Goodies from Scratch

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 cups Corn Chex® cereal
1 1/2 cups Rice Chex® cereal
1 1/2 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1/2 cup mixed nuts
1/2 cup bite-size pretzels
1/2 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces

• In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.
• Microwave uncovered on High 4 to 5 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 5 minutes. Store in airtight container.
  
• Oven Directions: Heat oven to 250°F. In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In ungreased 13x9-inch pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.
  
  

Ingredients
2 cups corn cereal squares

2 cups whole wheat cereal squares or whole wheat cereal squares with mini graham crackers

1-1/2 cups fat-free oyster crackers

1/2 cup broken sesame snack sticks

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup bite-size fruit-flavored candy pieces


Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 13X9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Place cereals, oyster crackers and sesame sticks in prepared pan; mix lightly.
• Combine butter, cinnamon and nutmeg in small bowl; mix well. Drizzle evenly over cereal mixture; toss to coat.
• Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown, stirring gently after 6 minutes. Cool completely. Stir in candies.

• 6 sheets phyllo dough (14 inches x9 inches)
• 1 package( 10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
• 2-1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) fat-free cottage cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1-1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 egg whites
• 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
  
  Directions:

Layer three phyllo sheets in a 13-in x 9-in x2- in baking dish coated with cooking spray; lightly spraying the top of each sheet with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cheese, 2 eggs, parsley flakes and salt; spread over phyllo dough. Top with remaining phyllo sheets. Lightly spraying the top of each sheet with cooking spray. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 squares. Cover and chill for an hour. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, milk and remaining eggs until blended, pour over casserole. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until a knife is inserted near the center comes out clean and top is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Yield: 12 servings.

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips, stir until smooth. Stir in granola and walnuts.
2. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until firm.

Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads. (This is my favorite)

Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm.

Marks on walls and painted surfaces: Many ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.

Metal Cleaners and Polishes:

• aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water. brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution. chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out.


• copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub.gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour.


• silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil.


• For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth.

Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.Mothballs: The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbant cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent - simply toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.

Oil and Grease Spots: For small spills on the garage floor, add baking soda and scrub with wet brush.

Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.

Paint Brush Cleaner: Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents are now available commercially under several brand names. Citra-Solve is one brand. This works well for cleaning brushes of oil-based paints. Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a used bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job.Fresh paint odors can be reduced by placing a small dish of white vinegar in the room.

Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.
Scouring Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.

Shoe Polish: Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can be applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes; wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.Stickers on walls:

Removing stickers off the wall: sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)

Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.

Water Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

• vinyl and linoleum: wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well.
• painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water.
• brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water.Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water.
• For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix.
  

• For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain.
• For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

• Plastic food storage containers - soak overnight in warm water and baking soda
• In-sink garbage disposal units - grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit
• Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming
• Garage, basements - set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for 12 - 24 hoursDishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.

• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
• Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.

1. In a pan, add gelatin to boiling water. Stir until gelatin is
completely dissolved.

2. Add vinegar and glycerin. Stir until well mixed.
Makes about 1/3 cup. For larger projects, double the recipe.

How to use it: While the glue is still warm, apply a thin layer with
a brush. This waterproof glue is excellent for binding leather to
leather.

It also makes a good flexible glue for use on paper, or for gluing
cloth to cardboard for making notebook binders or scrapbooks. Store in a tightly capped plastic or glass jar, this glue will keep for several months. It will gel in the bottle after a few days. Warm bottle in hot water to reuse glue.

Mix all ingredients in bowl. If too dry work in extra water withhands. Color by dividing and adding food coloring to each portion.Roll or mold as desired. Once molded or rolled bake on ungreasedcookie sheet for 30 minutes in 250 degree oven. Turn and bakeanother 1 1/2 hours. Remove and cool. When done, sand lightly ifdesired and paint.

• 1 package (12 ounces) whole wheat penne pasta
• 4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• 1 can (29 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced riped olives (drained)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablesppons chopped green pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skin mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. Cook pasta accoding to package directions. drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, tomato sauce, tomatoes, spinach, olives, onion, green pepper, basil and oregano.
2. Transfer to a 13-in x 9-in x2-in baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray the bottom of a baking pan. Dip the chicken breast in the egg and roll in the bread crumbs. Put the breast in the pan and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each chicken breast with one slice of mozarella cheese. Cover with the spaghetti sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for another 15 to 20minutes or until heated through.

