Cooking From Scratch
A big thumbs up for Nancy. I too think people should buy less processed foods and get back to just real cooking. Every time I go to the grocery store I think only if the produce section had better selections we would all be better off. When I was a kid people...
Easy Method to Clean Stovetop with Gas Burners
I going to try the baking soda on the sinks. I get the large bag at Sams. Thanks for the ideal.
Removing the New Car Smell?
Go to your Auto Parts Store. Here in Texas we have an OReillys that has something call Ozium, it with the Air fresheners. It will that the smell out, but remove anything like air fresheners before you use it because it will completely remove the fragrance. Good...
Preventing Cheese From Leaking Out of Calzones?
You might try wetting the edges with a water to seal before pinching them together, like a fried pie. The water acts as a glue with the flour. Hope this helps.
Dealing with Disgusting Emails?
I know just how you feel. If I said it once, I said it a thousand times, getting this computer was a mistake, now things are so much better, I LOL it. Just dont give up. Everyone has given you good advice. I have three e-mail address. One is my ISP which I...
Milky Residue in Pickle Jars?
I checked with my Kerr Home Canning Book. It said This occurs in dills whichs have gone though a mild fermentation and the white sediment is due to bacteria that caused the fermentation. The sediment is not harmful and will in no way affect the pickles.
Changing Your Email Address on ThriftyFun?
The easy way is to Subscribe with your new e-mail address. Then when you receive the Thrifty-Fun in your new e-mail just unsubscribe it in the old e-mail. I was glad to hear you got a new e-mail, hope it works out well for you.
Help Making Chicken Fried Steak?
For fried chicken make a brine of 1 Tbsp. of Kosher salt to 1 quart of water. Put in a large bowl lg. enough to cover chicken, and put in frig. for 2hr. to overnight. The longer the chicken is in the brine the more tender and juicy the chicken will be. Use...
Unrefrigerated Jelly with Fruit?
Jelly made at home can be unrefrigerated until opened if made right. This site should give you all the information you need. www.geocities.com
Homemade Leather Furniture Cleaner?
Homemade cleaners for leather can sometimes ruin leather. Go to an Auto Store. They have leather cleaners and conditions for leather car seats at reasonable prices. Be sure it for leather and not vinyl. They should work on furniture as well.
Making Instant Potatoes Without Milk?
Sometimes when I make instant potatoes, I use powdered milk. Just use half milk and half water. Also we like sour cream, it can be used with or without milk.
Recipe for Pancake Batter with Maple Syrup Flavor?
I have not tried this ,but I think the maple flavoring would work better than the syrup. Adams Extract has a Imiatation Maple Flavoring. Use like vanilla flavoring except I would use less to start with until I got the amount I liked. If you got to much it could...
What Makes the Beds So Comfortable at Nice Hotels?
Most motels or hotels buy a motel grade mattress. They can buy them much cheaper than the retail mattress in the stores. The finer hotels buy a more expensive mattress, and use better quality of sheets and mattress pads. A really good mattress pad can make...
War Eagle Bean Palace Pecan Cobbler
I have never made a Pecan Cobbler before. This one sounds really good, cant wait to try it. Thank you Christina for the recipe.
Is Walmart Paint Quality Paint?
Seven years ago we build a new home. Since I had done a lot of staining with Behr, and had great success we used Behr paint inside and outside on the house. Maybe its just me but I hate it. About three years we started repainting outside. It has faded and peeled...
Newborn Charolais Calf
I dont think to many things in life give me more pleasure than watching a baby calf being born. Thank you for sharing. Looks like a Clover to me. Let us know if it is a Clover or Patrick. Cute names.
Recipe Substitute For Cocoa?
Some brownie recipes can be made without the chocolate, but sugar has to be adjusted. The cocoa requires more sugar so just add less. There are a lot of fudge recipes that way. Also you might try using peanut butter in recipes.
Reusing Spice Bottles For Organizing
Great ideal. I use old prescription bottles to keep my sewing machine bobbins in. They fit perfect like coin in a roll. Helps keeps the thread from pulling off the bobbin.
Salads For Mexican Food Themed Party?
