A Boy and His Toys

 Today is just a cute story about my Coogy.  He is so funny and so loving.  He sure gives his Mommy lots of love and laughs.

He loves to play.  He also misses his Mom when he can't see her for a while.  Silly kitty.

Coogy has a fishy attached to a stick - his fish and fishing pole.  Oh how he loves that thing.  EVERY single night, while I am laying in the bed watching TV - I hear this scratchy noise.  Sure enough, here comes Coogy with the fish in his mouth, dragging the pole behind him and crying all at the same time.  He brings in the bedroom and drops it beside the bed and then sits and stares at me!!!!!  "Um, it's playtime Mom".

                                   His fish and pole with holiday ribbons attached!

Now if I go to the store or go out and work in the yard for a while - I come back in and there it lays in the kitchen!  He brings it in there, because he knows I come in that door.

He is so silly.

              He is one lucky boy, as he has a whole basket full of play things.  Big to little.

These are generally his choices.  His fishing pole, the purple squishy ball, his Wubba (the name on it) and the fuzzy white thing!!!  Wubba (pink) has been a favorite of every indoor kitty for years.  They all played with it and loved on it.  That white piece of fuzz used to be a snowman head.  Now it just is a mess and it sheds all over.  He loves it!  

Each night he comes to get his lovin'.  He has a pillow on the bed next to mine (covered w/a towel) - he sits and stares at it.  I lay my hand on it, palm up, then he comes and lays down with his head in my palm.  He gets his neck and head scratched and rubbed and he is sooooooo content and happy!!  

It is amazing the little routines that they get into.  (they sure have us trained)

Oh our kiddos - they sure are a hoot.  I am so glad I have my fur babies - they have ALL really saved me over the past couple years.

They give me love and purpose each and every day.

Those outdoor babies - well mice is Fluffy's favorite toy.  She finds them and plays with them.  I have saved a few - but usually find them when it is too late.  She likes little birdies too (bad kitty).  Momma will play with either - but usually after Fluff has caught it.  Blackie - he could care less!!!!!!! Eating and sleeping are his favorite backyard activities.

I can't tell you how many times I have opened the greenhouse door and had a bird fly out!!!  It is amazing how gentle she  CAN be - will catch them and take them in (there is a cat door).  They are still alive and trying to stay away from her on higher perches.  Door opens and FREEDOM!

Oh our crazy babies.  They give us such joy and happiness. 

SMILES AND KITTY HUGS!

Even the Cheapest Foods can be JAZZED Up

 I know there are many people who simply need to live on mini mart foods.  They live in food deserts with no decent grocery facilities.  Most food marts carry cheap items and junk food.  BUT even cheap items can be jazzed up if you have the desire and means to do it.

Any of us can get in a spot where money is tight and options are few.  It is nice to be able to have options to jazz things up (or ideas).

We all know dry beans and rice is a fugal option - but that may get old if you eat it every day.  I could do it, if it meant going hungry otherwise!

CHEAP PIZZA

I decided to try an experiment.  I do not like frozen pizza - never have.  But I noticed Kroger had these little individual microwave pizza for $1 - so I thought lets see what I can do!!!!

Doesn't even sound appetizing!  The actual pizza was about the size of my hand - tips of fingers to wrist.  The picture on the box looks more appealing than the actual item did!  LOL

Well I decided to do some magic.  I used things I had in frig.  I sliced a few pieces of summer sausage, added black and green olives, cut up a mini pepper, a few spoons of salsa, some seasoning and a little extra cheese.  BOOM - a tasty little pizza.  About the same as 2 pieces.

                               It was actually pretty tasty!  Also had a side salad with it.

MAC N CHEESE

You can get those store brand boxes of mac n cheese for much less than a dollar.  Add a can of tuna and maybe some frozen peas or broccoli and you have cheesy tuna mac.  Add a little cooked hamburger or sausage and anything else you have needing to be  used (veggies).  Tasty burger mac.

