Ways to use tea bags:

After washing, wipe cast-iron pots and pans with used tea bags - the tannins in the tea create a rust-preventing layer.

-For dry skin bathe in green tea. Throw a few tea bags under a running faucet - the antioxidants will re-hydrate skin.
-Open dry, used tea bags and add the contents to kitty litter. Tea's antibacterial properties neutralize odor.
-Cooking fish or garlic? Wipe palms with wet tea bags afterward. Odors will disappear.
-Apply warm, wet tea bags to your face. The tannins will tighten pores and reduce puffiness
www.watkinsonline.com/hutto
sunnywatkinsgirl@aol.com
Order toll free: 888-965-7070

Watkins Original low-alcohol, double-strength is on sale in May. 11 oz. Reg $13.99 - now $10.99

Hi All, hope you are all feeling good. Just a note on asparagus. We grow our own. Of course fresh is the best.

We started cooking it in the microwave instead of boiling on stove top. Awesome. Cut stem in sections of toughness. Put stem tops aside. Cook stem on high in microwave about 5 minutes. Check for doneness. Put stem tops in for another 4 minutes, again check for doneness - softness. This way you do lose the color of the veggie. A little butter and salt, is yummy in the tummy.
Carolyn, Rochester, New York

I have started the process of moving the recipes and newsletter over to Nancy's Kitchen.  This weekend between high winds, electricity flickering off and on, hail and thunderstorms much of the May newsletters have been moved over.  Right now it is not connected to the main site of Nancy's Kitchen but it can be accessed by going to
http://www.nancyskitchen.co.uk

The May alphabetical index to the newsletter recipes

Hi Nancy. Marti in Oregon wanted a recipe for "Mustard green Beans". I have never made it with Green beans but have a recipe using Yellow beans, that is if she means pickles.
Betty in Canada

Mustard Bean Pickles

Wash and trim ends from
1 (6-quart) basket young yellow string beans.
Cut into 1" lengths. This amount will measure about 15 cups prepared beans.
Cook in boiling salted water until just tender.

MUSTARD SAUCE
Mix together in a large saucepan or kettle;
2-1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon turmeric
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup dry mustard
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Blend in;
1/2 cup vinegar

Heat to boiling point
2-1/2 cups vinegar
1 tablespoon celery seeds
Stir hot liquid slowly into flour mixture.

Place over moderate heat, stirring until thickened and smooth (about 5 minutes). Add drained beans; bring mixture to boiling point. Ladle into hot sterilized jars, seal and let cool. Store in a dark, dry, cool place.
Yield:- About 6 Pints.

VARIATION:-
Winter Mustard Pickles

Substitute 4 (20-ounce) cans cut golden wax beans, drained, in above recipe. You should have about 10 cups drained beans.
Yield:- About 5 pints.

Ann was wanting to kow where to buy rhubarb. The only place I've been able to find the frozen is Publix. Once in a very great while Winn-Dixie has the fresh. I sure miss having the fresh. We used to have it stewed and used it as topping on ice crem and anything else we could think of it was so good! I've tried growing it but it just doesn't do well where I live in Florida. Plus, here it's an annual and the first year of rhubarb isn't really that good.

I sure hope your AC is fixed soon Nancy! If your weather is anything like ours, it is HOT!!!
Sue in Fl

Hi, I am trying to catch up on my favorite newsletter. On May 4th Chris in NM says she steams rice in her Black and Decker steamer. I would LOVE to know how to do that. I use it to steam veggies but I am at a loss as how to do the rice, could you help me out? Nancy, this site has been a great teaching and learning tool for all of us.
Thanks, Dixiegrits in AL

I would like to grown some herbs this year. Any tips?
Liz

This is for Nancyb who was asking about sliced potatoes cooking in the oven. I always slice mine and then cook them until they are almost done on top of the stove before I make my scalloped potatoes. I've never had a problem with them getting soggy or anything as long as you don't over cook them first. Works for me every time! Hope this helps.
Kathy Clark in SW Kansas