I know you ask for salads, but this is easy and no cooking. It is great for partys. I got this recipe from a neighbor who made it for all her Christmas and Swimming pool partys. Everyone always loved it. SEVEN LAYER MEXICAN DIP Layer 1-- 2 cans Fritos bean...
Alternatives to Ridx?
I have also heard that buttermilk is is good for the septic system. I use the last of a carton or when it starts to get old it goes into the sink. Food scraps go into the compost pile instead of the garbage disposal. We do not put toilet paper in the toilets...
Flies Around a Pool?
Ever heard the old saying When theres a lot of flies then Its going to rain Well we have been having some rain; some more than others.
Beef Foldovers
This recipes sounds great. I know I will try it for a quick meal. Some of my best recipes came for Homemaking classes. Thank you Pat for the recipe.
Floating Eggs Are Too Old To Use
For as many years as I can remember the story that if a egg floats in water it is old. I do not and most people do not check eggs in water to see if they float or not; just if you are going to boil them. I have boiled eggs for years that stand on their ends...
Reusing Ziploc Freezer Bags?
I reuse my Ziploc Freezer Bags to put food scraps like meat or anything that might smell. Then I put it in the freezer until trash day. Then it goes in the trash. Saves the trash from smelling.
Getting Rid Of Caterpillars?
Seven Dust will kill them. We use it in the garden. When it rains or gets wet it must be reapplyed.
Chinese Fried Chicken
Connie Thank you for the recipe. I started making my own tempura batter when I was nearly out one day by using the ingredients on the back of the box. It turned out great. After that I made my own: lot less expensive. Your has about the same ingredients, but...
Easy Tip for Flipping Over French Fries
Neat tip. The one reason I do not like to make french fries in the oven. Less time to wash an extra pan than flipping over all those fries. Bet it would work on caramel popcorn too.
Colorful Perennials In Northern Texas?
Im also from DFW. There are a lot of people around here plant pansies. They have lots of color and do very well here, even in the snow. Also ornamental kale is used a lot. Its loves cool to cold weather, and does good fall through the winter.
Minced Garlic vs. Fresh?
I have been using garlic in the jar for years and it keeps a long time. I like the fresh a little better, but it dries up sometimes before I can use it all. The jar garlic must be refrigerated after opening. Its on the side of the jar.
Birthday Pizza Party
OH Boy what a great way to have a B-day party. Wonder how many children will want a Pizza party like this one. You may have just started a new trend. Thanks for sharing.
Milk Carton Candles
We made these candles in Homemaking. Using crayons to color the wax, and using a oldtime hand beater to whip-up the wax. Putting it on the outside of the candles made a very pretty candle.
Is Dawn Safe for Septic?
Never heard of anyone having problems with Dawn in the septic tanks. I had mine about 10yrs. and my sister has had hers about 18 yrs. we both use Dawn and have not had any problems. Knock on wood.
Soup Made With Baked Potatoes?
I have not tried this yet, but it really sounds good. BAKED POTATO SOUP 4 large baking potatoes 2/3 cup butter or margarine 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 6 cups milk 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 4 green onions, chopped and divided 12 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled...
How To Keep Bread Fresh Without a Tie
This is a great tip. My Aunt showed us how to do this years ago. Have not had to use it in years, but comes in handy when you lose the tie. Thanks for reminding us.
CD-R Recommendations For Burning Music?
We use TDK CD-R for the truck and house CD player never had a problem. Maxell is also know to be really good. We had some Memorex. Lots of trouble skipping and stopping. We also use Verbatim from Sams and I really like them. No skipping or problems. No more...
Framed Cosmetic Mirrors as Bathroom Art
I use to do Craft Shows. The crafters that came up with a great ideal like this would sell them like hot cakes. Nearly everyone would want one. It would make good Christmas presents. I think you have a winner.
Recipe Calls For Can Of Cheddar Soup?
Recipezaar has a recipe for Homemade Cream Style Soup Mix Substitute # 184827 which is great for can soup substitute. It makes 3 cups of dry mix and can be used for chicken, mushroom, and celery. Just add cheese for cheese soup, maybe a 1/2 cup. For 1/2 a can...
Making a Dessert To Be Sold at a Charity Function?
