Tuesday Tip or Two

 Hello all!  Hoping you all are doing well and are having a good week so far.  We made it through some harrowing winds yesterday.  It got kind of scary a couple times - such high winds.  Lots of limbs down here, but there was a tornado in another part of state.  Tis the season!

Just a couple tips and ideas today.  Maybe they will help someone!  Here's hoping.

SODA STREAM

If you have a soda stream, you know the drink mixes can be expensive.  I only have a machine because I found it brand new several years ago, at a yard sale for $15!!!!  It even came with the carbonator canister and extra bottles.  I lucked out.  Now I do like a carbonated drink from time to time.  This works to fill that craving.  I often add fruit juice to the water after it is carbonated - but generally I like a little more flavor.  

 A machine doesn't take up that much room - and you can have carbonated drinks when you want.

I generally use these little individual flavor packets when I want a carbonated drink.  You can get all kinds of flavors.  It gives the flavor and a little sweetness, and takes away my craving.  Using the little packets is a lot cheaper than buying the flavor bottles.  I most always get the flavors at Dollar Tree or on clearance at the grocery.  Each box gives you several servings!

Need extra counter space when having company?  I have a large metal cutting board that I can place over one half of my sink.  It fits nicely and gives me extra counter space!!!!  Just make sure the faucet if over the other half of sink!!!  LOL

You could also open a base drawer part way and place the cutting board over it.  It gives just that little extra space you may need.

Duct tape, clear packing tape, masking tape, etc. - it is always hard to find the end and start to peel.  I often just fold over a piece of the tape - so it has a flap.  You can also place a paper clip, a bread-wrapper tab, a toothpick, etc. under the edge of tape.  It sure saves time and makes it easier to unroll the tape!

When making a 'breakfast' type sandwich - it is nice to have the egg fit the sandwich nicely.  I make breakfast biscuits often and it is good to have a round egg!  Easy!

Grease (well) a wide mouth ring (from canning jars) and place your egg in it to cook!  Flip over when bottom is done - it will fall a little but stays round.  It sure makes a nice round egg for that biscuit!

HOMAMADE HAMBURGER HELPER

Mix together:

1 Tbsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

2 tsps. paprika

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 C macaroni

After mixing together you can keep these on your shelf for easy use.  Place in a pint jar or a sealed baggie.  Grab one to make.

Mix with:

1 lb. ground beef (or other ground meat) Browned

2 C milk (or 1 of milk and 1 of broth) - or 2 of broth if you need it to be dairy free

1 C water

Mix these all together with you packet of mix.  Simmer until pasta is done and top with 1 cup shredded cheese.

Make it taste more chili-like by adding a tablespoon of chili powder.

You can change up cheeses or cheese-like options - you can use gluten free pasta, you can add any variety of spices to change it up.

It is always nice to have an alternative to something and to have it be as natural and preservative free as possible.  This is a great BASIC recipe.  Have fun with it.

You can use basically the same seasoning mix - maybe add a little celery seed - for chicken as well.   Mix with 2 cups of pasta for your shelf storage.

Add to a cup of cooked and shredded chicken with a cup of milk (or broth) and 2 cups of diced tomatoes.  Top with parmesan cheese.  YUM a totally different but sort of same recipe!!!!!!

Hoping you found a tip you can use today.  Sometimes the easiest and simple ideas can be time savers.

Any time savers you care to share?

Have a wonderful Tuesday my friends.