A Bit of This and That - Sharing Ideas

 Hello to all this Thursday.  Here we are at the halfway mark of the month already.  It just doesn't seem possible.  It is cold this morning and breezy.  It is 18*F.  It is amazing what a difference a day or two can make around here - a couple days ago, I was outside doing some yardwork!  NOT today!

I will stay in and put the finishing cleaning touches on the house and then start my baking and cooking tomorrow for my weekend gathering.

Yesterday talking about old fashioned ways and recipes - this was mom's cookbook.  So many lovely notes handwritten inside and great suggestions to tweak a recipe.  As you can tell, it is more than well used and is taped together on the outside.

Her rolling pin, and both the roller and board press for Springerle cookies.  I use all of these, and I swear they just make things taste better!

Lots of tips and ideas today - just ways to make our kitchens work better for us and our pantries always feel full.

You can make your own condensed milk - no need to make a special run to the store to get more.  Just using what you have on hand!!!

I am a gravy fiend!!!  I just love it; it makes everything taste better!  So many I know, say 'I can't make gravy'.  Not sure why - it is so easy to make.  There are many versions out there, and you can flavor with about anything.  Just takes a little patience!

Lots of us cook for one or two and often times recipes make a lot.  Here is a good chart on measurements cut in half!
 No need to make a ton - and waste ingredients or food.  Just make the recipe smaller.

I know I posted this before - but a couple asked for it and wondered what I was talking about.  It is SOOOOOO good!!!!  You want to zip it up some?  Add a few dashes of hot sauce.  I used white vinegar when I made mine and regular paprika.  This is served in many restaurants now and can be purchased at grocery stores.

Blend all of this until smooth and bottle and refrigerate.

Great with fries, onion rings, over roasted or fried veggies, on eggs, sandwiches, etc.

I always have this on hand - have used it for years.  Sure, you can make a faux buttermilk using vinegar and milk - but this is so easy too.  It lasts for ages and ages, and I don't have to remember to have vinegar on hand (I usually do - but...)

I always mix up some when making biscuits or pancakes or waffles - just adds a bit more flavor and tastes special.

There you go - my pantry saving tips for today!

There isn't much that you can't make a homemade version of.  Just try and experiment a little - if at first you don't succeed - try again!

Have a wonderful day and say thanks for all blessings.