cane juice (sugar), sweet brown rice flour, dutch cocoa, tapioca flour, arrowroot flour, sea salt, and xanthan gum. The mix is wheat-free, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and corn-free; all of which will make this a widely acceptable option when you have dietary restrictions.

If you live near a Trader Joe's and love brownies this mix is worth buying!

Roasted Tomato Salad

Are you looking for a new recipe to use for the tomatoes that will be ripening in your garden this summer? Try this one! You are sure to love it.


Ingredients:
6 large tomatoes
6 or so large fresh basil leaves
3 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and black pepper
Dressing:
1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
To garnish:
12 large fresh basil leaves
24 black olives

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Oil a shallow roasting pan that is about 16 x12 inches. Skin the tomatoes by pouring boiling water over them and leaving them for 1 minute. Drain and and cool, then slip off the skins. Cut each tomato in half and place in the pan, cut side up. Season with salt and pepper, and then sprinkle on the chopped garlic evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and place a basil leaf on each half-making sure it's covered lightly in the olive oil also. Roast for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are slightly blackened. Serve the tomatoes at room temperature on individual serving plates with half a basil leaf and a black olive on top. Whisk the oil and vinegar together and drizzle over the tomatoes.

Watermelon Sorbet

When picking out a watermelon, ensure that it is symmetrical with no cuts and bruises. A watermelon that is ripe will have a healthy sheen, a dull rind and a dull yellow spot on its underside on which it touched the ground. To confirm that the melon is completely ripe, thump it and the sound should be dull and hollow while the weight of the watermelon should be heavy considering its size.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
4 1/2 cups fresh pureed watermelon pulp, seeds removed. (you will divide this)
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice (your choice)

Puree watermelon in a food processor or blender.

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, 1/2 cup watermelon juice, and salt; bring to a boil. Boil 30 to 45 seconds sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let stand approximately 10 minutes. If making ahead, store in the refrigerator.

To the remaining 4 cups pureed watermelon pulp, add sugar syrup, lemon juice, stir until thoroughly blended.

Freezer Method - Pour into container, cover, and place mixture in the freezer. When it is semi-solid, mash it up with a fork and refreeze again. When frozen, place in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Cover and refreeze until serving time.
NOTE: Can be prepared 3 days in advance. Cover and keep frozen.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Onion and Celery "Pie"...vintage 1930 recipe

This recipe came from a vintage cookbook when I was browsing for money saving recipes. It is from the 1930s when money was even tighter than it is today. The recipe states that this pie is not the same as a regular pie, since it does not contain pastry, but that it is substantial and filling.

Ingredients:
2 onions
1 head celery
2 ounces butter
4 ounces wholemeal flour
4 ounces ground brazil or hazel nuts
3 ounces butter.
4 ounces grated cheese
2 eggs
½ teaspoonful of sage
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper

Peel and chop the onions and celery finely and fry in the butter.
Cream the margarine with the ground nuts in a blender, add the egg yolks and flour alternately.
Whip the egg whites till stiff and fold in to the mixture.
Line a greased baking dish with the mixture, using just over half of it.
Place a layer of grated cheese in, and then the cooked vegetables, cover with another layer of grated cheese and finally the "pie "covering.
Bake in a 425 degree oven for 30 or 40 minutes, until brown.
This should be served without potatoes or other starch, but with a green vegetable and a root vegetable such as spring onion or parsnip.

English Trifle

What is an English Trifle? It is a cake well soaked with sherry and served with a boiled custard poured over it, and it is heavenly to have with your tea! This cake is also known as "Tipsy Pudding." George Washington is said to have preferred trifle over all other desserts and you'll soon understand why. If you don't have a true trifle bowl, use any straight-sided round glass bowl to show off the layers. This wonderful English Trifle is usually served at High Tea.