How about popcorn balls? Corn syrup or caramel are both good. Allrecipes and other cooking sites have recipes. Wrap them in clear wrap then tie with raffia, twine, or some ribbon. Fall colors would be pretty now. Good luck!
Mozzarella Cheese Stick Recipe?
This one is in my Allrecipes cookbook. Sounds good just have not had time to made it yet. It has good reviews. FRIED MOZZARELLA CHEESE STICKS Rated: 4 out of 5 by 266 members Mozzarella sticks are coated in a simple batter and quickly deep fried to golden perfection...
Recommendations for "Freebie" Websites?
I found this one here on thriftyfun. She have lots of good freebies, codes, and discounts. Her blog is interesting to read too. Savingspotpourri.blogspot.com
Reviews of KitchenAid Mixers?
Unless you are planning to open a bakery or use you mixer for hours every day you do not need a professional Kitchen mix. A 300 watt 10 speed will probably out live you. I have had mine around 25 years and its just as good as it was when I got it. Believe me...
Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake?
This may be the one you looking for, but it is called Texas Sheath Cake. I had this one about 45 years. Mix in large bowl 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour Mix in saucepan. 1 stick butter 1/2 cup shortening 4 tablespoons cocoa 1 cup water Bring to a rapid boil and...
Use Baking Soda to Maintain Septic PH
If your washing machine feeds in the septic tank add baking soda to the rinse. Double duty. Helps make clothes soft and works in the septic tank too.
Keeping Cold Air Out When Door Jam is Not Plumb?
Go to your hardware store or Home Depot and get weatherstriping. Most salesmen call tell you which one to get and how to put on.
What is This Plant?
The small plant is a Jade. The tall one I dont know. I had Jade for years, and they can get leggy. If you cut the top two pieces off. The plant will do better. Take the pieces you cut off and put in a small container with water; they will root. Then pot them...
Keeping Someone from Buying an Item You Bought Them for Christmas?
In our family when someone is wanting to buy something we have bought them for Christmas, we would say Better wait, you might be getting it for Christmas. But then I guess they would probably figure it out. Then we would say Maybe just have to wait and see...
Non-Toxic Cleaners That Remove Soap Scum?
We have marble in the shower and a lot of the cleaners can not be used on marble. Be sure to read the labels. I use dawn and scrub brush, but it time consuming. I would like to find a faster way without ruining the marble. Good luck on your cleaning job.
Why is Label Glue so Sticky?
Try Auto Stores. Ours carry more that just one kind. I have a spray can of Motsenblocks Lift Off which I have used for years. The salespeople in the store can tell you if they have it are not. Just ask for Gum and Adhesive Remover. Good Luck.
Making Muffin Tops Crunchy?
Here is a topping I use on my Streusal Apple Pie. Sounds like what you are looking for. Will work on muffins too. It will give you that crunch topping like the muffins in supermarkets. Crumbs 1/2 cup softened Margarine 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups flour Whisk the...
Melted Plastic on a Frying Pan?
Go to an Auto Store and buy Label remover. Lift Off is one name or Goo Gone is another. The saleperson will know. If you have a OReillys Auto they have it. It will take off stubborn labels and will probably remove the plastic. It will not hurt your frying pan...
Use Turkey for Freezer Meals
I have been doing this for years, but I do mine in a stockpot. Just cover the bones with water, small pieces of meat, skin, and onions; carrots; and celery. Simmer all day. The crockpot sounds like a great way to make stock. The broth can be cooked to a much...
Homemade Nestle Quik?
Dont know if this will help, but the next time your in the supermarket look on the Nestle Quik can at the ingredients. This should give you an ideal what is in it. I have never seen it as a recipe or a copycat recipe.
Removing Something Stuck in the Dishwasher?
There are a lot of good repair men out there, and some bad ones. You just happen to get one of the bad ones. My husband works on our appliance. He said you turn off the water and unhook the hose. Pull the dishwasher out. Take out the dish racks. Remove the...
The 4 Ingredient Cookbook?
I dont know if you have a Half Price book store or not, but they have them.
Tin Man Mania
Your Tin Man is so cute. Some years ago I did Craft Show and something like this sells great. People are looking for something different. Thank you so much for the picture. Great ideal.
Tomato Blossom End Rot?
