Making an Infusion

Making an herbal infusion in similar to making a cup of tea. Place 3 rounded teaspoons (1/2 ounce) fresh herb leaves or 1 rounded teaspoon dried herb leaves in a teacup. Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over the leaves, cover with a saucer, and let steep for 5 or 10 minutes. Strain the drink while hot-or let it cool if you're going to use it as part of a lotion or gargle with it. Infusions may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

One-Minute Tomato Sauce Substitute

If a recipe calls for 2 cups tomato sauce and you don't have any on hand, combine 3/4 cup tomato paste and 1 cup water in a 2-cup measure and whisk until the mixture is well blended.

Removing Common Stains

Automotive Oil and Grease Stain Remover

Need: 1 liter of cola

For severe stains, soak the garment in cola overnight. Rinse and launder the next morning.

Grass and Bloodstain Remover

Need: 1 teaspoon 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 teaspoon clear household ammonia

Mix the ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the mixture on the stain. As soon as the stain fades, rinse and launder.

Washer Disinfectant

Just because your washer sees a lot of soap and water doesn't mean it doesn't get dirty. Use this simple recipe to disinfect it twice a year. This rinse also removes some of the built-up soap scum form your washer's hoses, so it may even spare you a visit from your local repairman.

2 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups Bleach

1. Let the tub fill with water, then add the vinegar. Let it soak for 1 hour, then restart and let it fun through a complete cycle.

2. Repeat process using the bleach.

*Note: This is a two step process do not mix the two together.

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day! We are barbequeing.....mmmm :)

Make Your Own Real Vanilla Extract

Every kitchen needs a bottle of vanilla extract-one of the most used flavorings-but as you know, it is not an inexpensive purchase. While imitation vanilla is less expensive, you pay a big price in the loss of that real vanilla flavor. What to do? Make your own.

Place a vanilla bean in a small, clean jar. Pour 3 tablespoons of vodka over the vanilla bean. Close the lid tightly and let the mixture stand for four weeks. Remove and discard the vanilla bean before using the extract!

Yeast Breads are Easier to Make Thank You Think

One of the absolute best aromas in the world--fresh baking bread. You may have shied away from yeast breads in the past, thinking the yeast would be difficult to work with. Not at all. Follow the directions and you'll be turning out perfect loaves in no time at all. If you enjoy the aroma and the price of homemade bread and time is a factor, you may want to invest in a bread machine. Most recipes can be converted for a machine. You may be able to pick one up fairly cheap online---think Craigslist :)