-= Ingredients =-

12 oz Buitoni Penne
4 oz Broccoli; broken into small
4 oz Fine green beans; trimmed &
4 oz Asparagus tips; trimmed
2 oz Butter
(3 fl oz white wine
2 tb Caster sugar
Finely grated rind and juice
2 ts Cornflour
Salt and freshly ground
10 oz Fresh salmon; skinned, boned
~~ TO SERVE ~~
Fresh chervil leaves

-= Instructions =-

Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding vegetables halfway through cooking. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in wine, sugar, lemon rind and juice. Cook over a low heat stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Mix cornflour with 75ml (3fl oz) cold water and stir into the lemon mixture. Bring to the boil stirring continuously until thickened slightly. Season to taste. Stir in salmon, cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Drain pasta and vegetables then toss with lemon butter mixture and salmon. Heat through, sprinkle with chervil and serve hot or cold.

-= Ingredients =-

8 oz Fresh salmon
1 tb Butter
6 Asparagus spears; (boil 3 minutes )
1 tb Fine diced onion
1 Lemon juice only
1 tb N parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tb Butter
2 oz White wine; (cooking wine)

-= Instructions =-

• In 10" saute pan, melt butter. When hot add salmon and sear on both sides. Remove to 350 degree oven.
• Into saute pan add diced onion, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt and pepper and white wine.
• Reduce liquid a little, then swirl pan and add 2 tablespoons butter (to form a light sauce).
• Place salmon on plate and arrange asparagus around salmon, put sauce over the top of salmon.

For the sake of our health, We've been trying to change our diet. We've reduced our salt intake, eat more vegetables, and are more conscientious of what goes in our bodies. We have not completely eliminate deserts and starch.

I have found recipes that have less fat and sugar, but still tastes good. For the next several weeks, I will be posting low-fat meals and deserts. Enjoy.

• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1 can (14 ounces) fat-free sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (16 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar and butter; mix until crumbly. Press 2-1/2 cups of crumb mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the milk, egg whites, vanilla and remaining flour. Spoon over prepared crust. In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and cornstarch. Spoon over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Ingredients:

• 6- 1/2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 2- 1/4 cups spaghetti sauce
• 6 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 3 cups (12 ounces) shreddled mozzarella cheese
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed & drained) *

Directions:

• Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Add butter and toss to coat. In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no long pink; drain.
• * Make the meal healthier. Mix spinach to the cooked hamburger, before layering .
• Spread a fourth of the spaghetti sauce in an ungreased 5 qt. slow cooker. Layer with a third of the noodles, a third of the beef, a third of remaining sauce and a third of the cheese. Repeat layer twice.
• Cover and cook on lover for 4 hours or until cheese is melted and lasagna is heated through.

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained.
• 2 cups (16 ounces) small-curd cottage cheese
• 1-1/2 cups cubed sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Pour into a greased baking pan. cover and cook for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Note: I used frozen chopped collard greens, in lieu of spinach. My daughter, who doesn't like collard greens, loved it.

This recipe was originally written for a slow cooker. After combining the ingredients, pour into a greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to lowl cook 4-5 hours longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices bacon, cut in squares
• 2 lbs lean sirloin tip or round steak, cubed
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 low-sodium beef bouillon cube, crushed
• 1 cup burgundy cooking wine
• 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 Tsp. cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp. cold water

1. Cook bacon in nonstick skillet until browned. Remove bacon. Reserving drippings.
2. Coat beef with flour and brown on all s ides in bacondrippings.
3. Combine steak, bacon drippings, bacon, seasonings, garlic, bouillon, and wine in slow cooker.
4. Cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Add mushrooms.
6. Dissolve cornstarch in water, Add to slow cooker.
7. Cover. Cook on high 15 minutes.
8. Serve over noodles or rice.

Ingredients

1/4 cup Shortening
3/4 cup Sugar
1 Egg
1/2 cup Sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup All purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Baking powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt

Instructions
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, sour cream and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to the creamed mixture. Chill for at least 1 hour. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 425 degrees for 7 ot 8 minutes or until lightlybrowned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Burnt Sugar Frosting:
2 tablespoon butter (no substitute)
1/2 cup confectioners Sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 teaspoons hot water

For frosting, melt butter in a small saucepan until golden brown; stir in the sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve spreading consistency. Frost cooled cookies.

-= Ingredients =-
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Walnuts/pecans ; finely chooped
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups Shredded zucchini
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple ; (drain the juice)
1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
2 teaspoon Baking soda
2 cups Sugar

-= Instructions =-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and chopped nuts. Set it aside. Beat eggs lightly in a large mixing bowl; add sugar, oil and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Stir in zucchini & pineapple. Add dry ingredients, stirring only until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon batter into well greased and floured 8x4x3 in loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done- Cool 10 minutes in pan. Turn out on rack and cool completely.