Martha Stewart had a man on her show that wrote a book on giving helpful tips. He said to add the shells from 4 eggs when planting each tomato plant.
Ideas for Bland Stir-Fry?
Like you I could not understand why my stir-fry did not taste right until I discovered sesame seed oil. It makes all the difference. Just remember a small amount goes a long ways. Also soy sauce will give it lots of flavor, but unless you are using low sodium...
Easter Gingerbread House
What a beautiful gingerbread house. A great ideal. You really should think about going into cake decorating. Bet you could sell alot if you wanted to.
Pests Eating Squash Plant Roots?
Sevin dust will kill them. Any garden supply will carry it. Even Walmart has it. The dust is best and easier to apply than the liquid. Be sure to get it on the backs of the leaves and on the ground. Sounds like squash borer to me too. They are really bad on...
Getting Local Stations Without Cable?
If you are not getting the local channels after having cable you might check to see if your T.V. is set to cable or local T.V. Dont know about the newer T.V. but the older ones have a switch in the back or with the control panel to switch from cable to local...
Substituting Parchment Paper for Wax Paper?
Yes you can. If you are using it for a lining for cakes or cookies it will work better than wax paper, because there will be no wax on the food. When using on cakes lightly grease the pan. Then add the parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment paper...
Cleaning a Chicken Pen?
I dont know if it safe or not, but I would remove all the dog poop. Clean it as much as possible. When I was growing up most farm the chickens were free range. They went where the dogs, cows, and all other animal went, and were fine. We have chickens and we...
Wood Stove Recipes?
This is not really a recipe, but my mother-in law had a cast iron wood stove. My brother-in law would put a pan of water on the stove (he said it took the moisture out of the air). Someone started putting vanilla extract in the pan. Made the whole house smell...
Name Ideas for a Pet Food Pantry?
The first thing that popped into my head was Taking a Chance. Let us know what you decide.
Amish White Bread
This is my favorite loaf bread recipe. I have been making it for years. When I gave it to my sister, she said they ate half a loaf before she got to the table for supper. The orignal recipe calls for 2/3 cup of sugar. Thinking it was to sweet I cut back on...
Using Hay as Garden Mulch?
Any hay and that includes grasses you can not see seeds will germinate. Around Midlothion the hay could be coastal and you will not see seeds, but you will get a lots of grass. The seeds you see are probably wild grass or weeds. Best to use straw which have...
Egg Thingys
Since we have lots of chickens I am always looking for new ways to cook eggs. This recipe is different, and sound good. We love french toast and cheese. Never thought to cook them like this. Thanks for the recipe.
Fruit Floats to the Top When Canning?
I have a really old Kerr Canning book. I dont know if this will help or not, but the instructions to can plums are: Plums (Cold Pack) Select plums not too ripe: wash and prick skin with needle to prevent bursting. Pack into clean KERR Jars and fill to fill...
Flea Killing Apples?
The tree you referring to is The Osage Orange tree also known as Bow-wood tree; Bodark; Hedge Apple; and Maclure Pomefera. Native tree of Texas and Oklahoma. The fruit is a little larger that a soft ball, and very heavy. When we were kids we called them horse...
Substituting Arrowroot for Cornstarch?
In my substitution chart it states that 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or 2 teaspoons arrowroot can be substituted for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. The chart can be found by typing Fooddownunder.com in you browser. Once in the site type substitutions in the...
Making Pizza Dough?
My favorite is SKATS EASY PIZZA DOUGH from Recipezaar #16331. Its so easy and tastes more like the pizza places than a lot of the doughs. It makes two large pizzas and it works fine if you want to half it, which I do if making a breakfast pizza.
Homemade Jelly as Christmas Gifts
Years ago when I was in Homemaking class we made candles at Christmas. We used a hand turned beater to whip the wax to give it frothy look. An old hand mixer or a cheap one would probably work. If you put a layer of smooth wax on the jelly first, making sure...
Store Brand Cleaners?
There is a big differance between name brands and store brand that is the price. Most store brands are made by the same companys that make the name brands. (ConAgra makes Jiff Peanut Butter also makes Wal-Mart Peanut Butter) I learned this from one of the Wal...
Corn Dog Recipe?