Cut up a couple hotdogs into mac and you have a tasty treat.  Feeds more than one - maybe add a salad.

RAMEN

Yep, many of us always have some on hand.  I actually like it (I know). 

Make Ramen stew - add any veggies you may have, whatever leftover meat there might be or stir in some gravy or make a gravy (rue) and enjoy.  You don't HAVE to use the seasoning packet if you are staying away from salt.  

Cook the noodles and use as lo-mein.  Use noodles under any type of stir fry using whatever leftovers you have on hand.

I even have a recipe around here for making a cold salad using packages of Ramen with cabbage. 

Someone mentioned the other day about making Ramen and adding a easy over egg on top.  Just no limits.

 Generally a pack sells for pennies - it can be jazzed up and tasty.

JIFFY

Jiffy cornbread mix probably isn't the best cornbread - but it is easy and inexpensive (and really not bad).  You can do a lot of things to jazz it up.  Throw in some chopped jalapenos.  Spicy cornbread.  Throw in some shredded cheese - Mmmmm.  Add a bit of sugar if you like sweet cornbread.  You can add garlic powder, onion, just about anything.

Bake in muffin tins and place a piece of hotdog in the center of each muffin before baking.  Kind of like have a corndog.

Many people add some cream corn and make a corn casserole.  There are many, many options to upcycle a box of Jiffy mix!

CHEAP MIXES

I see baking mixes all the time for a dollar or less (if on sale).  They can be turned into other things.  Muffins mixes can become small loaves of sweet breads (throw in whatever extra you may have - chips, nuts, candy).  Make a mini cake.  Make cookies.

A fun up-do is pancakes - easy and tasty and enough to maybe fill a couple of people.  Just add syrup or heated jelly!!!

You can do this with those Jiffy boxes of mixes as well.

So if things get rough, funds get low, and shelves get bare - just remember that you can improve ANY food item.  It doesn't have to cost much.

I know most of us have all kinds of recipes for inexpensive eating or know ways to stretch leftovers and things like rice, pasta, beans and potatoes.  We know how to cook.  Not everyone really does.

Maybe you know someone who needs a little help.  You can pass on these money saving ideas and perhaps help them have a nicer dinner.

I think it would be neat if food pantries - who give many of these items - could also handout  recipe ideas for increasing nutrition and taste.

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO $ ??????

I am so Tired of all the Panic

 Good morning.  I know I can't be the only one who is so over the 'panic' syndrome that seems to have hit the people of the world.  People panic and get manic about everything today.  I am done with the YouTube channels and the groups that only promote chaos.  Seriously - they are helping no one!!!  They may think they are - but they are not.

I try so hard to not follow the 'norm' today and do panic posts.  My opinion is not your opinion.  I will ALWAYS continue to stress stocking and staying stocked - but not to cause mayhem and panic.  I will stress that idea BECAUSE it is the smart thing to do.  ANYTHING can happen at ANY TIME.

You stock now and you are prepared for whatever life throws at you and your family.  

You stock now and it is saving you money. (we all know things go up in price).

You stock now because you are a prudent women.

You stock now because you love your family and want to provide.

You stock now because you are smart.

I realize that in some countries things are worse.  I hate that.  I realize that it depends on where you live in America - some places things are worse than others (and more expensive).

I feel blessed to live in mid America as things still are pretty well stocked and prices are pretty reasonable.  

Last year should have been a HUGE wake-up call to people.  The public got all caught up in panic and we had the great TP fiasco!!!!  Oh my goodness, people had no clue to what to do if they couldn't buy TP.  Others hoarded it.  Good grief - it was the most ridiculous and stupid thing I have ever seen in my life.  Seriously.  No one seemed to be able to think and use logic.

Funny?  Not really - it is an option!  I have received some tool catalogs that hubs used to get and they have pages that are tissue thin.  I keep them!!!!  My goodness there are so many options - cloth TP, wash cloths, tissue........

