Cookie Leaves

Break from raking—it’s time for baking. Whip up a batch of cookies in advance using a leaf-shape cookie cutter. While you’re working the stove, set the kids to work too, decorating cookies with frosting, sprinkles, licorice rope, and other edibles. Display the prettiest ones on a dessert table or save them to give as gifts to friends, family, or teachers.

 

Squirrel Snacks

If you have hungry squirrels in your area this time of year, you can treat them to a nourishing cold winter snack. First, help your child use a butter knife to coat the outside of a dried corn (available to gardening and pet supply stores) with peanut butter then roll it into bird seed until it is well coated. Set the treat outside attached to a log or to a tree the squirrels are seen in. Then watch the little guys go crazy once they have discovered their new found treasure.

 

Three Ideas For Raisins

They boost iron and add a sweet touch to dishes. Even more ways to love them:
O Mix in with chicken salad to perk up a sandwich or wrap.
O Put raisins, a pinch of saffron and a sprinkling of cinnamon in cooked rice. Presto: a fragrant side dish.
O A new twist on PB&J: whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and raisins.

 

Heres A Tip

Blend sweet, juicy fruits in a chopper or blender and add to unsweetened plain yogurt for a healthy treat.
• • •
When raking leaves, use this handy-dandy hint: Rake your leaves directly onto a sheet you’ve spread on the ground. Gather up the corners and drag to your compost area.
•  • •
Use a paintbrush to dust wicker furniture. It can get into all the nooks and crannies bet­ter than any cloth.
•  • •
Shower curtains can be hung inside a regular curtain to insulate from window drafts.
•  • •
Unwrapped bars of soap can be used in closets or dresser
drawers as nice-smelling sachets until you’re ready to use them.
•  • •
Use pretty photo albums for holding recipes. The recipes will be protected in the kitchen, and these books prop open for viewing better than most books do.
•  • •
Electronic items like cam­eras and cell phones come with so many accessory cords these days. Store them in snack-size plastic baggies. Write on a small piece of paper
what the cord is for and then stick that in the bag.
•  • •
Use the plastic lids from large coffee cans underneath bottles of cooking oil or syrup in kitchen cabinets.
•  • •
To store cast-iron cookware, it must be completely dry. It can still get scratched up, though. Try inserting a paper plate between stacked pans to protect the cooking surface and to absorb any moisture or excess oil.

Egg Nog – On The Light Side

Toast the holidays with a
better-for-you take on the
original—same good cheer,
half the calories.

In a large bowl, beat together 1 quart
reduced-fat (2%) milk, 1 cup egg
substitute (such as Egg Beaters),
2 ounces brandy, 3 tablespoons sugar,
1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Beat 5 minutes
until foamy. Cover and refrigerate until
chilled. Makes 6 servings.