Mars Bar Slice

MARS BAR SLICE

This is so yummy and yet it is not sickly, believe it or not!! so easy to make you could let the children make it.

4 cups Rice Bubbles (or what ever you call puffed rice breakfast cereal)
4 oz butter
4 Mars Bars (standard size not bite size, or equivalent chocolate bar)

Slice up the mars bars.
In a saucepan slowly melt the butter and the mars bars pieces.
When melted, add the rice bubbles which should be in a large bowl.
Mix together.
Press into slice tin/tray.
Ice with melted chocolate on top is optional.
Put into fridge.
Cut when completely chilled.
Enjoy. Hide if necessary as it won't last long.

Spray Cleaner

A friend just gave me this recipe recently. It's so nice to change over to natural homemade products and ditch the chemicals as best we can out of our lives.

About a cup of water
1 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent or liquid soap.
A few drops essential oils - for example: lemon, tea tree, rosemary
or lavender. (Lemon helps with cleaning, the other oils are
antiseptic - and all smell lovely!)

Mix and put into a spray bottle. Use as needed.

Homemade Golden Syrup

Ingredients

200g sugar
50g water


1 kg sugar
600g boiling water
2 slice lemon

Method

1. Pour 200g sugar and 50g water into a large saucepan. On medium heat,
twirl the pot around and caramelise the sugar until a dark golden colour.


2. Add the boiling water, the kilo sugar and lemon slices.


3. On low heat boil for 45 minutes until thick (stir it ocassionally if you
must or leave it alone to do its own thing).


4. Cool and pour into sterilised jars or bottles. Label and store in a cool
place.


Tip

1. The syrup when hot will always look watery but will thicken when cooled.


2. If you find after cooling the syrup is not thick enough, don't panic -
boil it again for a few more minutes.


3. On the other hand if you find after cooling the syrup is way too thick,
make up another half recipe, add the 'hard' syrup in as well and boil it all
together for less than the required 45 minutes.


4. Do not throw away the discarded lemon slice. It taste just like candied
lemons.

hi there, I am back. I neede a break and it's good to be back.
My first post I want to share a wonderful prgram for anyone who is interested in Charlotte Mason homeschooling.

Merry Christmas

A busy time of year for us all. I'm taking a wee break over our summer holiday and look forward to getting back sometime in the New Year.

Please have a safe and happy Christmas and may the Lord bless you all in 2010.

UNWANTED COMMENTS

Recently I have been getting SPAM in my comments. Thankfully I moderate.
Is anyone else having this problem and what can we do about it? Most have been vulgar and another was advertising airline ticket buying.
I am saddened by this happeneing and am considering shutting down my blogs.

Miss Sandra

Household Cleaner

Household Cleaner

1 litre water
200ml vinegar
40ml detergent
40ml Eucalyptus oil
2 dessertspoons of washing soda

Mix all ingredients together, and it's ready to use. Use 60ml of solution in warm water to wash your floors. Fill a spray bottle and use it to clean your table, benches and bathroom.

NOTE: I'm not sure all countries stock Eucalyptus oil so my apologies if you can't source it. Here in NZ we can get it easily at the supermarket or pharmacy.

Mango Lassi

I LOVE Indian food. When I first got asked to an Indian restaurant with friends I was doing my hardest to get out of going. I thought Indian food would be so hot it would make my ears steam. How wrong I was. Of course you can have it hot if you wish but I have it mild and it is soooo good.

My husband and I visit a little restaurant that we like to go to occasionally and while we have our Butter Chicken or Chicken Korma, we like to drink a Mango Lassi. This drink is silky smooth and a real compliment to Indian food. I finally found a good recipe so want to share it with you. It would be nice on any occasion so do try it. I am so sure you will make it again and again.



MANGO LASSI

3 fresh ripe magoes, peeled, stoned and roughly chopped, or
300ml (1/2 pint) canned mango pulp
500ml (17 fl oz) natural yoghurt
250ml (8 fl oz) water
1-2 tablespoons caster sugar

1. Put the fresh mango, if using, into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

2. Blend the yoghurt, water and sugar until smooth. Divide the mango pulp between 4 tall glasses and pour over the yoghurt mixture. Serve chilled.

(The drinks we have are blended all together and it is just wonderful)

To Remove Stains

I have a very old recipe book that has some good old fashioned ideas for stain removal and I thought I would share them with you. Some of them seem rather hard work, using chemicals I have never heard of let alone had in my home!