This is the recipe my family has been using since the late 1950s. Corny Dogs 1 cup flour 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 3/4 cup cornmeal 1 egg, well beaten 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk Insert skewers into 8 frankerfurters...
Peeling Ripe Peaches?
This year when I put peaches in the freezer I tried using a potato peeler. It worked for me. The peel came off very thin so less waste, and much faster and easier than a knife. Than I tried it on apples for a pie. The only way to go. Probably will work on a...
Finding the Value of Old Vinyl Records?
In the 2009 Fort Worth A T & T yellow pages under Records, Tapes, CDs Used & Vintage there are two places that might help you. Also Half Price book buys old records, but they dont pay much. In your browser look for old records for sale some of the sites may...
Removing a Ring That Is Stuck On Your Finger?
When I was a kid my Mother washed a washateria. One time we were there a lady got her hand caught in a wringer. Her fingers were swelling fast, and she could not get her ring off. One of the ladies ran grabbed a bottle of bleach and poured in on her hand. The...
Use Sink to Mix Caramel Corn
Im sorry, I hate to be negative about someones idea, but this is a really bad idea. Unless you use heavy duty commercial cleaner, that sink is not going to be clean enough to mix caramel corn in it. No wonder so many people get food poisoning. Its not worth...
No-Knead Bread Recipe?
This recipes is on this site. I have used it and the roll are great. Its easy and I use my Kitchen-Aid mixer. With it there is no kneading. Once I made them with the hand mixer and only kneaded about one minute. Good, but better with the Kitchen-Aid. Cindy...
Grainy Frosting?
If you beat the Crisco and sugar together until you do not feel the sugar grains when rubbing little frosting between your fingers will help take away the grainy consistency.
Advice for Choosing Appliance Colors?
My kitchen has black oven and microwave. The refrigerator, stove and sink are cream, but my cabinets are oak color. The contrast keeps the kitchen from being boring. Everyone is different so what you like is right. If I were you I would buy some poster paper...
Use Frozen Water Bottles to Quickly Cool Food
What a great ideal. No more running out of ice when blanching food for the freezer. Thanks for the tip.
Fried Green Tomatoes?
I fry my green tomatoes like Granny Vi except I salt mine and fry in vegetable oil.
Shelf Life of Fruit Fresh Produce Protector?
When canning or freezing remember the the old rule. When in doubt Throw it out. Also little lemon juice on the fruit will keep it from turning brown and keep the fruit fresh. The same as Fruit Fresh which is Ascorbic Acid. Lemon juice is also Ascorbic Acid...
Spicy BLT Wraps
A on the go BLT. Sound good to me. I am always looking for something different for breakfast. Thank you Deeli for the recipe. Now to get some flour tortillas and avocado. Yum!
Can I Replace Shortening With Cooking Oil?
My Aunt used to make the best mincemeat cookies I have ever eaten. Mine were never as good until my sister told me she used oil instead of the shortening called for in the recipe. The appearance was the same, but the taste o so good! Now I use oil when making...
Keeping Coffee Mate from Getting Hard?
We live just south of Fort Worth and it gets humid here. I buy the large bottle of Coffee-Mate at Sams and keep it in one of those large canning jars with the rubber seal. I have never had it get hard. I have some now that been here for months and just as fresh...
Cracks in Chocolate Covering on Caramel Apples?
In most recipe using dipping chocolate they use shortening in the chocolate. Might try a tablespoon of shortening in the chocolate. Also like Ann said keep the apple at room temperature.
Pre-1990s Original Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe?
This is the original recipe that was on the Nestle Toll House package. The same one we used in the 1950s. This was before they had the 12 oz. pkg. The eggs were smaller then, more like medium today. Probably why they took the water out. I just double it now...
How Do I Spice Up a Mushroom Meatball Recipe?
Sometime I use thyme or poultry seasoning. They both go well with meatballs and mushroom soup and add a lot of flavor.
Storing or Canning Homemade Hot Sauce?
This site may help answer your question. http://extension.oregonstate.edu/fch/sites/default/files/documents/sp_50-661_revised_00_salsa-recipe_for_canning2009.pdf Also put Canning salsa made with lime juice in your brower. Some more sites that may help.