To Susanna In LA
The link you sent to Fetch Books . com does not work it brings up some other site named Mania beyons entertainment and I even typed in the address bar just what you have and it still brings that site up and then tried to do a search on it and it says there is no such site
I would like to look at this site if you can get me the right address for it.
Thanks, Shirley Calif

Comment
I just checked the link and it was
http://www.fetchbook.info/ 

RE: Blackened Grey Grates on Gas Stove - Sandy Miller, Wixom, MI (formerly from Hazel Park, MI)

I just got my first NEW gas stove and let me say it was way more than your bargain. Mine is a Maytag and it too has the Grey grates. According to the instruction booklet you wash w/ warm, soapy water and a non abrasive, plastic scrubbing pad. For stubborn soils, clean w/a soap filled pad or a sponge and cooktop cleaning creme.

For Burned on soils, remove grates, place on newspapers and carefully spray with commercial Oven cleaner. (Do Not spray surrounding surfaces).Place in plastic bags for several hours or over night. Wearing Rubber Gloves, remove from bags. Wash, rinse, dry and replace on cooktop.

But manual does note that though the grates are durable, over time they will lose their shine/and or discolor due to the high temps of the gas flame.
Cheryl, Charlotte, NC

For Marie in VA (5/24/08 Recipes ) - Here is my Carolina Barbecue Sauce
recipe, very TNT:

Carolina Barbecue Sauce
1/2 cup margerine
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup catsup
2 bay leaves (optional - remove, if you use)
2 onions, medium, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 dash Tabasco sauce

Mix above ingredients and simmer for about 20 minutes. I DO recommend doubling the sauce recipe, depending on what you will be using it on. I use it with Crockpot Pork Roast (4 lb.) shredded and need more than the original recipe.
Barbara in AL

I have a request for a curry gravy recipe that tastes like the "S&B Golden Curry sauce mix". Everything I have tried doesn't have the same good flavor.
Thanks Darlene/Utah

Hi Nancy and landers,
I have noticed a lot of people looking for the Cream of Shrimp. I live in Warner Robins Ga, and our local Walmart Carries it. Its right next to the other Cream of soups (or the less heard of anyway) I find it around Cream of Onion and Oyster Stew. I dont know if this will help anyone though. I just bought 4 cans. They are 1.25 each. Hope everyone has a great day, and be safe!
Chrissy in Warner Robins Ga

Nancy S in FL: I hope you enjoy the angel food cake! Yes, mix the pudding dry with the other ingredients, then pour the mixture over the cake pieces. As the cake chills, the pudding mixture "bonds" the cake together, and it becomes "whole" again. (My kids call it magic cake, lol!) I am going to experiment with chocolate pudding and sugar-free strawberry glaze that you would use for shortcakes. Anyway, let me know what you think of the cake!
Lori in IL

Hi Nancy and all cat people; Spray dry CLEAN litter pans with cooking spray before putting clean litter in the pans. I buy cheap brand from Dollar General Store. The pans are a lot easier to scoop, the "deposits" left by kitty do not stick to litter pan.
Margaret, Tulsa

I have a problem with blue enamel bake ware. IT turns brown on the bottom. I tried SOS pads ,bar keepers friend. Nothing works. Do you think it would be ok to use oven cleaner ?
Pauline

May 24 n/l Jane in Colorado asked about a shower cleaner using Jet Dry. Here it is, Jane.
Barb in OKC


Take about one ounce of Jet-Dry Rinse Agent used in dishwashers and add water (i use a plastic bottle that holds approximately 26 ounces of water). . I fill the bottle to the top with water after measuring in the Jet Dry.

Keep this bottle in the shower and spray shower and shower floor after your shower. You will never have to clean your shower again. I also use a Clorox bleach pen for the stubborn places where mold sometimes appear. I've been using this cleaner for two months and my shower always looks as though I've put a lot of effort into cleaning it.
Joann in SC

Hi Nancy and furry friends. Does anyone have a recipe for Sugardaddys (in Columbia Ohio) blondies. I saw them on the food channel and they looked good.
Thanks Kathy in Fl

Hi Nancy, here is some more diabetic jam and
jelly recipes for Karen T and Dee in SIL.