BLOOD AND MEAT JUICE
Soak in cold water, then wash with warm soap and water. Never put into hot water until after cold soaking. A paste of raw starch and water applied to bloodstains on flannel, heavy woollens and blankets will help remove them; repeat 2 or 3 times if necessary.

CREAM, FAT AND CLEAR OILS
Sponge first with cold water, then wash with hot water and soap. Sponge unwashable materials with carbon-tetrachloride or petrol. Sponge from the ouside to the centre of the stain.

COCOA
Sponge with water solution of borax (1/2oz to 1/2 pint)and rinse; or treat as cream stain.

COFFEE AND TEA
As for cocoa, or hold stain over a basin and pour boiling water over the stain.

EGG
Sponge first with cold water, then wash in hot soap suds. Treat as a cream stain.

FRUIT JUICE
Treat with boiling water as for tea or coffee. Peach stains are more stubborn. If boiling water doesn't remove them, bleach with javelle water or oxalic acid.

GRASS
Rub with methylated spirits.

IODINE
Soak area in diluted ammonia.

IRON RUST
Use salt, lemon juice and sunlight; or, drop oxalic acid on stain, rinsing off as soon as the stain disappears (see recipe for oxalic acid below)

INK
Rub with lemon and soak in milk. Rinse in cold water, then wash.

INDELIBLE AND BALL POINT INK
Use methylated spirits. Test fabric first by applying a little on a seam.

NAIL VARNISH
Use acetone or the remover, then methylated spirits. Test fabric, as it cannot be used on synthetics.

MILDEW
Scrape off any deposit, then bleach with hydrogen peroxide. Use a very weak solution on coloured materials.

PAINT AND VARNISH
Sponge with white spirit, turpentine or carbon-tetrachloride. Then wash with soap and water.

SCORCH
Rub with dry borax and wash with soap and water. If the scorch is severe nothing can be done.

TAR AND BLACK GREASE
Scrape off any surplus, then sponge with oil of eucalyptus. Once all the grease is removed the stain will come out with soap and water.

PERSPIRATION
Use warm water, soap and ammonia. If possible dry in the sun.


RECIPE FOR OXALIC ACID
Dissolve 2oz (about 4 TB) oxalic acid crystals in 1 pint lukewarm water. Bottle and label carefully. This mixture is poisonous and must be carefully stored away from children. an easier way to obtain a solution is to boil 2 or 3 rhubarb leaves in water and use the solution to remove rust stains.

Grannies Meatloaf

Grannies Meatloaf (4-6 people)

Main ingredients:
500g mince
500g sausage meat
1C bread crumbs
1 onion
1 egg
1/4C water
1/4C milk
Salt and pepper
Curry powder if desired

Sauce:
1/2C water
1/4 tomato sauce
2 Tbsp Worcester sauce
2 Tbsp malt vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp coffee powder
30g butter
2-3 Tbsp lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to a moderate temperature and heavily grease a loaf tin.
2.In a large bowl combine the mince, sausage meat, bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper, curry powder and egg.
3. Add milk and water and mix through thoroughly.
4. Shape in the loaf tin, then turn out into a baking dish. Cook 30 mins.
5. To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer 5 minutes.
6. Pour the sauce on the meat and cook a further 45 minutes, basting 4-5 times. Basting will give the meatloaf a caramel-textured shell. Delicious!

Macaroni Bake

Macaroni Bake (for 5)
This is a real family favourite. Anytime of year - it's always a hit.

1 1/2 cups Macaroni elbows (or any other pasta you wish)
2-4 rashers of bacon
1 finely cut onion
450g tin of Tomato Soup
1/2 cup of milk
1 cup grated cheese (preferably tasty)

1. Cook macaroni until soft (about 8 mins), drain well.
2. Put into large 8 cup casserole dish.
3. Chop bacon, fry with onion until cook. Drain if needed, add to casserole dish.
4. Stir in tomato soup, milk and chesse. Mix around.
5. Bake at 190/375 degrees for about 45 mins.
6. Serve with fresh bread rolls and your favourite salad.

7. You can add extras like mushrooms if you like, or top with cheese sauce for extra flavour.

Tooth Powder

Just want to share with you a recipe that some dear friends of mine use and totally recommend. I love that there is no harsh chemicals.
I am going to try this.

Tooth Powder

4 TBSP baking soda
1 tsp salt
a few drops of vanilla or other flavour

Put in airtight container and shake.
Give each family member their own little jar (baby food jars would be ideal)
Just dip your toothbrush in it.

