Saturday, October 31, 2009
Just A Reminder...
Tonight's the night to set your clock back by one hour and install new batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Reformation Day Recipes
Last year we held our first 'annual' Night of Reformation celebration; this year we've been so busy that we've not had time to plan anything...let alone DO anything. We did have such a good time last year, though, and I wanted to repost the following...
We held our first annual Night of Reformation celebration this year on the evening of October 31st, and we had such a good time! Friends and family members joined us as the mothers and children of three homeschooling families got together to give presentations and reports on a the Protestant Reformers. Afterwards food representative of the countries the Reformers came from was served. Here are the recipes that Tony and I made...
HOT CROSS BUNS
(William Tyndale/England)
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp yeast
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
4 eggs
5 cup flour
1 1/3 cup currants or raisins
1 egg white
Glaze (you can use this one or your favorite)
1 1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped lemon zest
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
1-2 Tbsp milk
DIRECTIONS:
In a small saucepan, heat milk to very warm, but not hot (110°F if using a candy thermometer). Pour warm milk in a bowl and sprinkle yeast over. Mix to dissolve and let sit for 5 minutes.
Stirring constantly, add sugar, salt, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs. Gradually mix in flour, dough will be wet and sticky. Continue kneading until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough "rest" for 30-45 minutes.
Knead again until smooth and elastic, for about 3 more minutes. Add currants or raisins and knead until well mixed. At this point, dough will still be fairly wet and sticky. Shape dough in a ball, place in a buttered dish, cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator. Excess moisture will be absorbed by the morning.
Let dough sit at room temperature for about a half-hour. Line a large baking pan (or pans) with parchment paper (you could also lightly grease a baking pan, but parchment works better). Divide dough into 24 equal pieces (in half, half again, etc., etc.). Shape each portion into a ball and place on baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
In the meantime, pre-heat oven to 400° F.
When buns have risen, take a sharp or serrated knife and carefully slash buns with a cross. Brush them with egg white and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° F, then bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together glaze ingredients, and spoon over buns in a cross pattern. Serve warm, if possible.
Yield: Makes 24
(NOTE: This is the recipe that we used, but I think they made a mistake in the amount of milk.It was way too dry and I had to keep adding milk. If you make these I would try using two cups of milk instead of one. That's what I plan on doing next time...and there will be a next time!)
HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD
(Philip Melanchthon/Germany)
9 potatoes, peeled
6 slices bacon
3/4 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 30 minutes. Drain, cool and slice thin.
2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside, reserving drippings.
3. Saute onions in bacon drippings until they are golden-brown.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Add to the sauteed onions and cook and stir until bubbly, then remove from heat. Stir in water and vinegar, then return to the stove and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for one minute. Carefully stir bacon and sliced potatoes into the vinegar/water mixture, stirring gently until potatoes are heated through.
(NOTE: I broiled the bacon and discarded the drippings. I sauteed the onions in butter flavored pan spray and a little bit of olive oil.)
We held our first annual Night of Reformation celebration this year on the evening of October 31st, and we had such a good time! Friends and family members joined us as the mothers and children of three homeschooling families got together to give presentations and reports on a the Protestant Reformers. Afterwards food representative of the countries the Reformers came from was served. Here are the recipes that Tony and I made...
HOT CROSS BUNS
(William Tyndale/England)
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp yeast
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
4 eggs
5 cup flour
1 1/3 cup currants or raisins
1 egg white
Glaze (you can use this one or your favorite)
1 1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped lemon zest
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
1-2 Tbsp milk
DIRECTIONS:
In a small saucepan, heat milk to very warm, but not hot (110°F if using a candy thermometer). Pour warm milk in a bowl and sprinkle yeast over. Mix to dissolve and let sit for 5 minutes.
Stirring constantly, add sugar, salt, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs. Gradually mix in flour, dough will be wet and sticky. Continue kneading until smooth, about 5 minutes. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough "rest" for 30-45 minutes.
Knead again until smooth and elastic, for about 3 more minutes. Add currants or raisins and knead until well mixed. At this point, dough will still be fairly wet and sticky. Shape dough in a ball, place in a buttered dish, cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator. Excess moisture will be absorbed by the morning.
Let dough sit at room temperature for about a half-hour. Line a large baking pan (or pans) with parchment paper (you could also lightly grease a baking pan, but parchment works better). Divide dough into 24 equal pieces (in half, half again, etc., etc.). Shape each portion into a ball and place on baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
In the meantime, pre-heat oven to 400° F.
When buns have risen, take a sharp or serrated knife and carefully slash buns with a cross. Brush them with egg white and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° F, then bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together glaze ingredients, and spoon over buns in a cross pattern. Serve warm, if possible.
Yield: Makes 24
(NOTE: This is the recipe that we used, but I think they made a mistake in the amount of milk.It was way too dry and I had to keep adding milk. If you make these I would try using two cups of milk instead of one. That's what I plan on doing next time...and there will be a next time!)
HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD
(Philip Melanchthon/Germany)
9 potatoes, peeled
6 slices bacon
3/4 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 30 minutes. Drain, cool and slice thin.
2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside, reserving drippings.
3. Saute onions in bacon drippings until they are golden-brown.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Add to the sauteed onions and cook and stir until bubbly, then remove from heat. Stir in water and vinegar, then return to the stove and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for one minute. Carefully stir bacon and sliced potatoes into the vinegar/water mixture, stirring gently until potatoes are heated through.
(NOTE: I broiled the bacon and discarded the drippings. I sauteed the onions in butter flavored pan spray and a little bit of olive oil.)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
REPRINT - OCTOBER 17, 2004
Good Evening, Dear Friends!
It's been a while since I've been able to be with you. Our next-to-the-oldest
son, Zach, got married in September, and our next-to-the-youngest son, Buddy,
got married yesterday. We now have two new daughter-in-laws, and both of them
already fit into our family quite nicely! Needless to say, though, with two
weddings...on top of an already busy family, home, homeschooling, and church
life...the normal little, extra day-to-day things...like HEARTH AND HOME..have
taken a back seat. Hopefully, now, we can relax a bit and get back on some sort
of schedule.
Can you believe that it's October already? And now the holidays are just around
the corner! Where has this year gone?!
You know, it truly has been a busy year for us, but the Lord has been so good to
us! In some ways...especially financially...it's been the roughest year we've
had in quite some time, but despite everything...what a mighty move of the Lord
we have seen this past year! In oh! So many areas! We are so thankful! So
humbled by God's goodness to us! There is no doubt that the Lord truly is our
refuge and fortress; His truth our shield and buckler (Psalm 91). Over and over
again we have learned that, as we stand firmly on His Word and, patiently, do
His work and His will, He is ever mindful of our needs. He has never once failed
us. Oh! How we love the Lord! How we love to praise His holy name!
Well, I suppose that I should get on with this issue of HEARTH AND HOME. I just
wanted to take a moment and share with you the Lord's goodness. Why don't you
grab a cup of hot tea and settle back as we delve into this latest issue of
HEARTH AND HOME. It's so good to be with you again!
Here we go....
****************************************************************************
HOUSEHOLD HINTS
****************************************************************************
* Rinse cooked, crumbled ground beef under hot water to wash away up to 50% of
the fat.
* Instead of milk, try adding a splash of orange juice to spiced or herbal tea
for an instant gourmet flavor.
* Make your own homemade Fabreeze by dissolving 1 cup baking soda in 4 cups warm
water, then adding 2 cups fabric softener. Pour into spray bottle and use as you
would Fabreeze.
* To fully clean and deodorize jars that have contained things like peanut
butter, mayonnaise, etc., rinse with vinegar when empty. It will remove odors
and clear any greasy residue.
* To clean aluminum exhaust hood filters that are used to trap dirt and grease
above your cooking range, simply toss in the dishwasher, or wash and rinse in
hot soapy water, once a week.
****************************************************************************
AUTUMN DECORATING IDEAS
****************************************************************************
* http://www.budget101.com/Autumn%20Decor.htm
****************************************************************************
DOLLARS AND SENSE
****************************************************************************
I've shared these before, but cold weather is upon us again. Get ready for it by
following these cold-weather tips from the folks at the $1 Energy Fund:
KEEP THE HOT AIR IN BY PREVENTING DRAFTS.
Seal all cracks, holes and crevices where cold air blows in and hot air leaks
out. Remember to keep your blinds and drapes closed at night to block drafty
window areas. You could save up to ten percent on your annual bills.
MONITOR YOUR THERMOSTAT. Keep the temperature at sixty-eight degrees or lower.
Each degree higher uses three percent more energy. Lower your thermostat setting
at night, and turn your heat down before you leave the house. It costs less to
reheat your home than to keep it warm while you're out.
KEEP HEAT CREATIVELY. Open your drapes during sunny days to let natural heat in
your house. Dust or vacuum your vents often to maintain airflow. Shut off the
heat to unused rooms and keep their doors closed. Wear warm clothes and
sweaters, and use blankets while resting.
Here are some more money saving ideas that can keep $$$ in your pocket...
*Attic insulation should be at least six inches deep; it will save 10 percent of
your overall heating bill.
*Lower the heating and cooling systems when your home is vacant for more than
eight hours.
*Use crock-pots and pressure cookers instead of the oven.
*Fix leaky toilets and faucets...especially hot water faucets. One leaky faucet
wastes over 1,300 gallons a year!!!
*Take a shower instead of a bath. This can save as much as 50 percent of the
total hot water used in your home.
*Save medical costs by practicing preventative medicine. Eat right, drink plenty
of fresh water, exercise, get plenty of rest, reduce stress, get plenty of
fresh air and sunshine, pray, and fast as God leads.
* To get thousands of money saving ideas, a jump on holiday jar mixes, budgeting
ideas, and more, check out Budget 101! Just click here:
http://www.budget101.com/
****************************************************************************
CRAFT IDEA
****************************************************************************
Dryer Sheet Sachet
2 used white dryer sheets
1 heaping tablespoon potpourri
1 length of ribbon
2 or 3 small pieces dried flowers
Tacky glue
Place one dryer sheet over top of the other dryer sheet so that the corners of
the second sheets are centered at the sides of the first sheet. Place the
potpourri in the center of the sheets. Gather up and tie with ribbon. Decorate
with dried flours.