Ingredients:
1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup raspberry jam, divided
1 (29-ounce) can sliced peaches, drained (reserve juice)
1/2 cup sherry, or brandy, divided (optional)
1 (6-serving size) vanilla pudding mix (not instant)
3 cups milk
2 cups sweetened whipping cream
Sliced toasted almonds

Notes: A purchased sponge cake may be substituted.

Your favorite jam can be substituted.

You can omit the liquor if you don't use alcohol in your cooking.

Prepare the yellow cake according to package directions using a 9-inch cake pan (reserve one layer for another use, it can be frozen). Slice one baked cake layer horizontally into two equal layers.

Place one sliced layer into a trifle dish or a large glass bowl with straight sides; cover with 1/2 cup jam and half of the sliced peaches. Pour approximately half of the reserved peach juice over the cake or until it is moist but not sloppy. Pour 1/4 cup sherry or brandy over the top, as evenly as possible. Place the second sliced cake layer on top and cover with remaining jam and peaches; pour remaining peach juice and sherry or brandy over the top.

Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package directions, using the 3 cups of milk. Pour hot pudding over the top of the cake; let cool. When cool, spread with whipped cream. Decorate with toasted sliced almonds. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Caring For Vintage Stockings

It's not often you find women wearing stockings these days, especially here in California. Call me old fashioned, but I still find it odd to wear dresses bare legged unless it's a sundress during the day. If you are like me, and still wear stockings, or collect them, here are some tips you need to know to keep them in perfect shape.

It is important to wash silk stockings as soon as possible after each wearing if you expect them to last.

Remove rings before you launder stockings, or a thread may snag and start a run.

Use lukewarm water* (95-100 F.), softened (Borax or other commercial softeners do the trick) if necessary.

Make rich suds with mild soap.

Turn the stockings inside out and immerse them in the suds.

Never rub soap on the stockings. Dip them up and down in the water slowly to avoid unneccesary stretch.

Extract water by gently squeezing stockings from top down. Do not slide your hands down the stockings. Lightly squeeze.

Rinse several times in lukewarm water until there's no trace of soap left. Extract water after each rinse by squeezing gently.

Stretch the stockings gently into shape and hang, feet down, over a smooth rod to dry, away from heat.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Squares

This delicious bar recipe is easy to make and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Plan ahead since you need to chill it for a couple hours before enjoying.


Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 40 squares)
1 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
1 12-oz. package semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
1/4 cup peanut butter
Directions:
Line a 9x9x2 inch pan with aluminum foil. (Leave about 1 inch hanging over the opposite sides so you can lift the bars easily from the pan.)

In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar, margarine, 1 cup peanut butter, and vanilla. Stir in the cracker crumbs and peanuts. (The mixture will be stiff.) Press mixture into the pan.

Over low heat stir together the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter until smooth. Spread over the mixture in the pan. Cover and refrigerate about an hour or until the chocolate is set. Remove from the pan and cut the bars into 36 squares. Refrigerate uncovered about 2 hours or until firm.

Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Lucky Number Four

Numbers have been thought to hold mystic significance from the beginning of time. If you have a lucky number, or a certain number keeps coming up in your life, it would be wise to pay attention to that number's meaning. Some believe that a person's number could even represent the development of the soul.

If Four is your lucky number, it's your day. The number four is closely connected to the order of the world. It deals with stability and invokes the grounded nature of all things. Consider the four seasons, four directions and four elements. Fours represent solidity, calmness, and home. A recurrence of four in your life may signify the need to get back to your roots, center yourself, or even "plant" yourself. Fours also indicate a need for persistence and endurance.

Apple Butterscotch Squares..Diabetic Recipe

Scent your cottage with some freshly baked Apple Butterscotch Squares! These are wonderful for everyone, especially those that have dietary restrictions.


