How To Do Everything

If you are like most people, this holiday season your wallet may be feeling the pinch.  Well let me tell you there are plenty of ways you can still give gifts that people will appreciate without having to spend much, if anything.

1. Look around your house.  Maybe you have a giveaway pile or basket.  Search through the bin and see what you have in there, you may be hiding a present goldmine!
2. Make treats!   You can simply make a basket full of goodies for everyone on your list.  Consider catering to those with dietary restrictions like diabetes, by making sugar-free treats!
3. Make ornaments.  You can make ornaments out of lots of things; dough, beads, whatever….. You can even purchase round, clear ornament bulbs from the local craft store and personalize them to fit each person.
4. Shop at the DollarTree.  If you have one of those great stores where everything is $1, it can be a great place to shop.  As a teenager, I would go in and purchase stuff for my entire family and still have money left over.  You can create your own bath and body baskets from their selections.  You could also make a candle basket or whatever you find.
5. Get Crafty.  If you are talented perhaps you can knit or crochet, or maybe you can make jewelry.  Whatever the case, now is the time to break out that craft kit and get to work.

I actually prefer to give hand-made gifts instead of store-bought ones.  I’ve made a lot of hand-made presents that really went over well with my family and friends.  Some examples of things I have made for presents are: goody bags filled with chocolate dipped pretzels and hard tack candy, soaps, candles, bath salts, paintings, jewelry, CDs, DVDs, and probably a lot more that I can’t think of.

With the holiday season in full swing, people are buzzing around the kitchen.  Here is a great recipe for cornbread stuffing.  It is easy to follow and very tasty!

Ingredients:

• 1 pan of cornbread
• 2 boiled eggs
•  1 medium onion, diced
• 4 stalks of celery
• 1 16oz. can of chicken broth
• 1 16oz. can of cream of celery soup
• salt and pepper to taste
• cooked meat like ham, chicken, or turkey can be added

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a bowl, combine diced onions, diced celery, broth, soup, salt, and pepper, and cornbread. If you are going to add meat, add it at this time as well.
3. Bake at 375 degrees in the oven until the onion and celery are fully cooked and the dressing begins to brown.
4. Add the boiled eggs and cook for an additional 5-10more minutes.
5. Serve it up!

With the upcoming holiday season many people may be hankering for some traditional alcoholic drinks!  So I dug up a recipe for Old Fashioned Egg Nog.

This recipe is super rich and creamy with a kick from the included brandy and rum!

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup brandy
• 1/3 cup dark rum

Directions:

1. Chill all ingredients prior to starting.
2. Beat eggs until they are frothy
3. Add sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg.
4. Slowly pour in the brandy and the rum.
5. Then slowly pour in the cream and milk.
6. Chill concoction and serve cold.
7. Top each glass with a bit of sprinkled nutmeg.

Making your own origami creations can be a relaxing past time or a great activity to do with your family.  Follow the instruction below to create your very own origami reindeer.

1. You will need a square piece of paper

2. Fold completely across diagonally

3. Unfold it

4. Fold one side of the square to meet the line made by the diagonal fold and then repeat on the other side of the square.

5. Next fold the exposed sides in the same way you did the previous ones.

6. Now you should have a diamond-like shape.  Fold it from point to point in half and then unfold it.

7. Place your finger into one of the flaps and unfold it following the crease marks you just made.  Pull out the point and press it down. Repeat on the other side.

8.  Fold it in half lenthwise.

9. Next, locate the point that the flaps point towards.  Pull it back into the middle in a reverse fold.  Then flatten the piece down to make the neck.

10. Fold the 2 flaps that point in the opposite direction of the neck downwards to make the legs.

11. Make the head by performing a reverse fold at the top of the neck, unfold the head to flatten it out.  Then fold the point on the head under to make it a bit flatter on the nose. Then fold the top of the head in half over the neck on the opposite side.

12. On the end that points out, fold the end in reverse to begin the hind legs.  Make another reverse fold half way down the legs to create finished legs.

13. Next you will need a pair of scissors.  Cut along the back of the neck but do not cut the head.  If you cut up the middle correctly you will achieve 4 prongs.  Fold the prongs to create antlers.

Now you are done creating your origami reindeer.

Did you know you could make cheap alcohol from table sugar?  This is done by fermenting granulated sugar with a particular type of yeast.  It can yield alcohol that is up to 40 proof .  The steps below will show you how to make a base alcohol that can be used to make a variety of other drinks.