****************************************************************************
HEARTH AND HOME QUESTION
****************************************************************************
In the last issue of HEARTH AND HOME (August 2004) I asked:
"...with the skyrocketing prices of food and gasoline what, if
anything, are you doing differently to make ends meet in your household? What
money saving measures do you and your family practice on a regular basis in
order to combat high utility bills?"
Here are a couple of responses that I received as a result:
Rebecca,
Well, the first thing we did was to save up money for the summer. My husband
worked a little extra on the side before school let out. The past 4-5 summers
have been rough for us. We also managed to finally refinance our mortgage which
lowered our house payments over $200 per month!! That plus the savings account
helped.
In addition, we sold a vehicle. That saved on gas and insurance. Make sure
your auto insurance is reasonable. Don't have anything but liability on a
vehicle if it's not worth replacing!
I also go to a grocery store out of town and carpool with my mother-in-law.
We also did away with our cell phone. We miss it sometimes, but we live in a
dead area. Therefore, we weren't using the minutes, and we were paying a high
price every month. When we had it, it was pretty important, but not anymore.
We also switched Internet Service Providers and cut our cost 2/3!! Speaking
of cell phones, be sure there's not a smaller, cheaper package you could use.
Also, if you have good service/connection in your area, it might be a good idea
to check on a deal where you can get two for the price of one. That way you
could possibly just use cell phones instead of regular phone service. Keep one
at home, and take one with you when going away.
One more thing -- use your library!!! Most libraries these days have computers
with free internet access, music cd's, free video/DVD's, and, of course, books!
I find I save a lot of money borrowing books instead of buying them. Stores
that buy books from you and have used books for sale are a bargain! Also, keep
an eye open at yard/garage sales for books!
As for groceries, I try not to be too brand loyal. When using coupons, make
sure the coupon is really a bargain. I really despise those coupons that
require buying 2 or 3 of an item. You'll find just buying one without the
coupon will keep your grocery bill down. Buying the store's own brand of the
product, if it's good, will save even more!
Good luck!
Annette
I have been cooking more one pot dinners all summer, it takes less meat that
way. I have also made the switch to using vinegar in place of my expensive
fabric softener, actually found it works better. I also hang all laundry out on
the clotheslines instead of the dryer. Lastly I still use the dishwasher, but I
turn off the cycle when it gets to the drying part, I just let them dry on their
own.
Michelle H.
Thank you, Annette and Michelle! You both offered us some great money saving
ideas, and your input is greatly appreciated! God bless you both! ~Rebecca
****************************************************************************
QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS
****************************************************************************
* "Can you use regular bread recipes in a bread machine? Or do you have to use
recipes especially designed to be used in a bread machine? I'm looking for good,
wholesome and healthy bread machine recipes. Does anyone here have any? " -D.P.
* "How do you completely remove the color from denim before redying?" -R.K.
If you have the answers to these questions, and don't mind me sharing them in a
future issue of HEARTH AND HOME, please, feel free to share! Send your
responses to: wlmo@tiadon.com. Be sure and put QUESTIONS FROM READERS in the
subject line. Thank you!
****************************************************************************
BE SURE AND CAST YOUR BALLOT ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 2ND BECAUSE YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
RECIPES
****************************************************************************
POPPY-SEED CHICKEN
3 lbs. chicken, cooked and cubed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 stick butter
2 cups sour cream
2 T. poppy seeds
1 stack Ritz crackers
Mix chicken, soups, sour cream, and poppy seeds. Pour into a large baking dish.
Crush crackers over top. Melt butter and pour over top. Bake 30 minutes at 350
degrees.
YUMMY BREAD
1 loaf Texas toast
butter
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 onion, minced
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Butter each slice of Texas toast. Mix Miracle Whip, Parmesan cheese, minced
onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread a thin layer on each slice. Bake at 200
degrees for 15 minutes. Broil until golden brown. Serve hot.
PUMPKIN SQUARES
1 Spice Cake Mix (MYO or boxed but only the dry ingredients)
3/4 C. Miracle Whip
1 16 oz Can Pumpkin
3 Eggs
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8oz. Package Cream Cheese (softened)
1/4 C. Butter or Margarine (softened)
3 C. Confectioners Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Mix all of the pumpkin bar ingredients in a bowl just until combined well.
Don't over mix. Pour in a greased 13x9 cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for
30-40 minutes until toothpick comes out of the center clean. Cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, Cream the cream cheese and the butter together in
your mixer bowl until quite fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar 1/2 C. at a time
until well
blended. Add vanilla and mix until well blended. Chill in refrigerator until
the cake is completely cool. Frost & enjoy. For an added touch, sprinkle a bit
of cinnamon on the plate before you put the cake on it!
PUMPKIN BROWNIES
1 15-ounce can of pumpkin
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or 325 degrees if baking in glass dish). Beat
together eggs, oil, pumpkin and sugar. Stir in remaining ingredients until
evenly mixed. Pour into a greased and floured 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Bake
for 30 minutes (or until center springs back when touched). Serve with whipped
topping or a cream cheese frosting. Chopped nuts can be tossed on top of
the frosting.
(This recipe was submitted by a dear friend of ours who is lovingly known to our
children as "Grandma" Jean. We've made this recipe twice now, and our family
loves it! It is more like a cake than brownies, though. We topped ours with
powdered sugar and it was absolutely delicious! Thank you, Grandma Jean!)
***********************************************
Well, Ladies, that's it for this time! I hope to be with you all again real
soon. In the meantime, take time to realize what an awesome responsibility and
opportunity you have to influence those within your own home and all who enter
it's doors. Seek the Lord with your whole heart, bloom where you are planted,
and dare to make a positive difference in the lives of all whom the Lord places
within your path! God bless you!
Until next time...
Love and Hugs,
~Rebecca
(wife, homeschooling mom, and homemaker)
Proverbs 31:10-31; Titus 2:3-5
It's been a while since I've been able to be with you. Our next-to-the-oldest
son, Zach, got married in September, and our next-to-the-youngest son, Buddy,
got married yesterday. We now have two new daughter-in-laws, and both of them
already fit into our family quite nicely! Needless to say, though, with two
weddings...on top of an already busy family, home, homeschooling, and church
life...the normal little, extra day-to-day things...like HEARTH AND HOME..have
taken a back seat. Hopefully, now, we can relax a bit and get back on some sort
of schedule.
Can you believe that it's October already? And now the holidays are just around
the corner! Where has this year gone?!
You know, it truly has been a busy year for us, but the Lord has been so good to
us! In some ways...especially financially...it's been the roughest year we've
had in quite some time, but despite everything...what a mighty move of the Lord
we have seen this past year! In oh! So many areas! We are so thankful! So
humbled by God's goodness to us! There is no doubt that the Lord truly is our
refuge and fortress; His truth our shield and buckler (Psalm 91). Over and over
again we have learned that, as we stand firmly on His Word and, patiently, do
His work and His will, He is ever mindful of our needs. He has never once failed
us. Oh! How we love the Lord! How we love to praise His holy name!
Well, I suppose that I should get on with this issue of HEARTH AND HOME. I just
wanted to take a moment and share with you the Lord's goodness. Why don't you
grab a cup of hot tea and settle back as we delve into this latest issue of
HEARTH AND HOME. It's so good to be with you again!
Here we go....
****************************************************************************
HOUSEHOLD HINTS
****************************************************************************
* Rinse cooked, crumbled ground beef under hot water to wash away up to 50% of
the fat.
* Instead of milk, try adding a splash of orange juice to spiced or herbal tea
for an instant gourmet flavor.
* Make your own homemade Fabreeze by dissolving 1 cup baking soda in 4 cups warm
water, then adding 2 cups fabric softener. Pour into spray bottle and use as you
would Fabreeze.
* To fully clean and deodorize jars that have contained things like peanut
butter, mayonnaise, etc., rinse with vinegar when empty. It will remove odors
and clear any greasy residue.
* To clean aluminum exhaust hood filters that are used to trap dirt and grease
above your cooking range, simply toss in the dishwasher, or wash and rinse in
hot soapy water, once a week.
****************************************************************************
AUTUMN DECORATING IDEAS
****************************************************************************
* http://www.budget101.com/Autumn%20Decor.htm
****************************************************************************
DOLLARS AND SENSE
****************************************************************************
I've shared these before, but cold weather is upon us again. Get ready for it by
following these cold-weather tips from the folks at the $1 Energy Fund:
KEEP THE HOT AIR IN BY PREVENTING DRAFTS.
Seal all cracks, holes and crevices where cold air blows in and hot air leaks
out. Remember to keep your blinds and drapes closed at night to block drafty
window areas. You could save up to ten percent on your annual bills.
MONITOR YOUR THERMOSTAT. Keep the temperature at sixty-eight degrees or lower.
Each degree higher uses three percent more energy. Lower your thermostat setting
at night, and turn your heat down before you leave the house. It costs less to
reheat your home than to keep it warm while you're out.
KEEP HEAT CREATIVELY. Open your drapes during sunny days to let natural heat in
your house. Dust or vacuum your vents often to maintain airflow. Shut off the
heat to unused rooms and keep their doors closed. Wear warm clothes and
sweaters, and use blankets while resting.
Here are some more money saving ideas that can keep $$$ in your pocket...
*Attic insulation should be at least six inches deep; it will save 10 percent of
your overall heating bill.
*Lower the heating and cooling systems when your home is vacant for more than
eight hours.
*Use crock-pots and pressure cookers instead of the oven.
*Fix leaky toilets and faucets...especially hot water faucets. One leaky faucet
wastes over 1,300 gallons a year!!!
*Take a shower instead of a bath. This can save as much as 50 percent of the
total hot water used in your home.
