The Many Uses of ........... Part 2

 Happy April to all.   April showers............bring May flowers!  Goodness, are we starting out with a bang!  Rain and more rain overnight and today - oh my.  Lots of thunder boomers and fireworks in the sky.  Flooded back 40 in the yard!  After today, the temps get pretty chilly for a few days again.  They have mentioned snow!!  Say it aint so.   Such is life in Spring!  I hope you are all well and safe.

More of the many uses of different items today.  It is just nice to know of many ways to use what you may have, or ways to get the most bang for your buck.

Maybe some new ideas for some and same old for others.

TOMATOES

I think tomatoes has to be the most versatile item we can have in our pantries.  So many uses.

Soups, stews and casseroles - always good as a base

Salsa, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, chili sauce, tomato bits, sauce, juice - so many things to make from your garden

Salsa chicken or chops - yum

Make a Spanish style rice with salsa

Cold soups in summer

Top pizza with thin slices

Roast tomatoes

Salads, diced or sliced

Salsa eggs

Add bits to mac n cheese (yum) or to Cole slaw (super yum)

Anything Italian or Mexican

Sauces and pastes can be made into juice with addition of water

Dips - salsa and cheese is yummy

I love tomatoes so much - in just about any way.  Of course, my favorites come summer are BLT's and tomato sandwiches!!!!  My mouth is watering!

BAKING SODA

First a disclaimer:  I know baking soda is salty!  The ideas listed may not be for everyone.  They are great uses to save a cooking blunder or to add a bit of fluff or color to food.  As always check with your physician before using a lot of it.  If blood pressure is a problem for you, check with your doctor.

* 1 tsp. to a pot of cooking rice, makes the rice a bit fluffier

* 1/2 tsp. to every 3 eggs, helps makes omelets fluffy

* Rub some to the fat on pork chops before frying - to get crispy fried fat

* Soak fresh fish in 2 Tbsp. of soda and a quart of water for a while - rinse and cook.  Takes away that "fishy" smell and flavor

* Test the acidity of tomatoes!  Dip a damp spoon in baking soda and the stir some tomatoes.  If it bubbles they are very high in acid.

* If you have a boil water alert in your area - that does change the taste of water some.  1 Tbsp. of baking soda to a gallon of water - softens the taste

* Helps cut the acid in tomato sauce or chili - just add a pinch

* A pinch in a cup of coffee takes away bitterness

* 1/4 tsp. to 8 oz. of OJ or grapefruit juice reduces the acidic levels

* I use a bit with vinegar and water to clean store-bought fruit and veggies - that waxy film!

* If you cook cauliflower in water - add a tsp. to the water - it keeps the cauliflower white and reduces odors

* Helps to eliminate gas formed by baked beans - add a dash while cooking

* Softens the taste of wild game.  Soak in a little baking soda and water overnight.  Rinse and cook

* I always add a pinch to waffles, pancakes and biscuits to make them fluffy

* If using tart berries - add a 1/2 tsp. to the berries and stir in.  You will use less sugar in your pie or cobbler!

* Tenderizes tough cuts of meat.  Rub a bit on the meat - let it stand a few hours - rinse and cook

It tenderizes, it sweetens, it fluffs, it takes out acidity - just so many uses.

It is also very, very useful in cleaning.  Like I stated above I use in a fruit wash.  I also use as a natural cleaning scrub.  I use in laundry from time to time with a little peroxide to whiten clothes.

I use the ineffective stuff in the frig for a deodorizer.  I can sprinkle on rugs and let it sit for a while - then vacuum - it removes odors.

I also use with peroxide from time to time as a natural toothpaste that whitens (my dentist suggested this).

I have also many times used it to settle an upset tummy!  1/2 tsp. to 4 oz. of water and drink - helps neutralize acid in the belly.  Been doing this since I was a child - mom taught me this one.

The list goes on and on.  So many uses!!!!!

**Again, if you have blood pressure problems - check with your doctor before using a lot - just as you do with salt use.

So there you have some ways to stretch those pantry items a bit and maybe save a little along the way.

So many items have many uses - we just get stuck in a rut and don't experiment.

Have fun all.

Have a great day and be safe - those storms have been traveling across the country!