Baked Custard

Baked Custard Image from here

This old fashioned, traditional recipe uses only four ingredients (don't count the drop of vanilla). Make sure the quality of each ingredient is superb for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2-1/2 cups whole milk (NOT skim)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla until well blended. Add milk and mix with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour into six 6-oz. custard cups.
Place cups in 13x9" pan and place in oven. Fill pan around the cups with about 1" of water, being careful to not splash any water into the custard cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold. Store leftovers in refrigerator. 6 servings

SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007

Scenario
Jack goes rabbit shooting before school,
pulls into school parking lot with rifle in gun rack.

1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's rifle, goes to his car and gets his rifle & chats with Jack about guns.

2007 - School goes into lock down, Star Force called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his ute or gun again.. Counsellors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario:
Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.

1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2007 - Police called, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it. Both children go to anger management programs for 3 months. School board hold meeting to impliment bullying prevention programs

Scenario:
Robbie won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1957 - Robbie sent to office and given 6 of the best by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2007 - Robbie given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. Robbie's parents get fortnightly disability payments and School gets extra funding from state because Robbie has a disability.

Scenario :
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison.

Scenario :
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1957 - Mark gets glass of water from Principal to take aspirin with.

2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario :
Pedro fails high school English.

1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. AFRE files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario :
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a bullant nest.

1957 - Ants die.

2007- Star Force, Federal Police & Anti-terrorism Squad called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, Feds investigate parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated... Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario :
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Think about it!

(Author Unkown)

Make Your Own Hair Removal Wax

I personally haven't tried this recipe. It was passed on to me so thought I would share it with those of you willing to give it a try.

Ingredients
2 cups brown sugar
¼ cup water
¼ cup lemon juice

Method
Pour the sugar, water and lemon juice all together in a saucepan, and heat it over a low flame. Keep stirring the mixture to avoid burning. Stir it until all the sugar has melted, and you have a thick brown liquid. Let it cool slightly before using it. It can be stored in a heat proof container for later use.

Taking a Blogging Break

Taking a break.
This time of year has gotten extremely busy for us so I am going to take a blogging break for the next 6 weeks or so. I may not get to visit with you but I will be back.
May the Lord bless you.

Household Cleaner (Natural)

Household Cleaner

1 litre water
200ml vinegar
40ml detergent
40ml eucualyptus oil
2 dessertspoons of washing soda

Mix all ingredients together, and it's ready to use. Use 60ml of solution in warm water to wash your floors. Fill a spray bottle and use it to clean your table, benches and bathroom.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

I made this delicious recipe last week. Tastes wonderful.

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 kgs cooking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
2 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS
1. Place apples in large slow cooker. in a bowl mix sugar, spices ad salt. Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix well.

2. Cover and cook on HIGH for one hour.

3. Reduce heat to LOW and cook for 9-11 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and dark brown.

4. Oncover and continue cooking on LOW for one hour. Stir with a whisk to increase smoothness if desired.

5. Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and seal, or refrigerate, or freeze.

I did this overnight in my slow cooker so didn't bother to stir occasionally. I sterilised jam jars (in oven - not to hot to crack jars though) and put the metal lids (that have a little rubber on insides) from jam jars in some boiling water.
Using a folded tea towel to hold jar I spooned hot apple butter into the jar right up to rim, then carefull screwed on lid. As jars cool the lids will pop and go down. Do not push them down or they may not seal properly and therefore spoil.
Apple butter is wonderful for many things so try some and enjoy!

Sultana or Raisin Loaf

1 cup sultanas

1 Tablespoon butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon golden syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp Baking soda

1 cup boiling water

2 cups plain baking flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Put sultanas, butter, syrup and salt in a bowl. Sprinkle baking soda over. add water. When butter has melted sift in flour and baking powder. Mix quickly. Bake in a greased 22cm loaf tin at 180 degrees C for 40 mins, or until loaf springs back when lightly touched. :eave in tin for 10 mins before turning out onto a cooling rack.

The Little Grass Hut

The Little Grass Hut

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions..
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames with smoke rolling up to the sky.
The worst had happened! Everything was lost!
He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger.
"GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried.
Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

Moral of the story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and suffering.
Remember that, the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD..
You May Want To Consider Passing This On, Because You Never Know Who Feels Like Their Hut Is On Fire Today.

Author Unknown