We all know that there are options and substitutes for about everything.  I have listed many charts over the years of substitutes in case you run out of something.  We can sub other things for eggs in recipes.  We can sub things for oil.  We can mix and match all kinds of food items to make tasty meals.  We can glean things from our own yards (if you were hungry you would be grateful).

We can use old clothes and rags to clean messes or to use for bathroom functions.

We can use a clothesline to dry our laundry (or rack or hangers outside or in basement).  We CAN wash clothes in a tub if needed.

We can simplify our eating habits and eat well.

We can truly do without a lot of the things that we THINK we have to have!  

                                                 Click on picture to enlarge to read.

I have a big pot of this on my porch - yes I do.  It is tasty in salads.  Kind of a peppery taste.  It grows all over the place around here and it is so good for you.  Dandelion greens, roots, and even blossoms can be used.  Folks use plantain, wild onion, thistle, chives, balms and mints.... the list goes on and on.  This is all FREE.  Walnut trees are a good source of protein (if you can beat the squirrels).  There are many a tree in public places and on roadways.  There are fruit trees and wild berry vines all along country roads and maybe on empty lots.  FIND THEM.  USE THEM.

We can survive people.  We do not need to panic.  If the supply chain is disrupted do to shutdown, drought, transportation, flooding - whatever - know you can survive.

Do NOT stop on your stocking.  Keep plugging along, just do it with thought and be mindful of what you and your family really use.  Don't buy stuff you don't need.  

Always be prepared for an extended period of time (only you know your plan).  

Life changes every day.  It will continue to change every day.  That is the one constant in this world - CHANGE!

I think back to my family that lived through the depression.  I think back to my family that lived during the civil war days.  I think about my family that started out with nothing and moved westward and survived.  They used what they found to eat and survive.   They physically cut trees, moved them, and built their homes.  They physically had to cut trees to make roads and pathways to get through the dense woods.  They lived through dust storms.  They lived through floods.  They lived through many a pandemic (or we wouldn't be here).  They cleared land to make gardens and fields.  They had no real medicine.  They used herbs and nature.  They had absolutely NO technology.  They lived off brut strength and common sense.

Had not at least part of them survived and prospered WE wouldn't be here today.  Think about that!  We can be better and stronger if put to task.  We CAN survive.

If you don't know about living off the land or simple survival techniques - read.  The library is a wealth of knowledge and wonder.

Get busy and do what is needed to help your family.  BUT don't spread panic and doom and gloom.  Don't go out of your way to spread bad.  If you want to spread something - spread helpful knowledge of survival.  Spread goodwill and happy thoughts and wishes.  (this is my goal)

Spread the joy of knowing there is something after all this life on earth.  IF we truly believe in a supreme creator and the Word like we say we do - well we know it is all in His hands.

PLEASE stock and prepare but do NOT PANIC nor cause panic.

Be happy and enjoy each and every day you get. 

Spread joy and goodness.

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/6

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope you all had a good week and that this finds you well.

I had a pretty good week.  I got to see a friend (my former boss) that I haven't physically seen in 2 years this week.  They moved to CO. after retiring and visits are not frequent.  It was so good to get to visit for a while.

Woke Thursday to another surprise in the back yard.  Looked out after getting dressed and lo and behold there was a Momma and 4 young racoons!!  Racoons make me nervous around my cats - but I have to admit they sure are cute.  Those young ones were running and frolicking around - up and down the trees - acting like kids!  The Mom just kept trying to collect them to move on - and they kept running away from her!  It was funny.  I waited till they moved on before taking the kitties food out.  Momma and Fluff were at my kitchen door and Blackie slept through it - so all were safe.  I swear this is a flipping wild animal habitat in the city!!!  My fault I guess!

We had a day or two with a lot of rain and now we are hot.  It looks like temps will be more normal this next week with highs in the lower 80's but we have a chance of rain everyday.