Help Making Perfect Southern Fried Chicken?
Another ditto for fab4mom. The only thing I do different is that I cover my chicken the first half of cooking, then uncover to get it nice and crispy. Also I dont have good luck cooking in a fryer. Other then that any skillet should do. If cooking in a cast...
Sun Tea Jar for Separating Stock
What a neat idea. Much better than the mess of straining and spilling broth on the counter top.
What is the Best Apple for Making Apple Pie?
I think Pippin Apples are the best. If you can find them. If I find a pie made with Pippin Apples I will buy it. They are the best.
Oil and Wine Dressing for Hot or Cold Potato Salad?
My mother and grandmother made a German potato salad ( my step-grandfather was German). It had oil, vinegar, and other things, but there was no recipe. Just handed down. You may look up German potato salad on the interent to see if you can find one like your...
Why Didn't My Hard Boiled Eggs Peel Easily?
I found this method on the site Chickens in the Road, before I had trouble removing the shells from boiled eggs. We have chickens so I have used this method the same day the eggs were layed with no problems removing the shells. Bring the water to boil. Add...
Which Is More Healthy Brined Chicken or Buttermilk Soaked?
Try cutting the salt in half. I soak my chicken in salt brine, and cut the salt back because of the high salt content. It is still tender and moist without all the salt. I didnt know buttermilk was high in sodium until my mother got high blood presure and told...
How Do You Hard Boil An Egg?
I sent this in before. We have about 40 chickens so I cook a lot of eggs and sell the rest. I was having a lot of problems getting the shell off without ruining the whites until I starting using this method. Most of the eggs I use are fresh from the nest. Only...
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth For Ants
We use DE for our chickens (mites and other things) and we get our at the feed stores. Call around some of the feed stores are much cheaper than others.
Lids on Canned Tomatoes Turned Black?
I use to do a lot of canning. Sometime I would get some jars with black on the lids. If I remember right it was mostly tomatoes or peppers. Things with high acid. Can not remember if they had been canned for a while or not, but I always toss them out. You can...
Duplicating Lost Pot Roast Recipe?
Found this recipe in an old Home Economics Cookbook. I dont if its the one your looking for, but hopes it helps. Family Pot Roast 1 3 TO 4-lb. chuck roast 2 tbsp. fat 3/4 c.water 1/2 c. hot water 1/2 c. catsup 1/2 c. V-8 juice 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 1/2 tsp. onion...
Freezing Green Beans?
Never heard of canning something thats been frozen. If you are going to can anything it should be as fresh as possible. I cant see going to all that work and having something you probably will not be able to eat. You might try canning another vegetable with...
How Do I Can Green Beans?
I know! Now days we are told that its not safe to can most food in a water bath, but when I was growing up thats all most people used. I have a old Kerr Canning book that said to water bath green beans (Pints or Quarts) for 180 minutes. Wash, cut, and boil...
Using Alum for Canning Pickles?
Try this site. It may help answer your question. http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/foods/Pickles%20and%20relishes.htm
Canning Fruit Without a Canning Rack?
I have never seen a canning book or recipe that said to put the jars with lids down in the water bath. You must be very careful with the lids to get the jar to seal properly. Also it will make it hard to remove the jars from the canner. I have heard of a lot...
Freezing Corn?
Husk and silk the ears. Corn must be scalded, on the cob, otherwise there is too much loss of corn milk. Sort ears according to size. Scald only a few at a time. Blanch in boiling water for 4 1/2 minutes. Ice bath until cool enough to handle easy to stop the...
Shucking Corn on the Cob?
I use a plastic vegetable brush with a handle. Remove loose silks by hand. Lightly scrub corn with brush. Its so easy and remove all the silks in seconds.
Canned Peaches?
If lids all sealed they should be fine. The jar that the fruit was not floating was probably packed tighter, and less juice. The juice will make the fruit float. My Kerr book said to pack then add syrup, or boil peaches in syrup for 3 minutes then pack and...
Cooking Dried Beans?
My mother always told us never add salt until the beans get soft. Otherwise it takes for ever the beans to get done, and most of the time they stay hard. Also the older the beans the longer it take for them to get done. As TXBetty said use hot water when adding...