Strawberry-Banana Jam
4 cups (2 pt.) cleaned strawberries
1 large banana, peeled and sliced
1 (1 3/4 oz.) pkg. powdered fruit pectin
4 tsp. liquid sweetener
1/4 tsp red food coloring

In medium saucepan, combine fruit and crush slightly. Stir in fruit pectin. Bring to boil and boil gently, stirring constantly, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in sweetener and food coloring. Pour into freezer containers. Cover, freeze. Thaw before serving Storing in refrigerator after opening. I prefer using jars.
Makes 2 pints; 7 calories per 1 tablespoon.

Peach Jam With Pectin
4 cups peeled peaches
3 to 4 tsp. liquid sweetener
1 Tbsp. unsweetened lemon juice
1/2 tsp. ascorbic acid
1 (1 3//4 oz. ) pkg. powdered fruit pectin

Crush peaches in saucepan. Stir in sweetener, fruit pectin, lemon juice, and ascorbic acid. Bring
to a boil; boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Continue to stir 2 minutes. Pour in freezer containers
Cover and freeze.
Makes 1 pint; 10 calories per tablespoon.

Raspberry Jam With Pectin or Blackberries
1 qt. cleaned Raspberries or Blackberries
3 to 4 tsp. liquid sweetened
1 (1 3/4 oz.) pkg powdered fruit pectin
1 Tbsp. lemon juice.

Crush berries in saucepan. Stir in sweetener, powdered fruit pectin and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; boil for 1minute. Remove from heat. Continue to stir for 2 minutes. Pour into freezer containers, cover and freeze.
Makes 2-2/3 cups. 5 calories per tablespoon.
C.J. in NE Arkansas

Nancy, this is to Mary, Green Brook, NJ asking for a good chicken burger recipe. I don?t have a chicken burger recipe, but a couple of weeks ago Oprah had one of her ?favorite things? shows and she raved about this turkey burger she had at Donald Trump?s private club in Palm Beach. It?s called a Mar-a-Lago Turkey Burger. The link will take you to Oprah?s web site and the recipe is there. I haven?t tried it, but Oprah said it was the best she ever had. Sounds interesting, to say the least!
Patricia in KY

To Danzer2, thanks for the recommendation regarding cats using the flower beds. I have always used the spray bottle of water to train my cats to stay off the tables and kitchen counters and it worked. However, I don't think I can sit outside for long enough to catch all the cats who are the culprits using the flower beds. I'll pass that tip along to my Mother ~ maybe she will want to do that.
Thanks again. Peg in East Tennessee

This is for Nancyb. I too had trouble with scalloped potatoes in the oven. It seemed to take forever, then a friend suggested I put the sliced potatoes in the microwave for about 8 to10 mins. and then transfer into a casserole dish and add the rest of the ingredients. Since I usually do a large casserole dish I had to do this in a couple of steps, but it took care of my problem. I do have a large size microwave so I can put a large corningware dish sliced pretty full. They were only cooked about halfway through. If you have a smaller microwave and need to use a smaller dish I think I'd cut down the cooking time in the microwave. You only want them to be about half cooked. It took care of my problem and didn't alter the taste.
Elaine in Pa.

Hi Nancy, I too ordered the cookbook that a reader had suggested from Fetch Books also bought another one that I like even more. It is Trisha Yearwood's Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen. It is absolutely one of the best cookbooks I have bought. And this was only $9.00 or so. Thought I would share this
Joyce in Ky.

Nancy b, when making potatoes slice in the oven, you may have to boil them for a few minute first. When you get the ones in the box they are dry potatoes, they have been cooked first. I had the same problem. Boil them just a few minutes not all the way. I think they will work that way.
Marlene of Fl.

