APPLES OF GOLD

Materials needed:

• A scrap of fabric – approximately 6″ by 12″ Batting – approximately 6″ by 12″
• Thread
• Potpourri – apple and cinnamon scent works great

(Note: If you fabric is light weight and the dishes are apt to be very hot, use cotton batting. Polyester batting is more likely to melt.)

Directions:

Cut your scrap of fabric in half to make two six inch squares. With the right sides together, seam three sides (1/2″ seam allowance).
Turn so right side of fabrics are out. Cut your batting in half to make two six inch squares. Seam three sides (3/4″ seam allowance).
Trim the seam to 1/4″.
Stuff a small amount of potpourri between the batting layers.
Seam the remaining side and trim the seam allowance.
Stuff the batting into your fabric pocket.
Turn the edges of the opening under 1/2′”.
Topstitch near the edge.

Tips for Your Scented Hot Pad

Vary the potpourri scent to your family’s favorite.
Vary the size to fit under your larger casserole dishes.
Topstitch all the edges for a slightly different effect.

(This was taken from a piece printed in a .pdf I have, unfortunately, there is no copyright information to cite)

Chamomile flowers can be found at any herbal or health food store.

This may look weird on your face, but the feeling you get when you touch your skin after using it ….  MAH-velous.

1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
1/4 cup boiling water
2 tbsp bran
1 tsp clear honey, warmed

In a bowl, pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers.
Let stand 30 minutes.
Strain the infusion and discard the chamomile flowers.
Mix 3 tbsp of the liquid with the bran and honey.
Rub this mixture all over your face.

Ignore the stiff feeling.  It will smooth out over your skin.
Leave on for 10 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water.

Makes single 6-ounce serving

39 calories

1/2 ounce orange juice base, unreconstituted
1/2 ounce apple juice base, unreconstituted
5 ounces club soda
1 orange slice
1 cherry

Combine juices in glass.  Add soda and enough ice to fill glass.
Garnish with slice and cherry.

SERVES 6

Try on black bean cakes for a more interesting side.

1 cup whole kernel corn
1 small red onion, diced
1/4 chopped fresh cilantro
the juice of two limes
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 medium avocado, cut into bite-size pieces
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
1 16-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
salt to taste

Mix all ingredients.
Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

SERVES 4-6

The lime juice will keep the guacamole from turning brown and bring it a much more interesting flavor than lemon juice.
The sour cream turns it to satin.

the pulp of two avocados
the juice of two limes
1 clove garlic
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 cup red onion
1/2 teaspoon ground roasted cumin
sea salt
cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sour cream

Mash the avocado with a potato masher..
Using a fork, whisk in the remaining ingredients except for the sour cream.
(can also do this in a food processor – will give silkier texture)
Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Whisk in the sour cream, and you are ready to serve.

Make 8-10 Servings.

NUTRITION INFO – per serving without radicchio
167 calories, 12 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 8 grams carbohydrate, 34 mg sodium, 32 mg cholesterol.

4 cups cubed, cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups green seedless grapes
1 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or creamy salad dressing)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Freshly ground white or black pepper, to taste
Radicchio or other lettuce leaves, optional

COMBINE chicken, grapes and pecans in large bowl.  Set aside.
STIR mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, poppy seeds and pepper in small bowl to blend well.
ADD to chicken mixture.
TOSS well to coat.

If desired, serve the salad on radicchio leaves.

When it comes to a holiday spread or, perhaps, a party of friends, cheese trays are an easy accompaniment for appetizers and snacks.

Here’s a tip to take them over the edge and be the talk of the party.

COOKIE CUTTERS AND CANDY MOLDS.

Use the cookie cutters of any shape (leaves for fall, footballs for the SuperBowl, bunnies for Easter – you’re only limited by your imagination!)
Use them to cut the cheese…er, on the table that is!  OR

Coarsely chop (if your cheese isn’t already grated) and place in micro-wave safe measuring cup (or melt fondue style on the stove…)
When cheese is melted and pourable, pour into the candy molds.

Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set.  Remove from the molds by flexing the mold.

Cheese is a dairy product.  You’ll want to refrigerate it until serving.

Remember, type of cheese and pattern of cookie cutter or candy mold is only limited by your imagination.  HOW COOL IS THAT?

Epsom salts just not enough for you?  Over doing it in the exercise or honey do department?
Try this to relieve suffering in joints and muscles!
It helps stimulate the circulation.

2 tablespoons almond oil
2 drops lemon grass oil
2 drops coriander oil
2 drops clove oil

Measure the almond oil carefully into a small dish.
Slowly drop in all the other essential oils.
Mix the ingredients all together.
Turn on bath tap.
Pour ingredients into bath while water is running to fill bath.
Rinse dish under the running tap to insure all the oils have gone into the bath water.
Take a long, relaxing bath.