*Save medical costs by practicing preventative medicine. Eat right, drink plenty
of fresh water, exercise, get plenty of rest, reduce stress, get plenty of
fresh air and sunshine, pray, and fast as God leads.
* To get thousands of money saving ideas, a jump on holiday jar mixes, budgeting
ideas, and more, check out Budget 101! Just click here:
http://www.budget101.com/
****************************************************************************
CRAFT IDEA
****************************************************************************
Dryer Sheet Sachet
2 used white dryer sheets
1 heaping tablespoon potpourri
1 length of ribbon
2 or 3 small pieces dried flowers
Tacky glue
Place one dryer sheet over top of the other dryer sheet so that the corners of
the second sheets are centered at the sides of the first sheet. Place the
potpourri in the center of the sheets. Gather up and tie with ribbon. Decorate
with dried flours.
****************************************************************************
HEARTH AND HOME QUESTION
****************************************************************************
In the last issue of HEARTH AND HOME (August 2004) I asked:
"...with the skyrocketing prices of food and gasoline what, if
anything, are you doing differently to make ends meet in your household? What
money saving measures do you and your family practice on a regular basis in
order to combat high utility bills?"
Here are a couple of responses that I received as a result:
Rebecca,
Well, the first thing we did was to save up money for the summer. My husband
worked a little extra on the side before school let out. The past 4-5 summers
have been rough for us. We also managed to finally refinance our mortgage which
lowered our house payments over $200 per month!! That plus the savings account
helped.
In addition, we sold a vehicle. That saved on gas and insurance. Make sure
your auto insurance is reasonable. Don't have anything but liability on a
vehicle if it's not worth replacing!
I also go to a grocery store out of town and carpool with my mother-in-law.
We also did away with our cell phone. We miss it sometimes, but we live in a
dead area. Therefore, we weren't using the minutes, and we were paying a high
price every month. When we had it, it was pretty important, but not anymore.
We also switched Internet Service Providers and cut our cost 2/3!! Speaking
of cell phones, be sure there's not a smaller, cheaper package you could use.
Also, if you have good service/connection in your area, it might be a good idea
to check on a deal where you can get two for the price of one. That way you
could possibly just use cell phones instead of regular phone service. Keep one
at home, and take one with you when going away.
One more thing -- use your library!!! Most libraries these days have computers
with free internet access, music cd's, free video/DVD's, and, of course, books!
I find I save a lot of money borrowing books instead of buying them. Stores
that buy books from you and have used books for sale are a bargain! Also, keep
an eye open at yard/garage sales for books!
As for groceries, I try not to be too brand loyal. When using coupons, make
sure the coupon is really a bargain. I really despise those coupons that
require buying 2 or 3 of an item. You'll find just buying one without the
coupon will keep your grocery bill down. Buying the store's own brand of the
product, if it's good, will save even more!
Good luck!
Annette
I have been cooking more one pot dinners all summer, it takes less meat that
way. I have also made the switch to using vinegar in place of my expensive
fabric softener, actually found it works better. I also hang all laundry out on
the clotheslines instead of the dryer. Lastly I still use the dishwasher, but I
turn off the cycle when it gets to the drying part, I just let them dry on their
own.
Michelle H.
Thank you, Annette and Michelle! You both offered us some great money saving
ideas, and your input is greatly appreciated! God bless you both! ~Rebecca
****************************************************************************
QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS
****************************************************************************
* "Can you use regular bread recipes in a bread machine? Or do you have to use
recipes especially designed to be used in a bread machine? I'm looking for good,
wholesome and healthy bread machine recipes. Does anyone here have any? " -D.P.
* "How do you completely remove the color from denim before redying?" -R.K.
If you have the answers to these questions, and don't mind me sharing them in a
future issue of HEARTH AND HOME, please, feel free to share! Send your
responses to: wlmo@tiadon.com. Be sure and put QUESTIONS FROM READERS in the
subject line. Thank you!
****************************************************************************
BE SURE AND CAST YOUR BALLOT ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 2ND BECAUSE YOUR VOTE COUNTS!
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
RECIPES
****************************************************************************
POPPY-SEED CHICKEN
3 lbs. chicken, cooked and cubed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 stick butter
2 cups sour cream
2 T. poppy seeds
1 stack Ritz crackers
Mix chicken, soups, sour cream, and poppy seeds. Pour into a large baking dish.
Crush crackers over top. Melt butter and pour over top. Bake 30 minutes at 350
degrees.
YUMMY BREAD
1 loaf Texas toast
butter
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 onion, minced
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Butter each slice of Texas toast. Mix Miracle Whip, Parmesan cheese, minced
onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread a thin layer on each slice. Bake at 200
degrees for 15 minutes. Broil until golden brown. Serve hot.
PUMPKIN SQUARES
1 Spice Cake Mix (MYO or boxed but only the dry ingredients)
3/4 C. Miracle Whip
1 16 oz Can Pumpkin
3 Eggs
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 8oz. Package Cream Cheese (softened)
1/4 C. Butter or Margarine (softened)
3 C. Confectioners Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Mix all of the pumpkin bar ingredients in a bowl just until combined well.
Don't over mix. Pour in a greased 13x9 cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for
30-40 minutes until toothpick comes out of the center clean. Cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, Cream the cream cheese and the butter together in
your mixer bowl until quite fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar 1/2 C. at a time
until well
blended. Add vanilla and mix until well blended. Chill in refrigerator until
the cake is completely cool. Frost & enjoy. For an added touch, sprinkle a bit
of cinnamon on the plate before you put the cake on it!
PUMPKIN BROWNIES
1 15-ounce can of pumpkin
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or 325 degrees if baking in glass dish). Beat
together eggs, oil, pumpkin and sugar. Stir in remaining ingredients until
evenly mixed. Pour into a greased and floured 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Bake
for 30 minutes (or until center springs back when touched). Serve with whipped
topping or a cream cheese frosting. Chopped nuts can be tossed on top of
the frosting.
(This recipe was submitted by a dear friend of ours who is lovingly known to our
children as "Grandma" Jean. We've made this recipe twice now, and our family
loves it! It is more like a cake than brownies, though. We topped ours with
powdered sugar and it was absolutely delicious! Thank you, Grandma Jean!)
***********************************************
Well, Ladies, that's it for this time! I hope to be with you all again real
soon. In the meantime, take time to realize what an awesome responsibility and
opportunity you have to influence those within your own home and all who enter
it's doors. Seek the Lord with your whole heart, bloom where you are planted,
and dare to make a positive difference in the lives of all whom the Lord places
within your path! God bless you!
Until next time...
Love and Hugs,
~Rebecca
(wife, homeschooling mom, and homemaker)
Proverbs 31:10-31; Titus 2:3-5
REPRINT- HEARTH AND HOME - OCTOBER 17, 2003
Greetings Dear Sisters!
HAPPY AUTUMN! And what a lovely autumn it's been! The days have been warm and
sunny; the nights cool and crisp. Leaves are falling and all of nature seems to
be hurrying and scurrying getting ready for the long winter ahead. Can you
believe that we are into the fourth quarter of the year already? Where does the time go?
Well, here we go on another HEARTH AND HOME adventure! Grab a cup something
warm...tea, coffee, hot chocolate...and let's get started!
****************************************************************************
HOUSEHOLD TIPS
****************************************************************************
*For a pretty flower design on sugar cookies press the bottom of an empty
plastic thread spool (label removed, of course) into the rounds of dough.
*Remove fat from stews and soups by chilling them with plastic wrap covering
the surface. The fat will harden and come off when you lift off the wrap.
*Slip your hand into a plastic sandwich bag before pressing a buttery
cookie-crumb or graham-cracker crust into a pie plate.
*Spray vegetable oil spray on measuring spoons and sticky foods like honey or
molasses will slide off easily. Use the oil on knives before chopping dates or
dried apricots, and spray it onto graters before shredding cheese.
*To keep wastebaskets fresh try putting a fabric softener sheet on the bottom of
the bin.
*Put folded, unused trash bags at the bottom of each wastebasket. They'll be
ready to use next time you empty the garbage.
*To freshen your garbage disposal try grinding a few lemon rinds and ice cubes
in it once a week.
*Lingering odors can be removed from plastic containers by putting crumpled-up
newspaper inside and sealing it up tight. Let sit overnight and the smell should
disappear.
*If oven shelves won't slide easily, rub the outer edges with petroleum jelly.
*Use a shaving brush to dust the tops of books.
*Remove stickers from glass by rubbing with a bit of cooking oil.
*Keep sets of bed linens together by folding the top and bottom sheets and one
pillowcase, then tucking all of them into the remaining pillowcase.
****************************************************************************
SEW EASY
****************************************************************************
*Store pins and needles in a bar of soap. It lubricates the tips so they slide
easily through fabrics.
*Put patterns in clear plastic ziptop bags with the envelope facing out. That
way they store neatly and you can easily find them.
*When sewing four-hole buttons, stitch through two holes separately. If the
thread comes loose, the other two holes will hold the button on.
*Thread looks darker on the spool than on fabric so use thread a shade darker.
*Smooth wrinkled pattern pieces by carefully pressing with a dry iron set on
warm. Don't use stream: It can warp patterns.
****************************************************************************
KNIT WIT
****************************************************************************
*Before starting a knitting project, go through the pattern and circle all the
instructions that pertain to the size you're making.
*Use bread-wrapper plastic price tags as stitch markers for knitting projects.
*Put corks on the ends of your knitting needles to prevent slipped stitches when
you put work down.
*To ensure knitted sleeves are identical, knit them both on the same needle at
the same time.
*Store knitting needles inside an empty plastic wrap box.
****************************************************************************
FALL CRAFTS
****************************************************************************
*Apple Wreath:
http://www.homemadesimple.com/kitchen/applewreath.shtml
*Candle Wreath:
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/13556.xm\
l
*Oak Leaf Garland:
http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/myhome/decorate/articles/0,,28454\
8_595615-5,00.html
***************************************************************************
DOLLARS AND SENSE
****************************************************************************
Cold weather is upon us again. Get ready for it by following these cold-weather
tips from the folks at the $1 Energy Fund:
KEEP THE HOT AIR IN BY PREVENTING DRAFTS.