In answer to Ella in CA - The Crockpot Barbecued Ribs do come out a bit greasy when you take them up but I drain them on a paper towel and then blot them with another. Brush on final thin layer of barbecue sauce the stick them under the broiler for about 5 minutes and they are just fine. I have never tried the KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce with Brown Sugar. I always use the Honey Brand and add my own brown sugar. I imagine you could vary this recipe anyway you please to meet your family's taste approval. Have fun with it and let me know how it all comes out.
Susana in Louisiana

Sandy Miller, Wixom, MI (formerly from Hazel Park, MI) wrote that she had some badly encrusted grills in a used gas stove she had just purchased. If you mean the racks from the oven, I usually put them in a big trash bag with a cup or two of ammonia and seal it close. I leave it overnight on my porch and in the morning, take them out and hose them down. They wipe off very easily with an old rag. If that doesn't work I suggest you contact an appliance repair and see if you can order replacements . Good luck.
Margo/Boston

This is for Sandy Miller, Wixom, MI: Have you tried putting the grates in a garbage bag and pouring ammonia over the grates, tying the bag closed with a twist tie, and letting it set in the sun for an afternoon? You will be surprised at how the grates will come out. Do this outside, as the fumes from the ammonia can be overpowering. Try it 2X if the grates are stubborn. Thanks Nancy for all you do, and keep the Ditto and Siggy stories coming!
Mary in J.C., MO

Good-morning Nancy and Friends, it's not very nice for the Bank Holiday week-end, Nicholas and Val are off to Girona on the Costa Brava for a long weekend, hope they get better weather than we got.

Nancy B, I have had the same problem with potatoe bakes, I'm sorry I can't help. The only thing I will say is when I cut down the quantities and added more sauce, I had more success.

Jan, you would be right at home in Scotland for your Polish foods. For the past 4 years we have been having an influx of Polish men and women, they come here looking for work and a better standard of living and our grocery shops have finally cottoned on to their needs.

Jerry B in Seoul, the only way I would put the difference between green chilles and jalapenos is, I can hold a green chile on my tongue, but jalape? uh uh, no way.

Anne, I have always been amused to see rhubarb for sale in Tescos and you can get canned rhubarb in our local co-op. I have too much of the stuff and was devastated to hear from Mary in Va that she never peels hers. I am going to try making a small unpeeled batch of jam, see if I spot any difference.

Vista user - I also use Vista and had a few problems with Dennis Weaver's and Abbey's Kitchen emails. My drop down/pop ups had been blocked (Nicholas being extra careful). I unblock them only for those sites. As long as you can trust the site, if yours are blocked, unblock them, see if it helps get your newsletters. Good luck.

This is a long-long-shot- Way back about 50 years ago, I had an American pen-friend, introduction through primary school, her name was Gloria Hoffman and she lived in Cleveland, Ohio. I only remember a couple of details i.e. she had a boyfriend called Joe and she was a beautiful writer for an 11 year old. Wouldn't it be a miracle if she was in the newsletter Group. I had planned to share a recipe for Irish colcannon, but I've taken up enough space today. I may put it on the Scottish Message Board - there is some question about it's origin.

Thanks Nancy for all your hard work especially under these difficult circumstances. I lost 3 stone in 6 months (post pregnancy fat) in Riyadh due to overworked and useless acs, cooking was out of the question. Fortunately we could eat at the mess hall.
Take Care All
Sylvia <Scotland>

Hi Nancy, This is for Lori in NE.

Rhubarb cake with coconut topping
1-1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
2 cups flour
12 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
5 cups rhubarb

Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 pkg coconut

Mix topping ingredients together. Sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 deg. F for one hour. Top will darken.
Hope this is what you are looking for.
Stan in PA

We're big LSU fans and this is a favorite dip for game day. We don't actually tailgate at the games but often do an alternative type of tailgating here at home with friends and family, lots of good food and plenty of purple and gold spirit!