My week:

• I did get the garden all planted on Sunday.  Pots and ground.  Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and cucumbers.  Green onions also planted - may do some other stuff - still have some room.
• The last important fix has been done to the Blazer.  No more snap, crackle & pop (stabilizer bars) this week.  No more trouble getting gas. No more hot car.  No more car not starting.  Sigh of relief.  My neighbor probably saved me over $1,500 is shop fees over the past few weeks.
• I de-flowered the front walk and steps!  LOL.  I got it manageable to walk up the sidewalk again!
• I have 2 rain barrels full - 110 gallons of God's water!  Been using it to water plants
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard
• I cut bouquets of peonies until I couldn't.  They are done for this year.  I still have roses and other flowers looking pretty.  The lilies are getting covered with buds
• Made a plan for repairing the shed front - it really needs a lot of work on the west side.  Checked the stash of things in the garage and thankfully I have more than enough lumber to fix it!!!  So glad I don't have to buy wood at this time.
• I washed down the front of the house & (porch) and took apart the security door and cleaned it and washed the window.  You would think the porch would stay clean but being under a roof it just collects dust and grime
• I finally ran to the grocery.  My area stores seem to be fully stocked.  I got some really good deals.  3 - 2lb. packs of ground beef/pork combo  for 2.99 ea. (1.50 lb!).  Got a small pork loin for 2.69.  2 - 5 lb. bags of s/r flour for .89 ea.   2- sliced loaves of Italian bread for .79 ea.  YAY!  All was on clearance.

• I then saw a sign as I left the grocery for a BIG yard sale.  I decided to stop - first yard sale in almost 2 years for me.  I got 4 small cookbooks for .25 ea. and I got a NuWave 10 qt. air fryer (used once) with rotisserie for $10!!!!  It has the book with it and looks like it was never used.  I guess some of the Covid 'shopping' items will be cheap this year!!!!!!  I have been wanting to try an air fryer - but in no way wanted to spend a lot unless I liked it.  Now I can try it for next to nothing and if I don't like it - I will pass it on.

Meals this past week:

Fried cabbage with smoked sausage and mac n cheese

Chicken and dumplings (small Sweet Sue) and fried corn/with onion

Baked potato and grilled small zucchini

BBQ pork/pepper/onion/swiss cheese sandwiches

Breakfast - silver dollar pancakes (freezer), scrambled eggs, pork chop (precooked freezer)

Veggie/cheese squares (my version) - no oven needed

Tamales and tortilla chips

I hope to pull weeds this week from my big perennial bed - it is a huge mess!!  Maybe with rain off and on they will be easier.  I need to do some painting as well - we will see.  I need to clean out the shed - ugh!

So many things need done.  I need to light my fire again!!!!

How was your week?  How are your plants doing?  Did you get any deals or do anything frugal?  I like hearing what everyone is up to.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.  

May you all stay safe and well this coming week.

Behold, God is my salvation;  I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2

Humble Beginnings and a Simple Life

 Yep - that title explains me!  Began life very simply and still maintain that kind of lifestyle.  

I have relayed many a story about my childhood to you all.  It was simple, it was humble, it was poor (not poverty), it was good in my eyes.

I know there were many of my school mates that probably thought we lived lesser lives than them.  No I didn't have name brands - no I didn't have many store bought clothes - no our house wasn't fancy - no my parents didn't make a lot of money - no we didn't go on vacations - no we didn't have a lot of 'junk' from the stores.

Shoot I remember getting a REAL bathtub put in the house (not just a washtub!).  I remember the first TV we got.  I remember the old ringer washer - used into my teens.  I remember the first drier in the house - I was in upper teens.  We never had AC - except a window unit in the kitchen after I left home.

BUT I DO remember things were good.  I was loved.  I had a roof and food and clothes.

This is still how I feel today.  These things make us richer than a huge part of the people in this world.  What else do we really NEED?