Seal all cracks, holes and crevices where cold air blows in and hot air
leaks out. Remember to keep your blinds and drapes closed at night to block
drafty window areas. You could save up to ten percent on your annual bills.
MONITOR YOUR THERMOSTAT. Keep the temperature at sixty-eight
degrees or lower. Each degree higher uses three percent more energy. Lower
your thermostat setting at night, and turn your heat down before you leave the
house. It costs less to reheat your home than to keep it warm while you're out.
KEEP HEAT CREATIVELY. Open your drapes during sunny days to let
natural heat in your house. Dust or vacuum your vents often to maintain
airflow. Shut off the heat to unused rooms and keep their doors closed. Wear
warm clothes and sweaters, and use blankets while resting.
****************************************************************************
FALL CLEANING
****************************************************************************
For general seasonal cleaning, you'll need:
*Broom, dustpan, scrub brush, mop, vacuum cleaner, supply of vacuum cleaner bags
*Cleaning rags (old white T-shirts work well)
*2- or 3- gallon bucket, sponges, an extended duster (for cleaning blinds and
ceiling fans)
*Stepladder, latex gloves, and paper towels
Rather than have a cleaning product for every task, select a product for
multiple uses and use it for many cleaning projects. (My personal favorite all
purpose cleaner is, without a doubt, 409 in the spray bottle! I use it for
EVERYTHING!)
Be organized to save time and energy. Go through the inside and around the
outside of the house to make a list of necessary projects. Prioritize the
projects on three sheets of paper using these headings:
*Large projects (a half day or more)
*Medium projects (two or three hours)
*Small projects (chores that are easy to accomplish when you find yourself with
a small
block of time)
MAP A CLEANING ROUTE: Start with a room at the top corner of your home
(two-story house) or a corner room (one-story house or apartment) and work
inward and downward. Clean rooms from the top down. Completely clean each room
before moving on to the next.
FALL CLEANING: INDOORS
CHORE LIST: De-clutter, sort, and store before you start. Pick up and eliminate
clutter in each room before you start cleaning. Place a cardboard box and two or
three garbage bags in each room that you are de-cluttering. Fill them as you
sort through your shelves, cabinets, and clothes closets.
DONATE OLD BOOKS, MAGAZINES, TOYS, AND CLOTHES that you don't wear to charity or
fill a box for your next garage sale. (If you can't bear to give away old
magazines and books, box them up and store them out of the way.)
FRESHEN ALL THE BEDROOMS. Rotate and flip mattresses and launder all bedding
such as bed skirts, mattress pads, comforters, and quilts. Air and sun pillows
and blankets. Clean out closets; lauder all spring and summer clothing before
storing. Bring out fall and winter clothing.
BRING YOUR WINTER RUGS OUT OF STORAGE and have sisal-type rugs cleaned before
storing. Clean carpets or have them professionally cleaned. Replace doormats as
needed to reduce the tracked-in dirt.
LIGHT IS PRECIOUS IN THE WINTER MONTHS, so maximize it by washing interior
windows, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and mirrors. Clean chandeliers in
preparation for holiday entertaining. Check the condition of lampshades, and
update with new shades if needed. Clean windowsills and window wells. Dust or
wash window blinds. Replace bent or worn mini-blinds. Wash and iron curtains or
have cleaned.
CLEAN HEATING AND COOLING VENTS. Change air filters in central units.
THOROGHLY CLEAN ALL BATHROOMS. Go through medicine cabinets and safely discard
any outdated products. Replace worn bath mats, shower curtains, and liners. Or
wash and dry shower curtains and liners.
CLEAR OUT PANTRY, KITCHEN CABINETS, AND DRAWERS. Wipe out, and install fresh
shelf paper. Store or donate equipment that you don't use, such as small
appliances or cookware. Discard stale spices or dated items such as baking
powder. Clean the refrigerator and freezer. Vacuum the cooling coils under or
behind the refrigerator.
WASH WINDOWS INSIDE AND OUT, including storm windows and screens. Assess the
state of your storage areas, whether you use an attic, basement, garage,
carport, or storage shed. Add shelving units and containers to create order.
CHECK THE BATTERIES IN SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS when the time change
occurs. Perform all required safety checks. If you don't own a fire
extinguisher, purchase one and learn how to use it; keep it in the kitchen.
FALL CLEANING: OUTDOORS
Clean and store patio furniture, garden pots and planters, and tools.
Clean outdoor furniture cushions before storing to prevent mildew.
Drain and store garden hoses.
Drain and service the lawn mower according to manufacturer's guidelines.
Check caulk around doors and windows and re-caulk as needed to help keep heat in
and water and cold out.
For energy efficiency, install weather-stripping around outside doors.
Check gutters and downspouts and clear debris, or hire a professional gutter
service.
Remove lint from outdoor dryer exhaust tubes.
If you use a snow blowing service, schedule in advance. If you remove snow
yourself, check to see that your snow-blower is in working order and snow
shovels are in good shape and handy.
Stock up on de-icing products.
****************************************************************************
RECIPES
****************************************************************************
PEAR OR APPLE CRISP
(This is one of our family's favorite recipes. And it's so easy! This recipe can
be made by the individual serving in custard cups or the ingredients can be
multiplied by the number of people being served and baked altogether in a
regular baking dish.)
Per person being served you will need:
1 medium pear or apple; peel, cored and sliced thin into ungreased baking dish.
For topping...mix together:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons quick oats
1 tablespoon flour
1/8 teaspoons cinnamon
Cut in:
1 tablespoon butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over sliced fruit
and bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Serve warm or cold; by itself or with
vanilla ice cream.
GOLDEN GREEN PEPPER BAKE
(This recipe was sent in by Jean of Lee's Summit, MO. Thanks for sharing, Jean!
It looks delicious!)
3 green peppers, cut in half
1/2 lb. grated cheddar cheese
12 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup chopped tomato
1 cup soft bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
Remove seeds from peppers; parboil 5 minutes. Place peppers in baking dish.
Reserve 1/2 cup grated cheese for top-dressing. Combine remaining cheese,
tomato and corn; mix lightly. spoon mixture into peppers; top with reserved
cheese and crumbs tossed with butter/margarine. Bake at 350 degrees F., 30
to 35 minutes. 6 servings.
PUMPKIN ROLL
(This recipe was given to me by our pastor's wife from back home many years ago
and is still among our family favorites. G.H...if you're reading this...we're
still enjoying this recipe. Thanks for sharing!)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, beaten well
2/3 cup pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix sugar, pumpkin and eggs. Mix flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; add to
pumpkin mixture. Grease and line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Grease waxed
paper well. Spread batter on sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes; cool
5 minutes. Invert onto powdered sugar towel and roll up. When cool, unroll and
spread with filling and reroll.
Filling:
8 oz. package softened cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons softened margarine
1 cup powdered sugar
Beat 5 minutes.
*****************************************************************************
Well, Ladies, that's it for this time! Lord willing I'll be with you again next
month. In the meantime, have a wonderful fall. God's blessings upon you, your
family, and your home. Until next time...
Love and Hugs,
~Rebecca
(wife, homeschooling mom, and homemaker)
Proverbs 31:10-31; Titus 2:3-5
HAPPY AUTUMN! And what a lovely autumn it's been! The days have been warm and
sunny; the nights cool and crisp. Leaves are falling and all of nature seems to
be hurrying and scurrying getting ready for the long winter ahead. Can you
believe that we are into the fourth quarter of the year already? Where does the time go?
Well, here we go on another HEARTH AND HOME adventure! Grab a cup something
warm...tea, coffee, hot chocolate...and let's get started!
****************************************************************************
HOUSEHOLD TIPS
****************************************************************************
*For a pretty flower design on sugar cookies press the bottom of an empty
plastic thread spool (label removed, of course) into the rounds of dough.
*Remove fat from stews and soups by chilling them with plastic wrap covering
the surface. The fat will harden and come off when you lift off the wrap.
*Slip your hand into a plastic sandwich bag before pressing a buttery
cookie-crumb or graham-cracker crust into a pie plate.
*Spray vegetable oil spray on measuring spoons and sticky foods like honey or
molasses will slide off easily. Use the oil on knives before chopping dates or
dried apricots, and spray it onto graters before shredding cheese.
*To keep wastebaskets fresh try putting a fabric softener sheet on the bottom of
the bin.
*Put folded, unused trash bags at the bottom of each wastebasket. They'll be
ready to use next time you empty the garbage.
*To freshen your garbage disposal try grinding a few lemon rinds and ice cubes
in it once a week.
*Lingering odors can be removed from plastic containers by putting crumpled-up
newspaper inside and sealing it up tight. Let sit overnight and the smell should
disappear.
*If oven shelves won't slide easily, rub the outer edges with petroleum jelly.
*Use a shaving brush to dust the tops of books.
*Remove stickers from glass by rubbing with a bit of cooking oil.
*Keep sets of bed linens together by folding the top and bottom sheets and one
pillowcase, then tucking all of them into the remaining pillowcase.
****************************************************************************
SEW EASY
****************************************************************************
*Store pins and needles in a bar of soap. It lubricates the tips so they slide
easily through fabrics.
*Put patterns in clear plastic ziptop bags with the envelope facing out. That
way they store neatly and you can easily find them.
*When sewing four-hole buttons, stitch through two holes separately. If the
thread comes loose, the other two holes will hold the button on.
*Thread looks darker on the spool than on fabric so use thread a shade darker.
*Smooth wrinkled pattern pieces by carefully pressing with a dry iron set on
warm. Don't use stream: It can warp patterns.
****************************************************************************
KNIT WIT
****************************************************************************
*Before starting a knitting project, go through the pattern and circle all the
instructions that pertain to the size you're making.
*Use bread-wrapper plastic price tags as stitch markers for knitting projects.