Ingredients:

3 Apples, fresh, Large, 3 1/4" , grated
1/2 cup Margarine, soft, 80% fat
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup Yogurt, vanilla, nonfat
1/2 cup Milk, 2%
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup white all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 pinch salt
1 cup Baking Chips, butterscotch morsels

1 Cream together margarine and sugar; blend in eggs, yogurt, milk and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and blend into creamed mixture.
2 Add grated apples and butterscotch chips. Spread batter into a 9-inch square baking pan which has been coated with a butter flavored spray.
3 Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool and cut into squares.

Nutrition Facts
Approx 24 servings
Calories 166.4
Total Carbs 23.7g
Dietary Fiber 1.1g
Sugars 15.2g
Total Fat 6.7g
Saturated Fat 2.9g
Unsaturated Fat 3.8g
Potassium 75.9mg
Protein 2.1g
Sodium 107.3mg
Dietary Exchanges
1 1/4 Fat, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Starch

Caring For Vintage Gloves

I love collecting gloves. I don't live in an area where it gets chilly enough to wear them, but I love them none-the-less. If you collect gloves, or have some that need to be cleaned, you may find these cleaning instructions I found years ago helpful.

Properly caring for your vintage gloves will ensure their long life and years of quality wear. Wash all leather gloves, except chamois and doeskin, by hand (these two leathers become soft when wet and may tear or rip along the stitching.

Use lukewarm water, softened if necessary and make a rich suds of mild soap. Wash gloved hands in the suds, squeezing, and pressing but not rubbing. If there are stubborn spots of soil, use a soft brush on them, gently.

When gloves are clean, slip them off gently from the wrist. An easy way is to fill the gloves with water while they are on the hands and gently squeeze the top of the glove with a downward motion until the fingers slip off.

Wash the inside to remove any soil left by your hands. Turn right side out. Rinse several times in lukewarm water.

Pat out excess moisture with a cotton towel. Stretch the gloves lengthwise gently and blow into each glove to puff it out.

Lay the shaped gloves flat on a dry cotton towel and let them dry slowly, away from direct sunlight or any source of artificial heat.

If cuffs or stitching are in contrasting colors, stuff white tissue paper inside the gloves.

When the gloves are almost dry, "fingerpress" them gently by stretching the leather in both directions. This makes the gloves soft and pliable when dry. If gloves get too stiff as they dry, roll them in a damp towel for a few moments and then manipulate the leather gently while it is damp.

Wash all fabric gloves off the hands. Immerse them in suds made in the same way as for leather gloves until they are clean. Use a soft brush on stubborn spots. Rinse thoroughly in clear lukewarm water. Ease into shape and hang evenly over rod or line or lay on flat surface. Never wring or twist.

What To Buy In May

Do you want to get the best deal on everything that you buy? It all starts with knowing when to shop. Here are the items to stock up on in May.

Food:
Hotdogs
Ground beef
Hamburger and hot dog buns
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, relish)
Salad dressing
Chips
Ice cream
Popsicles
Frozen pies
Soda
Bottled water

Non-food:
Party supplies (disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils)
Grill supplies (charcoal, lighter fluid)
Vacuums
Cookware

Key Lime Marmalade

Perk up your morning toast with a bit of homemade marmalade! If you love limes, this is for you!

Yields: 6 cups

INGREDIENTS:
10 key limes
Water
Approximately 9 cups sugar

PREPARATION:
1). Remove the peel from the limes, being careful to eliminate any white pith, and cut into strips. Cut away all remaining pith from the peeled limes, then dice the flesh. Measure peel and flesh.
2). In a bowl, combine the peels and flesh with 2 cups of water per cup of lime mixture. Let sit overnight.
3). Measure the mixture and transfer to a large, heavy saucepan or casserole. Add 1 1/2 cups of sugar for each cup of the mixture. Bring to a boil over moderately high heat, stirring. Simmer until thickened, or until a candy thermometer registers 218 F. (about 1 hour).
4). Transfer mixture to 6 sterilized 1 cup preserving jars and seal. If desired, process in a water bath for 10 minutes, or store in the refrigerator.

If you know someone who loves lime, this is great tucked into a gift basket.