Maybe it's the holidays...

There are some old family recipes that I just happened to learn several years ago and they are mainstays.  Like Queen Apple Pie and Aunt Jo's Dinner Rolls - oh my gosh!  They bring back so many great memories.  It's probably too late for Thanksgiving, but give the rolls a try in December - they might just become "tradition".  If you have never baked bread or rolls before, this recipe is for you.  The hardest thing about them is that you have to wait about 4 1/2 hrs - start to finish - to enjoy them.  Take a test drive!

                                                          AUNT JO'S DINNER ROLLS

2 c. lukewarm water
1 pkg. dry yeast
1 egg
2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour
4 Tbs. melted butter
3 1/2 c. more all purpose or bread flour

Put yeast in the water and let it begin to bubble (proof).
Mix egg and salt together in a big mixing bowl and add the yeast water and stir.
Add sugar and 3 1/2 c. of the flour.
Mix well and add the melted butter and stir well.
Last of all, add the last 3 1/2 c. of the flour  (will be sticky - no kneading)

Put in a slightly warm place.  If you use the oven, turn on for about 30 seconds to 1 minute and then turn off.
Cover dough with a cloth (clean dish towel?)and let rise for about 2 hours (until double).
After the rise, make into rolls and let rise for 2 hours more hours.
Bake at 350 for about 20-30 minutes (until top is medium brown)
When it is done, brush the top with melted butter.
Be sure to try one as soon as they are cool.  No one will ever know!

Company "EASY" Quiche

I'm into SIMPLE!  Lots of years of trying different Quiche recipes and decided to make my own that was easy.   Here goes:

                                               EASY QUICHE
1   9" "store bought" pie shell
Mix together:
5 eggs
1 c. cottage cheese
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
3 Tbs. milk
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp.salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
DON'T TASTE FOR SEASONING - RAW EGGS.  Pour into pie shall and bake about 45 minutes at
350 F.  Quiche will be done when middle doesn't wiggle when slightly shaken.

Some additions you might like:  chopped spinach(one package frozen, run in microwave for 2 minutes and draine - squeeze out all liquid), cooked chopped bacon, 1/3 c. chopped onions (microwave for 2 minutes before adding), 2 Tbs. chives or green onions.

My desire to help

I have posted some of what the Bible has to say about wisdom:  My suggestions may not be wisdom from above, but hopefully they are at least helpful on this road on which we travel.  Send your comments with suggestions that will benefit all of us.

Cordless gifts for "olders"

There are so many wonderful house cleaning helps that I am discovering.  The newest is the great steam floor mop by Shark.  It sanitizes with no soap,and no puddles on the floor that you have to wait to dry.  I'm in!  Of the conveniences that I have, I wish some of them were cordless because it is easy to get your feet tangled up in the cord as you are working.  If you are considering a "cleaning" gift for an older person, you might want to consider cordless if it is available.  It has to be recharged, but moves with you without your being tethered and tangled.  Just a thought!

The wisdom from above ...

James 3:17-18  "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

What is wisdom?

These Bible verses are precious to us as Christians.

Proverbs 8:11-21  "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.  I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.  The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy,and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.  Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom:  I am understanding; I have strength.  By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.  By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.  Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.  My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.  I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:  That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures."

Using cash in a new way!

We have used cash for several years to keep better track of our money.  This is highly recommended if you owe anyone for anything.  Our bank has a points credit card and the return is very good.  We thought about it for a long time as we had changed to cash.  We did, however, come up with a plan that would do both things.  After I figured out how much we spend on gas, groceries, utilities and insurance, I took that amount at the beginning of the month and transferred it into the companion savings account for our checking.  When the credit card bill comes due, I transfer the amount from savings to checking and pay it.  I am still keeping the money within the month that we receive it, but am also receiving the gift cards.  We've used this system for the last two years, and have been greatly blessed.

Levelized billing for Utilities +

Our local energy company posted this in their monthly newsletter:  "Customers can spread natural gas costs more evenly throughout the year by choosing Average Monthly Billing or Budget Plan (Minnesota).  These levelized billing programs offer more predictable monthly payments..."  I have done this for years - paying the same amount year around - to keep our budget on track.  They adjust once a year and you will either get a credit, or they will bill you the difference and they change the monthly amount necessary for level pay next year.  It usually fluctuates just a few dollars.  I highly recommend doing this with as many of your utilities and insurances as they allow.  It keeps expenses on an even keel.

Easy cleaning of baked on food

By accident, I found the way to easily remove baked on food on a baking dish.  I had put the pan in the refrigerator overnight so I could clean it in the morning.  Surprisingly, the food scraped right off.  The moisture had dissolved the crust.  Sure beats scrubbing!

Leg Cramps - OUCH!

Leg Cramps - After years of horrible night leg cramps, I found a way to get rid of them fast. Even though the pain is so intense, take your other foot and push on the heel of the cramping leg to force it straight.  When you release it, you will find the pain gone.  Also, when you can, do a leg stretch by putting the cramping leg behind you and press the heel down.  It will hurt, but the pressure will stretch the cramped muscle free.

Christmas 2014

Not a wrong date!  Fast forward to next year's Christmas shopping. If this year causes you to ruin January and February, you might need a different plan for next year.  Add up your spending this Christmas, add taxes if you own your home, and add the things that you would like to do next year.  The figure might be a little staggering, but there is an answer.  Take the total amount and divide by 12.  That is the amount each month you need to sock away in a savings account (not invest).  It's like eating an elephant - one bite at a time.  You'll be glad you did next December.