*Put corks on the ends of your knitting needles to prevent slipped stitches when
you put work down.
*To ensure knitted sleeves are identical, knit them both on the same needle at
the same time.
*Store knitting needles inside an empty plastic wrap box.
****************************************************************************
FALL CRAFTS
****************************************************************************
*Apple Wreath:
http://www.homemadesimple.com/kitchen/applewreath.shtml
*Candle Wreath:
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/13556.xm\
l
*Oak Leaf Garland:
http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/myhome/decorate/articles/0,,28454\
8_595615-5,00.html
***************************************************************************
DOLLARS AND SENSE
****************************************************************************
Cold weather is upon us again. Get ready for it by following these cold-weather
tips from the folks at the $1 Energy Fund:
KEEP THE HOT AIR IN BY PREVENTING DRAFTS.
Seal all cracks, holes and crevices where cold air blows in and hot air
leaks out. Remember to keep your blinds and drapes closed at night to block
drafty window areas. You could save up to ten percent on your annual bills.
MONITOR YOUR THERMOSTAT. Keep the temperature at sixty-eight
degrees or lower. Each degree higher uses three percent more energy. Lower
your thermostat setting at night, and turn your heat down before you leave the
house. It costs less to reheat your home than to keep it warm while you're out.
KEEP HEAT CREATIVELY. Open your drapes during sunny days to let
natural heat in your house. Dust or vacuum your vents often to maintain
airflow. Shut off the heat to unused rooms and keep their doors closed. Wear
warm clothes and sweaters, and use blankets while resting.
****************************************************************************
FALL CLEANING
****************************************************************************
For general seasonal cleaning, you'll need:
*Broom, dustpan, scrub brush, mop, vacuum cleaner, supply of vacuum cleaner bags
*Cleaning rags (old white T-shirts work well)
*2- or 3- gallon bucket, sponges, an extended duster (for cleaning blinds and
ceiling fans)
*Stepladder, latex gloves, and paper towels
Rather than have a cleaning product for every task, select a product for
multiple uses and use it for many cleaning projects. (My personal favorite all
purpose cleaner is, without a doubt, 409 in the spray bottle! I use it for
EVERYTHING!)
Be organized to save time and energy. Go through the inside and around the
outside of the house to make a list of necessary projects. Prioritize the
projects on three sheets of paper using these headings:
*Large projects (a half day or more)
*Medium projects (two or three hours)
*Small projects (chores that are easy to accomplish when you find yourself with
a small
block of time)
MAP A CLEANING ROUTE: Start with a room at the top corner of your home
(two-story house) or a corner room (one-story house or apartment) and work
inward and downward. Clean rooms from the top down. Completely clean each room
before moving on to the next.
FALL CLEANING: INDOORS
CHORE LIST: De-clutter, sort, and store before you start. Pick up and eliminate
clutter in each room before you start cleaning. Place a cardboard box and two or
three garbage bags in each room that you are de-cluttering. Fill them as you
sort through your shelves, cabinets, and clothes closets.
DONATE OLD BOOKS, MAGAZINES, TOYS, AND CLOTHES that you don't wear to charity or
fill a box for your next garage sale. (If you can't bear to give away old
magazines and books, box them up and store them out of the way.)
FRESHEN ALL THE BEDROOMS. Rotate and flip mattresses and launder all bedding
such as bed skirts, mattress pads, comforters, and quilts. Air and sun pillows
and blankets. Clean out closets; lauder all spring and summer clothing before
storing. Bring out fall and winter clothing.
BRING YOUR WINTER RUGS OUT OF STORAGE and have sisal-type rugs cleaned before
storing. Clean carpets or have them professionally cleaned. Replace doormats as
needed to reduce the tracked-in dirt.
LIGHT IS PRECIOUS IN THE WINTER MONTHS, so maximize it by washing interior
windows, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and mirrors. Clean chandeliers in
preparation for holiday entertaining. Check the condition of lampshades, and
update with new shades if needed. Clean windowsills and window wells. Dust or
wash window blinds. Replace bent or worn mini-blinds. Wash and iron curtains or
have cleaned.
CLEAN HEATING AND COOLING VENTS. Change air filters in central units.
THOROGHLY CLEAN ALL BATHROOMS. Go through medicine cabinets and safely discard
any outdated products. Replace worn bath mats, shower curtains, and liners. Or
wash and dry shower curtains and liners.
CLEAR OUT PANTRY, KITCHEN CABINETS, AND DRAWERS. Wipe out, and install fresh
shelf paper. Store or donate equipment that you don't use, such as small
appliances or cookware. Discard stale spices or dated items such as baking
powder. Clean the refrigerator and freezer. Vacuum the cooling coils under or
behind the refrigerator.
WASH WINDOWS INSIDE AND OUT, including storm windows and screens. Assess the
state of your storage areas, whether you use an attic, basement, garage,
carport, or storage shed. Add shelving units and containers to create order.
CHECK THE BATTERIES IN SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS when the time change
occurs. Perform all required safety checks. If you don't own a fire
extinguisher, purchase one and learn how to use it; keep it in the kitchen.
FALL CLEANING: OUTDOORS
Clean and store patio furniture, garden pots and planters, and tools.
Clean outdoor furniture cushions before storing to prevent mildew.
Drain and store garden hoses.
Drain and service the lawn mower according to manufacturer's guidelines.
Check caulk around doors and windows and re-caulk as needed to help keep heat in
and water and cold out.
For energy efficiency, install weather-stripping around outside doors.
Check gutters and downspouts and clear debris, or hire a professional gutter
service.
Remove lint from outdoor dryer exhaust tubes.
If you use a snow blowing service, schedule in advance. If you remove snow
yourself, check to see that your snow-blower is in working order and snow
shovels are in good shape and handy.
Stock up on de-icing products.
****************************************************************************
RECIPES
****************************************************************************
PEAR OR APPLE CRISP
(This is one of our family's favorite recipes. And it's so easy! This recipe can
be made by the individual serving in custard cups or the ingredients can be
multiplied by the number of people being served and baked altogether in a
regular baking dish.)
Per person being served you will need:
1 medium pear or apple; peel, cored and sliced thin into ungreased baking dish.
For topping...mix together:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons quick oats
1 tablespoon flour
1/8 teaspoons cinnamon
Cut in:
1 tablespoon butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over sliced fruit
and bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Serve warm or cold; by itself or with
vanilla ice cream.
GOLDEN GREEN PEPPER BAKE
(This recipe was sent in by Jean of Lee's Summit, MO. Thanks for sharing, Jean!
It looks delicious!)
3 green peppers, cut in half
1/2 lb. grated cheddar cheese
12 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup chopped tomato
1 cup soft bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
Remove seeds from peppers; parboil 5 minutes. Place peppers in baking dish.
Reserve 1/2 cup grated cheese for top-dressing. Combine remaining cheese,
tomato and corn; mix lightly. spoon mixture into peppers; top with reserved
cheese and crumbs tossed with butter/margarine. Bake at 350 degrees F., 30
to 35 minutes. 6 servings.
PUMPKIN ROLL
(This recipe was given to me by our pastor's wife from back home many years ago
and is still among our family favorites. G.H...if you're reading this...we're
still enjoying this recipe. Thanks for sharing!)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, beaten well
2/3 cup pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix sugar, pumpkin and eggs. Mix flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; add to
pumpkin mixture. Grease and line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Grease waxed
paper well. Spread batter on sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes; cool
5 minutes. Invert onto powdered sugar towel and roll up. When cool, unroll and
spread with filling and reroll.
Filling:
8 oz. package softened cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons softened margarine
1 cup powdered sugar
Beat 5 minutes.
*****************************************************************************
Well, Ladies, that's it for this time! Lord willing I'll be with you again next
month. In the meantime, have a wonderful fall. God's blessings upon you, your
family, and your home. Until next time...
Love and Hugs,
~Rebecca
(wife, homeschooling mom, and homemaker)
Proverbs 31:10-31; Titus 2:3-5
REPRINT - HEARTH AND HOME - OCTOBER 18, 2002
Greetings, Dear Sisters!
Welcome to the latest issue of HEARTH AND HOME! How’s your fall cleaning coming along? Is anyone done? Our garden is put to bed and we’re in the process of weatherizing now. Oh! I did get through our closets this week! Summer clothes are put away and warm, winter clothes are ready and waiting! I pray that you enjoy this issue of HEARTH AND HOME! Here we go!
Welcome to the latest issue of HEARTH AND HOME! How’s your fall cleaning coming along? Is anyone done? Our garden is put to bed and we’re in the process of weatherizing now. Oh! I did get through our closets this week! Summer clothes are put away and warm, winter clothes are ready and waiting! I pray that you enjoy this issue of HEARTH AND HOME! Here we go!
“Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: and He changeth the times and the seasons.” (Daniel 2:20-21)
HOUSEHOLD TIPS:
*Soften butter quickly without melting by grating the stick. Spray the grater with nonstick spray for quick cleanup.
*Before opening a package of bacon, roll it into a tube. This loosens the slices and keeps them from sticking together.
*To fill a piping bag without making a mess, place the bag upright inside a measuring cup and fold the top edge over the cup.
*Keep garlic from sticking to a knife, garlic press, or cutting board by sprinkling a little salt on the clove before chopping or mincing.
*If fresh vegetables or lettuce look wilted, sprinkle with cool water, wrap in a paper towel and put in the refrigerator for about an hour.
*Turn a metal colander upside down over the skillet when frying food. This allows the steam to escape but keeps the fat from spattering.
*Cover cookbooks with clear plastic report covers while you cook. Spills can be wiped off easily.
*Store a new, clean powder puff in the flour canister. It makes it easy to dust flour on a rolling pin or a pastry board.
*Sharpen garbage disposal blades by running ice cubes through them.
*Remove all traces of fish, onion, or other odors from your hands by wetting them, then sprinkling with baking soda. Work the paste over your hands, then rinse.
*To clean the blackened bottom of pots and pans coat the bottoms with oven cleaner and let them sit for 30 minutes. Lightly scour the blackened surface and the pot will rinse clean.
