Tip of the Day # 108: Benefits of Vinegar as a Cleaner

WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH TO VINEGAR AS YOUR MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER:
--A 5% solution of vinegar that is commonly sold in every supermarket kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs/viruses
--the odor of vinegar diminishes much faster than bleach
--vinegar is a completely biodegradable product so it is safe for the environment
--vinegar is a much cheaper alternative

Tip of the Day # 107: DIY Ice Packs

Want to make your own ice packs for kids lunches or booboos?
All you need is 1 part rubbing alcohol and 3 parts water in a Ziploc bag and freeze--its that easy!

Tip of the Day # 106: Preserving your Veggies

Wrapping your celery, broccoli and lettuce in tin foil before storing in the fridge will allow it to stay fresh for up to 6 weeks!

Tip of the Day # 105: Removing Marker from wood

This tip has come in handy SO many times!!
To remove permanent marker from wood floors, dab a small amount of white toothpaste on the area and vigorously scrub until the marker is gone. Has worked every time for me!

SOUP RECIPES!

Tis the season for warm, hearty foods on a cozy evening, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch! There is nothing I like more!

Please feel free to SHARE your favourite soup recipes below for everyone to try!!! I would also LOVE to expand my soup database this Winter :)

Here is a favourite of mine--and so simple!

BROCOLI & CHEDDAR SOUP

1 1/4 tablespoons melted butter

5/8 medium chopped onion
1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup flour
2 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
5/8 lb fresh broccoli
1 1/4 cups carrot, julienned
1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
10 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 to taste salt and pepper

*You can also add a pinch of garlic to the recipe*

Directions:

1 Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
2 Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
3 Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4 Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
5 Add salt and pepper. Can be puréed in a blender but I don't. Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

Baked Apples in a Bag

 Great for the whole family!

Want a healthy, quick snack that will satisfy your cravings?? TASTES LIKE APPLE PIE FILLING AND
LESS THAN 100 CALORIES!

I had originally saw this recipe posted on Pinterest, but I played around with it a bit until it was to my liking!

All you need is:

1 small-medium sized apple (the original called for Granny Smith, but I used Empire)
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4tsp Cornstarch
1 spoonful of sugar (or sweetner if preferred)
1 tsp of water
 1 Medium Sized Ziploc freezer bag (durable to withstand heat in microwave) or use a microwave-safe contained with lid.
Raisins, nuts, etc optional

Instructions:

1. The original recipe called for peeled OR unpeeled apple slices, however, the first time I attempted the recipe, I wasn't too fond of the cooked 'skin' taste.
2. Place apple slices & all ingredients in Ziploc bag, close and shake until all pieces are covered.
3. Open a small corner of the bag to act as a vent for steam.
4. Microwave for 2 minutes--let sit before removing from microwave as the bag will be VERY hot!
5. Open up, take a fork and dig in!!

SO DELICIOUS!

Tip of the Day # 104: Keeping socks in Order

Place a mesh bag on each family member's door handle--have each person throw their socks in their bag every night. Come laundry day, just zip each bag up and throw directly in the washer and dryer--not only will it stop confusion on which socks belong to whom, but also, socks won't go missing in the dryer! :)