22 Homemade Creamers Gift in a Jar

by http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2013/03/homemade-coffee-creamer-over-20-flavor-varieties/

MY NOTES:

To give as gifts wIth your breakfast basket or a coffee basket use either ½ pint jelly jars or 4 ox ¼ pint jars. These recipes will create about 1 qt = 2 pint = 4 jelly=8 (4oz) jars

Start With This Base:

• 14oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 3/4 Cup Milk or Cream (whole, lowfat, skim, almond, soy, heavy cream, half & half etc – whatever your preference, however the more fat, the more creaminess)
  

…and, here we go!
French Vanilla Creamer

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR vanilla coffee syrup
  

Vanilla Bean Coffee Creamer

• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  

Chocolate

• 2-3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  

• (1 tsp vanilla extract, optional)

Chocolate Almond

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
  

Strudel

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
  

Vanilla Caramel

• 2 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  

Chocolate Raspberry

• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons raspberry syrup
  

Irish Cream

• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  

• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
  

Coconut

• 2 teaspoons coconut extract
  

Samoa (like the Girl Scout Cookies)

• 2 teaspoons coconut extract (or sub coconut milk or cream of coconut, heated & strained, for the milk/cream)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 2 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
  

Peppermint Patty

• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  

Cinnamon Vanilla

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  

Pumpkin Spice

• 3 tablespoons pureed pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

Honey Vanilla

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  

Almond Joy

• 1-2 teaspoons coconut extract (or sub coconut milk or cream of coconut if you heat it first, strained, in place of the milk & extract)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  

Sweet Cream

• Use 1 3/4 cups of heavy cream instead of the milk in the base recipe
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR the inside of a vanilla bean, scraped
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
  

Chocolate Orange

• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1-2 teaspoons orange extract
  

Hazelnut

• 2 teaspoons hazelnut extract
  

Chocolate Hazelnut

• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 2 teaspoons hazelnut extract
  

Cinnamon Cake

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  

Salted Caramel

• 2-3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  

Eggnog

• replace milk in base recipe with equal amount of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons rum extract
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  

For those of you who want or need a sugar-free option. You can make your own sweetened condensed milk with the sugar substitute of your choice. Now, you can make your own sugar-free flavored creamer!
Directions & Tips:
In all these recipes, anything that has a dry or thick ingredient (like cinnamon, honey, etc..) should be heated up with a small amount of your milk/cream from the base recipe so it can dissolve properly. You don’t want grainy creamer! Then, add the rest of the milk/cream along with the sweetened condensed milk.
If you want really creamy creamer, use heavy cream instead of milk in your base recipe.
Stick a piece of tape on your mason jar lid with the expiration date from the milk you used as a guideline to when the creamer should be used by.

Southern Apple Dumplings

http://inspiredreamer.com/southern-apple-dumplings/

• 1 large apple (I used a Fuji- any apple will do, tart is better)
• 1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup or 6 oz. 7-Up or equivalent (half the can)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
2. Cut each apple into 8-10 wedges. Slice the apple skin off as well and set aside.
3. Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the wide end. Pinch to seal and cover apple and place in the baking dish.
4. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Heat, whisking to combine. The mixture will slowly combine and thicken. When it's thickened, remove from heat and add vanilla.
5. Pour cinnamon mixture over the apple dumplings. Pour soda over the dumplings
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Coffee rubbed steak by Lisa Nicometi Garrow

 

1 Tbsp freshly ground coffee

2 tsp  brown sugar

2 tsp ground pepper

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp sazon

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Mix all rub ingredients in a plastic container. Can be made ahead of time. Cover with lid if being stored. Rub one side of steaks. Grill with rubbed side down first. Cook steaks according to Your liking. 

Coffee Rub Gift in a Jar

To make this a gift in a jar you would simply use these measurements and put in a 1/2 pint jelly jar

5 tablespoons ground coffee
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon black ground pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons oregano
2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 1/4 teaspoons sazon spice
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Mix in a bowl and put into a 1/2 pint jelly jar with the following information:

Coffee Rub for your favorite meat

Liberally apply to uncooked meat and either allow to marinate in the fridge for a few hours or  grill at once. especially great on chicken and pork.