*Get rid of food overflow and burn stains on the bottom of the oven and stop smoke and odor by coating the spill with a heavy layer of salt after oven is turned off. Wait until the oven cools, then wipe up the remains.
*Neutralize bad odors by combining one cup water, the grated peel and juice of one lemon and several whole cloves in a tw0-cup microwavable glass measure. Boil for several minutes at 100% power. Allow to sit in oven until cool. Wipe interior with a soft cloth.
If you have a household tip that you'd like to share please send
it to Rebecca Knox at: proverbs31heart@yahoo.com. Be sure and put
"Household Tip" on the subject line. Thank you!
DOLLARS AND SENSE:
Our goal as Christians should be to obtain financial freedom. This has four characteristics:
1. Our assets exceed our liabilities.
2. We are able to pay our bills as they fall due
3. We have no unpaid bills. (We are repaying per our agreement.)
4. We are content with where we are.
Make a distinction between the things that you must have and the things that you simply desire. Before you buy something, always ask yourself if you need it or if you want it. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. Instead, try putting the money that you might have used to buy it toward paying off your credit card balance or putting it away in savings.
Study where your money goes. Do you really need cable? Is it worth $25.00 a month? What would you do with the time you spend in front of TV if you didn’t have it? Pay special attention to the monthly bills and add up everything you could comfortably do without. Then, experiment with making cuts. Keep in mind that you can always put things back into your budget that you’ve cut out.
Live below your means. If you come into a windfall, don’t spend it all. Put most of it away and live as you always did.
Your refrigerator/freezer is probably one of the biggest energy users in your home. Here are some ways to beat the cost of keeping things cool:
1. KEEP IT CLEAN. In a manual-defrost model more than half an inch of frost can build up and make the appliances work harder, so defrost regularly. Vacuum clean the condenser coils below or at the back of the refrigerator/freezer three or four times a year. Clean coils keep it running efficiently and help save energy.
2. KEEP IT CLOSED. The time for decisions is not when you have the door open. Get every thing you need for a sandwich or recipe in one trip.
3. KEEP IT FULL. Frozen food helps keep the air cool in your freezer. But don’t overpack food in either refrigerator or freezer, or the cold air won’t have space to circulate properly.
4. HEAT HAS NO BUSINESS IN THE REFRIGERATOR. Cool dishes before you store them so your appliance won’t have to work so hard.
5. INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU BUY. A frost-free refrigerator/freezer may use 30 percent more electricity than a manual-defrost unit. Also, be sure to choose the correct cubic footage for your family, since a too-full or too empty refrigerator/freezer wastes energy.
6. UNPLUG YOUR SECOND REFRIGERATOR. Refrigerators are big energy users, so if your second refrigerator is not being used to full capacity, unplug it. It could save you $15.00 a month or more, depending on it’s size.
So…it’s just you and hubby tonight…huh? How about some of these inexpensive date ideas?
*Go on a walk at sunset. It’s beautiful and relaxing.
*Go for a bike ride.
*Go rummage through a flea market.
*Visit a local art or natural history museum.
*Go to a local bookstore’s reading of poetry or just browse.
*Go stargazing. Many community colleges have free observatory nights.
*Take a picnic basket to a park (if it’s rainy, do it indoors and pretend).
*Go out for coffee and dessert instead of dinner.
*Go to matinees vs. nighttime shows.
*Go miniature golfing.
*Use two-for-one coupons for restaurants.
*Enjoy a candlelight dinner at home.
If you have a dollar stretching tip to share please send
it to Rebecca Knox at: proverbs31heart@yahoo.com. Be sure and put
"Dollars and Sense" on the subject line. Thank you!
READER’S COMMENTS:
This letter came in from a reader in Warrington, PA:
“I want to praise God for placing such women as you in my life. What an eye opener to a better life with Christ. Thank you for the time you need to write this e-mail and challenge us to be a better wife and mother and child of God. It is working for me…helping me to think and see clearer of what God wants from even me. Thanks again.”
( Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! God bless you! And may He continue to touch women such as yourself through the pages of this e-zine. )
HEARTH AND HOME QUESTION:
“…I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound…” (Philippians 4:11-12)
In the above verse the Apostle Paul tells us that, no matter what conditions he found himself in…he had LEARNED to be content. My question this week is…how many of US have LEARNED to be content? How is that one LEARNS to be content with whatever it is that he or she has…whether with or without…rich or poor?
If you don't mind me sharing your answer in a future issue of HEARTH AND HOME send it in an e-mail to:
Be sure and put "HEARTH AND HOME QUESTION " on the subject line. Thank you!
TO MAKE IN CELEBRATION OF AUTUMN:
AN AROMATIC CANDLE PUMPKIN
1 pumpkin
Cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
1 short fat candle
Cut and remove the lid of the pumpkin. Clean out the seeds and pulp, then carve pretty designs all around the pumpkin. Sprinkle choice of spice (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc.) all around on the inside of the pumpkin and the inside of the lid. Set a candle inside the pumpkin. Replace the lid on pumpkin. This creates a wonderful aroma when the candle is lit.
AN APPLE CENTERPIECE
Nestle a stocky candle in the center of a simple glass salad or punch bowl, then fill around it with small fruits. There's no need to purchase a tall, expensive candle. Choose a short one and elevate it on a candle stand or aluminum can. Then completely cover the stand or can with apples.
STUFFED SQAUSH
Skinny striped squash make whimsical containers for playful tapers and posies. Hollow the squash with an apple corer, then take a thin slice off the bottom to keep it upright. Place the squash on a plate or tray to protect your tabletop from moisture.
BLOWING IN THE WIND
Capture the fluttering beauty of falling leaves by suspending them on silk cords. Hang the leaves in front of a window--and watch how the light illuminates their web-like skeletons. For a point of iridescence, string a single glass bead onto each length of cord, knotting it below. Slip the leaf stem through both knot and bead.
EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Unearth fall-themed serving pieces from your cupboards and let them shine as the focal points of natural displays. Here, the woodsy tones of a leaf-patterned ironstone pitcher and bowl call for the fruits of fall in similar shades of brown and gold. Clusters of oak leaves spill from the pitcher; dark pinecones and golden gourds grace the bowl for a visual feast that only autumn can host.
RECIPES:
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
- 3 pounds lean beef, round or rump
- 2 tablespoons butter or other fat
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pinch thyme
- 6 small whole carrots
- 3 large potatoes, quartered
- 1/2 pound small white boiling onions
Cut meat into small pieces. Brown in fat. Add water to cover and seasonings. Simmer, covered, about 2 hours. Add vegetables and simmer until vegetables are tender--about 30 minutes.
Serves 6.
Baked Chicken Delight
- 4-5 cups cooked chicken
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1cup raw rice
- salt, pepper, sweet basil, rosemary
- chicken broth-2 cups
- 1 can evaporated milk
Place chicken meat in shallow pan. Sprinkle with salt and herbs to taste. Saute onions in butter until tender-do not let brown! Arrange onion over chicken. Sprinkle rice evenly over top and add enough chicken broth to cover. Cover pan and bake at 350 degrees one and one-half hours. Add milk, full strength. Re-cover and bake another 30 minutes. Do not stir.
Chicken and Black Bean Chili
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb chicken tenderloins, cut in 1/2" pieces
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 can beans - pinto, white, or small red, drained (15 ounces)
- 1 can black beans, drained (15 ounces)
- 1 can stewed tomatoes, Mexican style, (15 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder or seasoning mix
In large skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, brown chicken and onion over medium heat. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce to low; simmer for about 20 minutes.
Serves 6.
Microwave Fried Apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups peeled & sliced Granny Smith apples
- 3 cups peeled & sliced Rome Beauty apples
In a small mixing bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon, stirring until the cornstarch is fully distributed.
Arrange the apples in a casserole dish, and cover with the sugar mixture. Cover, and microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until the sugar is melted. Stir and cook, uncovered, another 4 minutes, or until the apples are soft through the center. They should be fork tender. Stir and serve.
Sweet Potato-Pecan Cookies
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup well-mashed or pureed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp finely grated orange rind
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; set aside. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, sweet potato, vanilla, and orange rind. Beat mixture into dry ingredients. Stir in pecans.
Drop batter by teaspoonful onto lightly buttered cookie sheets, leaving about 1 1/2 inches between them. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until browned. Cool on racks and store in an airtight container.
If desired glaze with a mixture of 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons orange juice while cookies are still warm.
Makes about 3 dozen.
Pumpkin Roll
- 3 Eggs
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2/3 cup Pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Filling
- 8 ounces Cream cheese -- softened
- 4 tablespoons Butter -- or margarine
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1. in large bowl, combine eggs and sugar, beating well. Add pumpkin and lemon juice, mixing until blended.
2.In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, spices and salt. Add to egg mixture, mixing well. Spread batter into greased and waxed-paper lined 10-by-15-inch jelly-roll pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool for 15 minutes. Place cake on clean tea towel sprinkled liberally with powdered sugar. Cool 10 min. longer. From 10- inch side, roll cake up in towel. Set aside.
4. Meanwhile, prepare filling. Unroll cake. Evenly spread filling over cake. Roll up cake (without the towel). Wrap in plastic wrap. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Slice before serving. Keep leftover slices refrigerated.
FILLING: Beat together cream cheese and butter or margarine. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until smooth.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
FOR THE CHILDREN:
My daughter found this REALLY cute site for children! You and your children can visit it by going to: http://akidsheart.com/ Enjoy!
Well, Ladies, that’s it for this time! Until next time I pray God’s blessings upon you, your family, and your home. HAPPY AUTUMN!
~Rebecca
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
TACO SOUP
 |
| Taco Soup |
1/2 lbs. ground beef (I use ground turkey.)
1 envelope taco seasoning (I make my own. I'll share the recipe below.)
2 cans whole kernel corn, undrained
2 cans ranch style or chili beans
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
Cook ground meat, add seasonings, corn, tomatoes, and beans. Simmer. Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, or flour tortillas.