1.  First, obtain a packet of distillers yeast or Super Yeast .  This it is the only type of yeast that can be used to ferment table sugar and yield 40 proof alcohol effectively.  To this type of yeast a special because it contains nutrients that can support the growth of the yeast and enable proper fermentation.
2. pick a vessel.  if you want 5.5 to 6 gallon batches you will need an a 7.5 Gallon food grade bucket and lid. These work well because you can easily pour the ingredients into the bucket and stir. For smaller batches you will only need a one gallon jug.  However, you will need a drilled rubber stopper that fits the airlock and the carboy or jug. You will need to leave some space in the bucket or jug, about 1.5 to 2 gallons should be fine.  This space is for the foam and gasses that will form during fermentation. The lid to the plastic bucket should have a hold drilled in the top and be fitted with a rubber grommet that will also fit the airlock during fermentation.  The lid will also need a rubber gasket or seal to create an airtight seal between the lid and the bucket.
3. Sanitize your equipment. You will need to sanitize your fermentation bucket, airlock, and a large spoon .  If the equipment is new cleansers may not be needed.  When sanitizing use in agent such as iodophor, that is made for brewing and winemaking.  All equipment needed is available at any home brewing or winemaking shops.  To fill the fermentation bucket to the top with sanitizer. remember to sanitize the lid and air lock
4. Determine how much sugar to use.  More sugar means more alcohol , but the yeast can only ferment a certain amount of sugar .  If you want 5.5 gallons of alcohol you will need no more in an 17.5 pounds of sugar. The packet of yeast will indicate how much sugar can be used.
5. Mix the sugar and warm water.  in a large metal potFoot , using your spoon , dissolve the sugar into the warm water.  You may use other tap water or bottled water.  fill the pot to 5.5 gallons With water that is about 90 degrees .  to avoid mixing in the bucket because it can cause scratches that may harbor bacteria rendering the bucket impossible to sanitize.  Once all the sugar has been dissolved , pour the solution into the plastic bucket .
6. Add the yeast.  Open the yeast packet and pour the contents into the sugar and water solution .  Stir if desired to homogenize.
7. Put the lid on your bucket.  Tightly push the lid onto the bucket to form an airtight seal.  This may prove to be difficult and they require some leverage .
8. Attach the air lock to the lid.  Push the air lock into the lid. Next, add clean water or vodka  to the inside of the air lock so carbon dioxide  can be released from the fermenting  solution and air can be kept out.
9. Allow the mixture to ferment.  the ambient air temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees.  if the  temperature is cooler a device may be needed to ensure the proper fermentation Temperature .  it usually takes about two to ten days for the yeast to ferment the sugar and produced alcohol.  time varies depending on type of yeast used and how much sugar was added.  The more sugar the mixture contains the longer it will take to completely ferment .  You make noticed the air lock bubbling a lot during active fermentation  .  The bubbling will slow as fermentation slows and will stop when all or most of the sugar has been fermented.
10. Clarify  your  fermented liquid. Once fermentation is complete, you will want to use a fining agent like isinglass or a mixture of kieselsol and chitosan to remove suspended yeast and other materials. After adding the finings, you want to reseal your fermenter with the lidin and  the air lock and let the liquid clarify for 2-3 days.
11. Siphon off the alcohol.  carefully pour the alcoholic liquid into an airtight container. It will last about a month in this type of container .  If you would like it to last longer it must be bottled.

With the way the economy is these days everyone is looking for ways to reduce their bills and put more money in their pockets.  With a few simple tips you can easily begin to save money on heating costs.

1.  Adjust your thermostat gradually: As winter sets in and the weather gradually grows colder, your body can learn to adjust to the cold.  The trick is to set your thermostat gradually lower.  Every couple of days adjust the thermostat cooler and cooler.
2. Wear More Warm Clothing:  If you are going to reduce the room temperature of your home, you will want to gradually add clothing to maintain body temp.  Consider adding thermal (long underwear) underclothing, fuzzy slippers, an extra pair of socks, sweaters, and sweatshirts.
3. If you spend a lot of time with your bare feet touching the floor, consider propping them up on an old pillow.  Just lay the old pillow on the floor and put your feet on top.  This will help keep your feet warm by preventing them contact with the coldest part of your home, the floor.
4. Stuff Your Windows with Socks:  I may be getting some weird looks for this one…but if you have nothing else to use, then use old socks; preferably clean ones.  If you feel cold air coming in around your windows, cut up strips of socks or other material and stuff it into the cracks.  This method is cheaper and cleaner than caulking around your windows.  In the spring when it is time to open the windows again, just remove the socks and either clean them or throw them away.
5. Stop Air Coming in under the Door: Many homes have issues with air coming in under the doors.  You have a few options to stop this.  You can use an old throw rug by rolling it up and pushing it up against the door. You can also make a tube with material and stuff it with old socks and other clothing and place it in front of the door to dodge the draft.
6. Use the Power of the Sun:  On cold days that are still sunny, open your curtains and let the light shine in.  This will provide free passive solar heating.

 Who doesn’t love squash.  Ok, I admit it may not be for everyone, but many people do love it.  So here is a recipe for a Squash Casserole:

Serves: 4-6 People

What You Need:

• 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
• 32 oz. sliced yellow squash
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
•  1 Tablespoon butter
• 4 beaten eggs
• 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper

Instructions:

1.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.  Add squash that has been sliced 1/4 ” thick and cook.
2. Fry bacon until it is crisp then drain, crumble, and set aside
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
4. Using the dripping from the bacon, brown onions.  Then add butter, squash, eggs, salt,and pepper.  Cook, stirring until the eggs are fully cooked.
5. In a 2 qt. casserole dish, spoon in 1/2 the squash mixture.  Sprinkle mixture with bacon and cheddar cheese.  Add the 2nd 1/2 of the squash mixture followed by the remaining bacon and cheddar cheese.
6. Bake at 350 degrees until hot and the cheese is melted.