Football Cheese and Olive Spread for Snack Crackers
(8-oz) freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/2-cup Hellmann?s mayo
5-green onions, snipped (tops and bottoms)
1/2-tspn cayenne pepper
(8-oz) softened cream cheese
1/2-cup chopped stuffed olives
2-tbspn lemon juice

Mix well and refrigerate. Serve with Townhouse Crackers
Susana in Louisiana

For Anne, who asked about buying frozen rhubarb. I almost always use frozen rhubarb and find it in the freezer section in a plastic bag. It's with the frozen strawberries, blackberries etc. The grocery I use has frozen fruit next to the frozen dessert section. My sister gave me a good tip for cooking any rhubarb, fresh or frozen. She recommended sprinkling the sugar called for in the recipe over the prepared rhubarb and let it sit that way for a bit. The sugar liquefies and I think it gives the rhubarb a just right taste of sweet and sour. I hope this will help in your search.
Doris, S. Indiana

I don't make this very often but it is always "special" when I do. Just made it last week and thought I would share it with ya'll.

Sweet Breakfast Ham
1-fully cooked ham steak
5-tbspn brown sugar
5-tbspn margarine

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ham steak on both sides. Drain. Remove ham. In the same skillet, melt the margarine, stir in brown sugar. Return ham to skillet; cook until heated through turning often.
Susana in Louisiana

I've been making this for just about as long as I've been making the Chocolate Mallow Pie. Same source. It's a summertime cookout pleaser. Goes a long way because it is so rich.

Banana Split Salad - the "salad part" is just to make you feel good ;)

1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (21-oz) can cherry pie filling
1 (8-oz) can crushed pineapple
1/2-cup chocolate chips
1(12-oz) carton Cool Whip
3 firm bananas, cut into chunks
1/2-cup chopped nuts of your choice

In a large bowl, combine the milk and Cool Whip until well blended. Fold in pie filling, bananas, pineapple, nuts and chocolate chips. Chill for at least one hour before serving.
Susana in Louisiana

I got this recipe from one of my magazines over eight years ago and it has remains a favorite with family and friends even now.

Chocolate Mallow Pie
1(6-oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3.9-oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (9-in) graham cracker crust
2-cups cold milk, divided
1-1/2-cups miniature marshmallows

In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese and 1/2-cup cold milk until smooth. Add pudding mix and remaining milk; mix well. Fold in the marshmallows. Pour into the crust. Refrigerate until serving.

Hi Nancy and "landers" and kitties: While looking through my recipe collection of many years, I came across this cookie recipe that I remember as being very, good, but just haven't made it in a long, time.

Vermont Maple Cookies
(originally found in an old Workbasket magazine)

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup nut meats
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt.

Mix butter and maple syrup into the beaten egg. Stir in Chocolate chips and nut meats. Sift together flour, soda and salt and add to mixture. Drop by tsp. onto gread pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes.

I think I will try to use sugar free maple syrup & egg beaters so I can call them "diabetic cookies". One will be enough . Everything in moderation.
Laurine in NNY on the Border

Another idea for the Farberware coffeepot ... Craigslist. Watch in Household items or put your own ad under Items Wanted. It really works.
Leah

Comment
The Craigslist may not be for everyone.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/craigslist.html
Nancy Rogers

I've been eating these since I was a little girl. They're still a treat and a great way to get veggies into your children, if you have picky eaters. I know you are thinking . . . FRIED . . . but, you have to agree these will be much better for them than a Big Mac. Our boys even eat them cold as a snack-if we have leftovers.

Zucchini Fritters
1/4-cup buttermilk
1 egg, well beaten
cornmeal
salt
freshly ground black pepper
3 zucchinis
peanut oil

In one bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg; mixing well. In another bowl combine the cornmeal, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Slice zucchini  into coins about 1/4-inch thick (no need to peel) and lay them out on a paper towel, salt generously and allow them to ?sweat? for about 10 minutes. Get the oil hot. Take a fritter and dip it into the buttermilk and then into the cornmeal and then drop into the skillet. (Three zucs will make about three batches to fry in a regular sized skillet.) When you take up a batch, allow to cool on doubled paper towel for a minute or so and taste. Salt while still hot if needed. Grind black pepper over batch and add another layer of fresh paper towel. Continue until all fritters are fried. May keep warm in oven if necessary.
Susana in Louisiana

I am needing to know the way to get rid of gnats or fruit flies, I believe that you use dawn liquid? what size jar and what else do you use?
thanks you, Waco TX