This is the house I grew up in - it looks lovely.  It wasn't always that way.  My folks said when they first moved in (way before me) that it had no paint and no landscaping, super run down  - and no real grass.  But they could afford the payment.  They ended up buying the house on contract and the total sum paid was $4,800.  They paid it off when I was little.  Lots of love, cleaning, upkeep and work went into it.

It had a living room, dining room, eat in kitchen and small bath on the main floor and 2 attic rooms (no doors) upstairs.  My folks had 6 children and got to raise 5 of them all in this house (had a baby that died at birth).  All those people and 2 bedrooms (for a while the dining room was used as a bedroom)!!!!!  I slept on a daybed type of thing at the foot of Mom & Daddies bed for several years.  Guess that explains no more kids after me - LOL!!!!!

We had an indoor toilet and an outhouse - then got a tub when I was around 8 or 9.  It was like a swimming pool to me!!!  I was a child when they got a furnace put in - the house was heated with a coal stove up till then.

All grown up - I got married and moved away and was swayed to spend, spend, spend for a few years due to the example my ex gave (as well as his parents).  I soon learned that just having tons of  things wasn't what I wanted and debt SUCKED!  I would much rather have less and no debt and happiness.

Then I met my love and a new life began.  He had purchased this home just about the time we met.  We were very early 30's and he had decided he needed stability and to quit wasting money. 

The home was stuck in the 60's/70's inside - but a little work and it was transformed.

We did gutters, siding, windows and doors, fencing, a new kitchen and mostly new bath - we even finished half of the basement.  We did all the remodeling inside ourselves.

Those pretty kitchen cabinets I have shown you - were stock from of all places K-Mart.  They had a home dept. back in the day.  We waited till I got bonuses from my job - to do new projects.  We were very prudent with how we spent our precious dollars.  We shopped deals.

The only time we bought brand new furniture wasn't until 2002 - we married in 1986.  I still have that furniture.

Before that we had hand me downs, yard sale finds, and a couple things parents gifted us new.

We both drove older used vehicles.

We didn't buy a new car until after the house was paid in full - it was the only new vehicle either of us ever had.  We paid payments for 2 years - then paid it off.

We worked hard to pay the house off as soon as possible, as we knew there was a good chance that Glen would become disabled at some point and not be able to work.  We saved and invested as much as possible.

We never took vacations - our vacations was camping with friends.  Simple but fun.  We took drives for fun as well.

Our very first major purchase as a married couple - were cemetery plots!!!  LOL  How romantic.  It was actually a buy one - get one deal and we purchased the marker as well.  We made payments on that.

I think that was about the only thing other than the house that we ever put on a payment plan. (until car for 2 years)

        My front walk this spring.  Some may think over grown - I love it.  That is what matters.

My home was built in 1947 - just 7 years older than me!  (yep, we are both old).  2 bedroom and one small bath.  It cost us less money than our Blazer did!!!   Only one bedroom is actually a bedroom - the other is overstock pantry, office and kitty room.  Small is the word (less than 1000 sq. ft.).  Nothing is fancy or new.  Many things are off kilter, need replaced, worn, need painted, etc. (on my list)

This WAS a very nice up and coming neighborhood in it's day.  Probably considered the modern middle class area.  Now it is getting tired and a little run down (we have more renters than owners around).  Houses are close together.  Most houses are similar.  There are some questionable characters around. May be considered lower middle class or lower class neighborhood now.

BUT YOU KNOW WHAT?  Mine is paid for and it is mine.  Taxes are low.  I can afford to maintain.  I try to keep a little 'nature' in my world.

I have people ask me all the time when I am moving away from here.  I could move to a nicer neighborhood or to the country - I can afford that.  Maybe I may have to at some point - I aint getting any younger you know!

But until I have to, well I am more than content.  I don't have a lot of material stuff - but I am good with that.  I love what I DO have.  My folks would be proud of what we did financially.  As hard as they worked (they even had their own business for years) - they never accumulated what we did.  Of course they had children - but I know they would be proud!

We worked hard at what we have and to be financially stable.  I am so thankful we were of the same mindset and I am thankful we planned.