(This recipe was given to me by my daughter-in-law, Angie, years ago (I think she got it from Weight Watchers), and it has become one of our family favorites. It is very, VERY good...especially on a cold and rainy day!)
(This recipe was given to me by my daughter-in-law, Angie, years ago (I think she got it from Weight Watchers), and it has become one of our family favorites. It is very, VERY good...especially on a cold and rainy day!)
TACO SEASONING MIX
(This recipe makes the best tacos!)
2 teaspoons instant minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper
1/2 teaspoon instant minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until evenly distributed. Spoon mixture onto a 6-inch square of aluminum foil and fold to make airtight. Label. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months. Makes 1 package (about 2 tablespoons) TACO SEASONING MIX. To make additional packages increase ingredient amounts proportionately.
From My Heart...
Over the years I've had a lot of people ask me why we don't celebrate Halloween...so...since I just posted THE REAL HALLOWEEN, I thought I should add this...
In the past, I have been known to radically oppose Halloween, and, for the past several years, have sent out plenty of information trying to expose the truth behind the holiday. The reason for this is (some of you know this, and some of you don't), is that, not only do I have a family history steeped deep in Celtic roots and traditions, but, my first husband was a Satanic priest...a warlock. Believe me, the dark side of Halloween is very real, and so are all the occult practices that go along with it.
Have I ever celebrated Halloween? You bet! I grew up celebrating Halloween. At one time, Halloween was bigger for me than Christmas! Even after being married to a Satanic priest, I STILL celebrated Halloween. I was very young and very dumb back then (18-years-old). We weren't together more than a few months, and it wasn't until years later that I was able to start making all the connections, and putting things together, in a spiritual sense. Our family finally stopped celebrating Halloween altogether about 20 years ago.
Do I miss Halloween? Sometimes...the fun, cute, little-kiddie side of it...you know...the dressing up part and getting candy. But, then, when I think of that, it doesn't take but a moment or two, before the truth that is behind all that comes flooding in, and, then, no, I don't miss it at all.
I guess the point of what I'm trying to say is, the dark side of Halloween IS very real. Our children need to be protected from, and not introduced to things, that can, and will, lead many of them into the occult. Please pray over all the children that will be out and about this Halloween. Many of them will suffer terrible things due to the ignorance of those that they have been entrusted to for safe keeping.
Thanks for allowing me to share to my heart.
~Rebecca
In the past, I have been known to radically oppose Halloween, and, for the past several years, have sent out plenty of information trying to expose the truth behind the holiday. The reason for this is (some of you know this, and some of you don't), is that, not only do I have a family history steeped deep in Celtic roots and traditions, but, my first husband was a Satanic priest...a warlock. Believe me, the dark side of Halloween is very real, and so are all the occult practices that go along with it.
Have I ever celebrated Halloween? You bet! I grew up celebrating Halloween. At one time, Halloween was bigger for me than Christmas! Even after being married to a Satanic priest, I STILL celebrated Halloween. I was very young and very dumb back then (18-years-old). We weren't together more than a few months, and it wasn't until years later that I was able to start making all the connections, and putting things together, in a spiritual sense. Our family finally stopped celebrating Halloween altogether about 20 years ago.
Do I miss Halloween? Sometimes...the fun, cute, little-kiddie side of it...you know...the dressing up part and getting candy. But, then, when I think of that, it doesn't take but a moment or two, before the truth that is behind all that comes flooding in, and, then, no, I don't miss it at all.
I guess the point of what I'm trying to say is, the dark side of Halloween IS very real. Our children need to be protected from, and not introduced to things, that can, and will, lead many of them into the occult. Please pray over all the children that will be out and about this Halloween. Many of them will suffer terrible things due to the ignorance of those that they have been entrusted to for safe keeping.
Thanks for allowing me to share to my heart.
~Rebecca
THE REAL HALLOWEEN
I keep getting cute little e-mails from Christian sources all over the place that try to convince me that Halloween is a "Christian" holiday and that it's okay to practice it...as long as we keep it within the "right" perspective and spirit. I'm sorry, but nothing could be further from the truth! Halloween was NEVER a "Christian" holiday!
CELTIC NEW YEAR
October 31 is the most important day in the satanic year. It marks the Celtic new year, and is always at the end of the growing season, thus it became the "Festival of Death." On this day, the god of the Celts was to have called up the spirits of the wicked dead who had died during the past year. At the same time, other evil spirits arose and went about the countryside harassing the people. On October 31, the Celts expected to be harassed by ghosts, evil spirits, and demons; and it was no fun and games to them! They would light bonfires to guide the spirits to their own town and to ward off evil spirits.
THE DRUIDS
The Celts had satanic priests called Druids. On October 31, the Druids went from house to house demanding certain foods, and all those who refused were cursed. The people were tormented by means of magic. As they went, the Druids carried large turnips which they had hollowed out and carved in demon faces as charms. Each one was believed to contain the demon spirit that personally led or guided that priest - his little god. Costumes were worn at times to hide the identity of the Druid as he would threaten people with curses if they did not comply with the food he demanded.
DIVINATION
Those who practiced fortune telling and divination found that this was the night that they had the most success. They called upon satan to bless their efforts. One form of divination was to put apples in a tub and bob for them. The one who first successfully came up with an apple without putting it in his teeth was to have good luck throughout the year. They would then peel the apple and throw the peeling over their shoulder and quickly look around. They expected to see a vision or an apparition of the one they were to marry.
SACRIFICES
These things happened several centuries before Christ. Sacrifices were made to the gods, especially the god of death: Sam Hain (pronounced Sah - win). Sacrifices all the way from vegetable to human were offered.This went on and on and in some parts of the world still goes on today.
THE 8TH CENTURY
In the eighth century, the Pope, in an effort to get the people to quit the festival of Sam Hain, invented All Saints Day (Nov. 1). This was an attempt to get the people to turn away from the horrible observance of Sam Hain. All Saints Day was intended to honor the martyrs of the Roman persecution. It didn't work. It never works to Christianize a pagan holiday. The holy and the profane don't mix!!
THE MIDDLE AGES
In the middle ages there was a great revival of satanic practices, witchcraft, and magic - like there is today. During this time, the belief developed that witches traveled on broomsticks to the black sabbaths (witchs' celebration held every October 31) to worship satan. They were guided by spirits in the form of black cats. The Druids worshipped cats
believing them to be reincarnated evil people.
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT
This festival of death has survived all of the efforts of the Church to stamp it out.The Church is joining the opposition by celebrating this festival.The devil has been very successful in invading Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, providing counterfeits for the real thing. Halloween is different. It has always been satanic in nature. Satan has deluded the Christians into celebrating his festival. All Saints Day became All
Hallows Day and came to be called in the western world All Hallows
Eve, and then All Hallows Een. Finally, the word was reduced to the way we have it today, Halloween. That's where the name came from, and even if it is called All Hallows Evening it has nothing to do with the Christian faith and it never did! The bottom line is this: Halloween has been so deluted that many parents don't even realize all the symbolism there is in trick or treating, wearing of costumes, decorating with jack-o'-
lanterns, and all the rest that goes with this evil holiday. October 31 is the night that satanists and occultists the world around look forward to for giving the most honor to satan and praying to him intensely for the fall of the Church of Jesus Christ and the destruction of families. It is the night of the human sacrifice to satan. It is the biggest day in the life of a satanist. It is not an innocent holiday!!
MODERN HALLOWEEN
Now let's look at the present day celebration of Halloween. Isn't the whole theme one of darkness, death, fear, threats, destruction and evil? There are witches, broomsticks, bats, owls, ghosts, skeletons, death, and monsters. We dress our children as demons, witches, ghouls, monsters and werewolves and send them out into the streets in the dark to reenact
the Druids' practice of demanding food from people under the threat of tricks (or curses) if they don't comply. We take, not a turnip, but a pumpkin, and carve demon faces in it and decorate with it. At Halloween there will be apple bobbing, divination, fortune telling, haunted houses, candles lit, and spirits called up. There will be seances and ouiji
boards...all in the name of fun! There will be sacrifices of dogs, cats, rats, chickens, goats, and even humans! You say, "Oh! But we don't take it seriously!" No...but the devil does..........and so does God! Particularly this is true when the church which He purchased with His blood builds haunted houses in its fellowship halls so that the little lambs who have been entrusted to its care can be terrified and opened up to invading spirits of fear, torment, and confusion. HOW THIS MUST GRIEVE THE LORD! Halloween has never been a Christian holiday and it has no place in the life of a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. In fact it is an abomination to God and we should take our stand firmly against it and all it entails. As we look into its history, we find that its roots go deep into heathenism, paganism, Satanism, and the occult; and the modern expression is no better!
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
Hosea 4:6
Ezekiel 44:23
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
James 1:27
2 Corinthians 6:14
Philippians 4:8
Deuteronomy 7:25-26
1 Thessaloians 5:21-23
1 Corinthians 10:19-23
OTHER SOURCES
American Encyclopedia
Funk & Wagnall's Encyclopedia
Student's Encyclopedia
The Standard Reference Work
Collier's Encyclopedia
Illustrated World Encyclopedia
The Columbia Encyclopedia
World Book Encyclopedia
MAJOR SOURCE
Message by Tom McKenny entitled, "Festival of Death"
CELTIC NEW YEAR
October 31 is the most important day in the satanic year. It marks the Celtic new year, and is always at the end of the growing season, thus it became the "Festival of Death." On this day, the god of the Celts was to have called up the spirits of the wicked dead who had died during the past year. At the same time, other evil spirits arose and went about the countryside harassing the people. On October 31, the Celts expected to be harassed by ghosts, evil spirits, and demons; and it was no fun and games to them! They would light bonfires to guide the spirits to their own town and to ward off evil spirits.
