In life, sometimes we happen upon little nuggets of wisdom and/or know-how that help to make life go a little more smoothly. For example, have you ever pulled up to a gas station without being quite certain which side of the car the gas tank is on, or how about when you have been working on the computer and you accidentally close a tab that you really need to get back? How many of us get busy in the kitchen and don’t remember how many ounces are in a cup or how to convert from a metric measurement to imperial, or vice versa?
Look no further! Here are a few solutions, (TRICKS) to help things along, plus, I am throwing in some of my favorite recipes, (TREATS), to sweeten the deal.
Try These Time Tested TRICKS Today
How to get Rid of those pesky fruit flies!
All you need is a sheet of paper, tape, a glass jar and apple cider vinegar.
- Using the paper and tape, create a funnel
- Fill the bottom of a glass jar with apple cider vinegar, but not so much that the paper funnel can touch the vinegar
- Place the funnel inside the jar and tape around the entire opening to make a seal
- The fruit flies will find their way in, but once they find their way in they can’t find their way out
Space Saving Wrapping Paper Storage
This is a tip from my good friend Gayle Orton.
A transparent and efficient way to store your rolls of wrapping paper is to place them in a clear plastic garment bag. It keeps the rolls clean and protected and makes it easy to find just the design you are looking for.
Since we are talking about kitchen things…
We tend to do quite a bit of shopping at Costco. They have great produce and wonderful packaged products. The only problem is that we are a household of two, and rarely able to use up things before they go bad and need to be disposed of. I am talking about big bags of lemons and limes, or large jars of pesto and quart sized boxes of chicken stock. Since I refuse to throw good food away, I discovered these great silicone trays with lids. Each square holds exactly 1/2 cup. I freeze my extra juice, pesto, and stock in the trays, pop them out and keep them in labeled freezer ziploc bags and have them to use anytime I need them.
Bring Back a Closed Tab
Have you ever been working on the computer and accidentally closed a tab? If so, here is a tip that you may find useful. Simply press Ctrl+Shift+T on a PC or, if using a Mac, Cmd+Shift+T. Similarly, did you know that you can undo almost any action? Ctrl+Z (on a PC) and Cmd+Z (on a Mac). This doesn’t just undo a typing mistake, it also works if you accidentally delete or move a file. Just hit Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z to bring it right back to where it was and Ctrl+Y or Cmd+Y will redo whatever you undid). One last computer tip: You can delete an entire word instead of deleting a single letter by pressing Ctrl+Backspace, (Cmd+Backspace if using a Mac). This will delete the entire word behind the curser. A much quicker approach of you mess up a whole word.
COOK'S CONVERSION CHART
Which Side Is The Gas Tank On?
A few days ago, my husband and I were running some errands and needed to stop for gas. As we pulled up to the pump, he looked over to me, as he usually does, as if to ask, “which side”? This time, he said to me, ” Do you know how to tell which side of the car the gas tank is if you are driving a car you are not familiar with?” I answered his question with a “deer in the headlights” stare and replied, “there is a way to do that?” He gave me a sly smile and then pointed at the fuel gauge. I then learned that there is a little arrow next to the little gas icon–(I NEVER noticed that before!) That little arrow just happens to point to the side where you can find the tank! WooHoo!!! I love to learn something new, especially when it is useful. Now, I am sure that there are a great many of you who already knew this little morsel of brilliance, but for the few of you who didn’t, there ya go!
Taste Tempting TREATS
Salsa Fresca
Equipment
- Food processor (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Roma tomatoes diced
- 3-4 jalapeño peppers (stemmed) seeded and cored for less heat (optional)
- 1 large sweet onion minced
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons
- 4 tbsp cilantro chopped
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and enjoy!
Scotcheroos
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup white karo corn syrup
- 1½ cups peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- 6 cups rice krispies
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Measure rice krispies into a large bowl and set aside.In a heavy saucepan, add the sugar and karo syrup together. Cook until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly.Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until it has melted and blended in well.Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the cereal. Stir well, until all of the rice krispies are covered.Press into a 9x13-inch pan that has been sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray.In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together. (Microwave for about 30 seconds, stir and then microwave for another 30 seconds). Stir until well blended and smooth. Spread over the rice krispie mixture. Let set up for approximately an hour before cutting into bars.
Refreshing, Exotic and Delicious Huckleberry Daiquiri
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ¼ cup huckleberries fresh or frozen
- 2½ tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 ounces white rum
- crushed ice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender and mix until blended and slushy.
Buffalo Wing Popcorn
Equipment
- Air-popper (optional)
Ingredients
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
- 8 cups popped plain popcorn from ½ cup popcorn kernels
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Frank's Red Hot Original sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300° F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat parchment paper and a large bowl with nonstick spray; add popcorn to bowl. Set baking sheet aside.
- Bring sugar and ¼ cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil, swirling pan occasionally, (don't stir), until caramel is a deep amber color, 10-12 minutes.Remove from heat; add hot sauce and butter, (mixture will bubble vigorously), stir to combine. Return to a boil and cook another 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in salt, baking soda, and cayenne. Working quickly (and very carefully - caramel will be very hot), pour caramel mixture over popcorn and toss to coat.Spread out popcorn on prepared baking sheet and bake, tossing once, until dry, 15-20 minutes. Let cool.Do ahead; popcorn can be made 4 hours ahead. Store airtight at room temperature to keep out moisture
Do you have some great ideas or tips? Share them here.
Have An Entertaining Day!
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