Stability was more important than stuff to both of us.

So if you want to be impressed with a fancy home and fancy neighborhood or a fancy zip code - my house isn't where you want to go.  I live a simple, low cost, but BLESSED life!!!

I don't need new and fancy to be happy.  I don't need modern and high tech.  I don't need a lot of stuff to burden me.  I don't need a lot of room.

I just need a home that HUGS me when I walk in.  

There is much to be said for simple living.  There is much to be said about being prudent.

There is much to be said about just being YOU and not trying to impress others.

IMPRESSING others is my least concern and never enters my mind.  I am me - like it or leave it.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

Stay humble and live simply!

Some Summer Tasty Recipes for Those Busy Days

 Yep - more foody ideas!  Now that summer is upon us (in our part of the world) - we all get busy, and it gets hot.  If you are like me, you hate heating the kitchen up for hours to prepare yummy bites.  Here are a few ideas on things that are just plain tasty and easy and again frugal for the most part!

CHEESE & OLIVE ON RYE

1 C cheddar cheese, grated

1 C ripe olives, chopped

1 C dried beef - chopped (I use Buddig's)

Mix this all together.  Spread on party rye (or whatever small bread you choose).  Place under the broiler for about 5 minutes until bubbly.  Super easy for a quick appetizer or even dinner (yes I have) with a little salad!

VEGETABLE SQUARES

2 rolls of crescent rolls

2 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz. ea.)

1 C mayo

1 packet ranch style dressing mix

1 head broccoli

1 head cauliflower

1 bunch green onions

1 large firm tomato

(this would be great way to use fresh garden produce)

Spread dough on a full size baking sheet and bake according to instructions on rolls.  Cool.  Beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Add mayo and dressing mix.  Spread over cooled dough.  Chop veggies in small pieces and spread evenly over cream cheese  Cover and refrigerate about an hour before serving. 

You could use about ANY type of fresh veggie you want for this.

BEAN SALAD

(No Mayo)

2 - 3 (15 oz.) cans dark kidney beans (drained)

1/2 C - 1 C chopped onion

3/4 - 1 C sweet pickles (diced) or sweet relish (what I use)

3 - 4 hard boiled eggs - diced

2 Tbsp. cider vinegar

2 - 3 Tbsp. sugar

Combine all ingredients.  Keep refrigerated.

This keeps well in the frig for a long time.

EASY NO BAKE CHEESECAKE

1 - 8 oz. pack of cream cheese

1 small container Cool Whip

about 1/3 C sugar

Let cheese and Cool Whip softened and then blend all items together until very smooth.

Place in a premade graham cracker crust or a homemade crust.  If making your own - think about using ginger snaps or chocolate cookies for something different.

Top with whatever topping you desire.

I love this stuff! - I think I could sit down and eat and eat if I thought I wouldn't be sick!!!  So light and fluffy and super easy.

JAZZY CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

Good old stand by

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese

topped with 8 oz. jar of your favorite jelly or jam 

Serve with crackers

Many use jalapeno jelly with this - but any type will do just fine.  Super easy and yummy

(great appetizer for that unexpected company!!!!!!)

NO BAKE COOKIES (Oatmeal Fancies)

2 C sugar

1/4 C cocoa

1/3 C milk

1/2 C butter/margarine

1 tsp. vanilla

dash of salt

1/3 C crunchy (or not) peanut butter

3 - 31/2 C - oatmeal (uncooked)

Cook sugar, cocoa, milk and butter for 1 minute after it starts to boil.  Remove from heat.  Mix in next 3 ingredients.  While still hot - pour over oatmeal.  Mix well.  Drop by teaspoon on waxed paper or greased cookie sheet.  Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Been making these all my life!!!!  Probably the first thing I ever 'cooked' by myself!!!!!

Just wanting to give a lot of reminders that we don't have to stay in the kitchen all summer if we don't want to.  Fun food is always a neat thing to have around in the summer.  Quick and cool bites are refreshing and filling.