THE DRUIDS
The Celts had satanic priests called Druids. On October 31, the Druids went from house to house demanding certain foods, and all those who refused were cursed. The people were tormented by means of magic. As they went, the Druids carried large turnips which they had hollowed out and carved in demon faces as charms. Each one was believed to contain the demon spirit that personally led or guided that priest - his little god. Costumes were worn at times to hide the identity of the Druid as he would threaten people with curses if they did not comply with the food he demanded.
DIVINATION
Those who practiced fortune telling and divination found that this was the night that they had the most success. They called upon satan to bless their efforts. One form of divination was to put apples in a tub and bob for them. The one who first successfully came up with an apple without putting it in his teeth was to have good luck throughout the year. They would then peel the apple and throw the peeling over their shoulder and quickly look around. They expected to see a vision or an apparition of the one they were to marry.
SACRIFICES
These things happened several centuries before Christ. Sacrifices were made to the gods, especially the god of death: Sam Hain (pronounced Sah - win). Sacrifices all the way from vegetable to human were offered.This went on and on and in some parts of the world still goes on today.
THE 8TH CENTURY
In the eighth century, the Pope, in an effort to get the people to quit the festival of Sam Hain, invented All Saints Day (Nov. 1). This was an attempt to get the people to turn away from the horrible observance of Sam Hain. All Saints Day was intended to honor the martyrs of the Roman persecution. It didn't work. It never works to Christianize a pagan holiday. The holy and the profane don't mix!!
THE MIDDLE AGES
In the middle ages there was a great revival of satanic practices, witchcraft, and magic - like there is today. During this time, the belief developed that witches traveled on broomsticks to the black sabbaths (witchs' celebration held every October 31) to worship satan. They were guided by spirits in the form of black cats. The Druids worshipped cats
believing them to be reincarnated evil people.
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT
This festival of death has survived all of the efforts of the Church to stamp it out.The Church is joining the opposition by celebrating this festival.The devil has been very successful in invading Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, providing counterfeits for the real thing. Halloween is different. It has always been satanic in nature. Satan has deluded the Christians into celebrating his festival. All Saints Day became All
Hallows Day and came to be called in the western world All Hallows
Eve, and then All Hallows Een. Finally, the word was reduced to the way we have it today, Halloween. That's where the name came from, and even if it is called All Hallows Evening it has nothing to do with the Christian faith and it never did! The bottom line is this: Halloween has been so deluted that many parents don't even realize all the symbolism there is in trick or treating, wearing of costumes, decorating with jack-o'-
lanterns, and all the rest that goes with this evil holiday. October 31 is the night that satanists and occultists the world around look forward to for giving the most honor to satan and praying to him intensely for the fall of the Church of Jesus Christ and the destruction of families. It is the night of the human sacrifice to satan. It is the biggest day in the life of a satanist. It is not an innocent holiday!!
MODERN HALLOWEEN
Now let's look at the present day celebration of Halloween. Isn't the whole theme one of darkness, death, fear, threats, destruction and evil? There are witches, broomsticks, bats, owls, ghosts, skeletons, death, and monsters. We dress our children as demons, witches, ghouls, monsters and werewolves and send them out into the streets in the dark to reenact
the Druids' practice of demanding food from people under the threat of tricks (or curses) if they don't comply. We take, not a turnip, but a pumpkin, and carve demon faces in it and decorate with it. At Halloween there will be apple bobbing, divination, fortune telling, haunted houses, candles lit, and spirits called up. There will be seances and ouiji
boards...all in the name of fun! There will be sacrifices of dogs, cats, rats, chickens, goats, and even humans! You say, "Oh! But we don't take it seriously!" No...but the devil does..........and so does God! Particularly this is true when the church which He purchased with His blood builds haunted houses in its fellowship halls so that the little lambs who have been entrusted to its care can be terrified and opened up to invading spirits of fear, torment, and confusion. HOW THIS MUST GRIEVE THE LORD! Halloween has never been a Christian holiday and it has no place in the life of a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. In fact it is an abomination to God and we should take our stand firmly against it and all it entails. As we look into its history, we find that its roots go deep into heathenism, paganism, Satanism, and the occult; and the modern expression is no better!
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
Hosea 4:6
Ezekiel 44:23
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
James 1:27
2 Corinthians 6:14
Philippians 4:8
Deuteronomy 7:25-26
1 Thessaloians 5:21-23
1 Corinthians 10:19-23
OTHER SOURCES
American Encyclopedia
Funk & Wagnall's Encyclopedia
Student's Encyclopedia
The Standard Reference Work
Collier's Encyclopedia
Illustrated World Encyclopedia
The Columbia Encyclopedia
World Book Encyclopedia
MAJOR SOURCE
Message by Tom McKenny entitled, "Festival of Death"
PUMPKIN STREUSEL MUFFINS
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese cut into 12 cubes
Streusel:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cold butter or margarine
In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, beat the egg; add milk, pumpkin and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill 12 greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full. Place a cream cheese cube in the center of each. Top with remaining batter. For streusel, combine brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack. Yield: 1 dozen.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Nursery Rhyme Theme Tea 10/10/09
Today my daughter, two daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, and I enjoyed a tea hosted by a local historical site (the Harry S. Truman Birth Home in Lamar, MO). We had such a good time! Thought I'd share a photo or two...
Friday, October 9, 2009
APPLE CAKE
4 cups peeled, finely chopped apples
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil (we use olive)
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 cups flour (we use half unbleached white/half wheat)
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped nuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking
spray. In bowl stir together apples and sugar; let stand for 20 minutes,
stirring often, to allow moisture to make juice. Add oil, eggs and vanilla to
apples. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; add to apple
mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes or
until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Top with sifted
powder sugar.
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil (we use olive)
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 cups flour (we use half unbleached white/half wheat)
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped nuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking
spray. In bowl stir together apples and sugar; let stand for 20 minutes,
stirring often, to allow moisture to make juice. Add oil, eggs and vanilla to
apples. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; add to apple
mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes or
until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Top with sifted
powder sugar.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
TEXAS SQUASH SKILLET
4 Tbs. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 lbs. summer squash (any kind), sliced (I just used the last of this summer's scallop squash)
1 can tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet saute onion, green pepper, and garlic. Stir in squash, tomatoes, and seasoning. Cook over low heat, stirring occassionally, till squash is tender. Sprinkle cheese over top and serve.
(NOTE: I served this for supper tonight and served it with French bread made in the bread machine. It was very good! Husband and son both said they'd like to have this one again! :)
1 large onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 lbs. summer squash (any kind), sliced (I just used the last of this summer's scallop squash)
1 can tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet saute onion, green pepper, and garlic. Stir in squash, tomatoes, and seasoning. Cook over low heat, stirring occassionally, till squash is tender. Sprinkle cheese over top and serve.
(NOTE: I served this for supper tonight and served it with French bread made in the bread machine. It was very good! Husband and son both said they'd like to have this one again! :)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Creamy Ranch Potatoes And Chicken
2 1/2 pounds of potatoes, cubed
1 1-oz. package of Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 (10 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped onion
salt and pepper to taste
Spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients together and place in crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
1 1-oz. package of Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 (10 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped onion
salt and pepper to taste
Spray crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients together and place in crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Make Your Own Microwave Popcorn
You can make microwave popcorn yourself, using a paper lunch bag. Just cover the bottom with kernels. Microwave for about 1 minute 30 seconds (microwaves vary so you may have to experiment with timing). Take it out, being careful of the steam when you open it. If you need salt, you can spray inside the bag with Pam, then the salt will stick. Gourmet popcorn for pennies!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
JOURNAL ENTRY - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2009
By Rebecca, simply yours
~I Awoke To...
...a cool, gray, rainy morning...yet, with all that, it's warmer this morning than it has been most lately. We've been waking up to temps in the mid- to upper-40's; right now it's 64 degrees.
~I Am Hearing...
...the rain as it gently patters against the south side of the house. I can hear the 'ping' as each drop hits, then bounces off, the air condition that is in the living room window.
~I Am Praising The LORD For...
...the beautiful weather, the cooler temps, the miracles that He continues to bring forth and work in the lives of each of our children and grandchildren, for the fact that Silas is doing so extraordinarily well with his new prosthetic (he's only had it a month and word has it that he'll be ready for a new one much, MUCH sooner than expected!), and for the wonders of autumn in Missouri.
~Things That Make Me Smile...
...corn shocks, straw bales, big orange pumpkins, and mums!
~I Am Thinking...
...about good friends...past and present...and about all the wonderful people that God has brought into our lives at different reasons and different seasons over the years...and I am so thankful for each one...for the times we've shared and even for the not-so-good-times...for in them lessons have been learned and growth has taken place. God has always been there.
~My Plans For Today...
...school, clean house, do a load or two of laundry, dry some more basil, put up peppers, and make out October's bills.
~What's For Dinner...
...stuffed pepper casserole and corn on the cob
~I Awoke To...
...a cool, gray, rainy morning...yet, with all that, it's warmer this morning than it has been most lately. We've been waking up to temps in the mid- to upper-40's; right now it's 64 degrees.
~I Am Hearing...
...the rain as it gently patters against the south side of the house. I can hear the 'ping' as each drop hits, then bounces off, the air condition that is in the living room window.
~I Am Praising The LORD For...
...the beautiful weather, the cooler temps, the miracles that He continues to bring forth and work in the lives of each of our children and grandchildren, for the fact that Silas is doing so extraordinarily well with his new prosthetic (he's only had it a month and word has it that he'll be ready for a new one much, MUCH sooner than expected!), and for the wonders of autumn in Missouri.
~Things That Make Me Smile...
...corn shocks, straw bales, big orange pumpkins, and mums!
~I Am Thinking...
...about good friends...past and present...and about all the wonderful people that God has brought into our lives at different reasons and different seasons over the years...and I am so thankful for each one...for the times we've shared and even for the not-so-good-times...for in them lessons have been learned and growth has taken place. God has always been there.
~My Plans For Today...
...school, clean house, do a load or two of laundry, dry some more basil, put up peppers, and make out October's bills.
~What's For Dinner...
...stuffed pepper casserole and corn on the cob