Take care and ENJOY!

Fun Tips and Goodies

 Happy June all!

Today I am just listing a few fun and tasty ideas for having fun with food!

Tortillas are very versatile.  Most people think of burritos.  Oh my, they are tasty for so much more.

There isn't a thing that you can not put in them.

Burritos - Mexican or Breakfast

Meat/cheese/veggie roll-ups or wraps

Fruit - cream cheese - melted chocolate

They can be a meal or they can be appetizers.  No limit at all.  It is a fun and cool summer food.  I make meat and cheese and/or veggie rolls a lot in the summer.  Just downright tasty, frugal and easy.  I love chocking them full of summer veggies for a light and frugal meal.  This is a favorite summer food for me.

Can be left whole or can be sliced for easy bites.  You can make several different types using different ingredients and then slice for a great variety in bites and appetizers.

If you have never had fresh tortilla's - you are missing out!  They are magnificent.  So much better and lighter than the ones you buy.  Give it a shot -they are very easy to make.

Grilling fruit and veggies is a great idea.  You can grill about anything.  I love peaches and pineapple grilled.  It just intensifies the sweet flavor.  They are good alone or served with ice cream!!!!!  Oh my.

I am keen of grilled zucchini, squash, corn, potato slices, asparagus - even green beans. 

You can grill anything.  NO grill?  That is OK.  You can use an indoor grill if you have one (like George Foreman) or you can use a griddle or cast iron skillet.

Flavors become so intense when grilled and veggies and fruits just taste different.

Don't forget PACKET meals!  Those foil packets that contain veggies and a meat source.  They can thrown on the grill, or over a fire or even in the oven.  Flavors meld together and these are so easy and tasty and CLEAN-UP is a cinch!  You can put anything you can imagine in one of these packets.  Seafood, ground meat, sausage, potatoes, carrots, onions, squash, fresh green beans...........

Gardens will soon be producing so many yummy goodies.  Think outside the box a bit when using it all.

Fried green tomatoes

Breaded and fried green beans, asparagus, zucchini, okra, peppers, onions....

Grilled onions, squash, beans, etc.

Fried corn - grilled corn

Tomatoes, cukes (or zucchini) and onion  salad with dressing

Pickles and relishes

Salsa and sauces

Roasted veggies of all sorts.

Casseroles loaded with veggies

Salads loaded with different veggies

          Too much lettuce?  Oh yum - wilted lettuce.  My mouth drools just thinks about this!

DID you know?

• Adding tomato to roasts will naturally tenderize the meat.  Tomatoes contain an acid that works well to break down meats.
• One pound of b/s chicken equals approximately 3 cups of cubed chicken
• When grilling fish - rule of thumb is 5 minutes on each side per inch of thickness.  Rub with oil before grilling to seal in moisture
• When cooking greens - add a teaspoon of sugar to the water to help veggies retain their color
• Remember to use that garden mint or lemon balm in your teas - makes for a refreshing ice tea.  Can use alone in water and sweeten as you wish for a natural 'tea'.  Pick and dry for future use.  Place a few fresh leaves of mint at the bottom of your cup of hot tea or hot chocolate
• When serving cold soups or salads in summer - chill dishes as well
• When making fresh juice - one lemon yields about 1/4 C juice and one orange yields about 1/3 C juice.  Roll the fruit on the counter under your palm to release the maximum juice
• Place orange peels or other peels (clean) and whole cloves and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth and steep in hot cider or tea for about 10 minutes
• Save and freeze over ripe fruit for making sweet breads/muffins or for smoothies
• You know all that juice that is in the bottom of the bowl of cut-up watermelon?  Save it - freeze in ice cube trays - great added to summer drinks.

Well there is a few 'make the most of it' tips!  No waste - use in a new way.

Hope these give someone an idea or two for fun foodie ideas for the coming months. 

Keep it EASY - Keep it TASTY - Keep it FRUGAL

ENJOY