Peanut Madness Bars

The recipe was adapted from a recipe I saw that used ingredients I never bought so I improvised and this is what I came up with.

Peanut Madness Bars

COOKIE DOUGH LOWER LAYER
1 egg
1 stick butter softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix together and spread in a sprayed 12x9 cake pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees oven for 15 minutes. (It will not be done)

MIX TOGETHER
1 1/2 cups peanuts
1 (6 oz bag peanut butter chips
Spread them on the hot bottom layer.

LAST INGREDIENT
1 1/2 pint of any homemade Jam (I chose my own recipe Peach Schnapps Orange Marmalade) also on this site.
Slowly pour it evenly on the nuts and chips. And Return to the oven for another 15 minutes. Take from oven and allow to cool and then cut and store in a air proof container.

Hail Hecate

Kimberlee Melillo- 12/27/2012 —

Hot Tomato Relish

Compost Heap Jelly

(yield about 5 four ounce jars) adapted from The River Cottage Preserves Handbook p 41 and 83 and borrowed from http://creatingnirvanatoday.blogspot.com/2010/10/compost-heap-jelly.html

Optional spice bag:
1 stick cinnamon
1" piece of ginger root, bruised
5 whole cloves
5 whole allspice

1 pound, 2 ounces apple cores and peel
1 pound, 2 ounces citrus fruit peel (unwaxed lemon, orange, grapefruit and/or lime), cut into about 3/8-inch shreds
Granulated sugar
Juice of 1 orange, lemon, or grapefruit (optional)

Directions

Put the apple peel and the citrus peel into a saucepan. Add sufficient water to cover (you’ll probably need about 6 cups). Add optional spice bag, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook slowly for 45 to 60 minutes—this softens the fruit and releases the valuable pectin. Remove optional spice bag, if using. Turn the fruit into a jelly bag or piece of cheesecloth and leave overnight to drip. Squeezing the peel to get the juice out can cause your jelly to be cloudy, so resist the urge to squeeze the juice.

Measure the strained liquid and allow 1 cup of sugar for every cup of juice. Return the juice to the pan and add the orange, lemon, or grapefruit juice, if using. Bring to a boil, then add sugar. Stir until dissolved, then boil rapidly, without stirring, until the setting point is reached, about 10 minutes or so.

To test for setting point, use the crinkle or saucer test, dollop test, or temperature test.

Crinkle or saucer test: Drop a little jam onto a cold saucer. Allow to cool for a minute, then push gently with your fingertip. If the jam crinkles, the setting point has been reached

Dollop test: Dip a clean wooden spoon into the jam, hold it up over the pan, twirl it around a couple of times, then let the jam drop from the side of it. If the jam doesn’t run freely off the spoon but falls away in small drollops, the setting point has been reached.

Temperature test: Place a candy thermometer into the jam when it has reached a rolling boil. When it reads 220˚F, the setting point has been reached. Pectin rich fruits will set a degree or two lower (apples are high in pectin).

 Remove from heat and stir, always going in the same direction, until all the surface bubbles have disappeared. Pour into warm, sterilized jars and either swirl or tap the side of the jars to remove any remaining bubbles. Process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes.

Easy great tasting fudge

30 traits of an Empath

1. Knowing: Empaths just know stuff, without being told. It’s a knowing that goes way beyond intuition or gut feelings, even though that is how many would describe the knowing. The more attuned they are the stronger this gift becomes.

2. Being in public places can be overwhelming: Places like shopping malls, supermarkets or stadiums where there are lots of people around can fill the empath with turbulently vexed emotions that are coming from others.

3. Feeling others emotions and taking them on as your own: This is a huge one for empaths. To some they will feel emotions off those near by and with others they will feel emotions from those a vast distance away, or both. The more adept empath will know if someone is having bad thoughts about them, even from great distance.

4. Watching violence, cruelty or tragedy on the TV is unbearable: The more attuned an empath becomes the worse it is and may make it so they eventually have to stop watching TV and reading newspapers altogether.

5. You know when someone is not being honest: If a friend or a loved one is telling you lies you know it (although many empaths try not to focus on this because knowing a loved one is lying can be painful). Or if someone is saying one thing but feeling/thinking another, you know.

6. Picking up physical symptoms off another: An empath will almost always develop the ailments off another (colds, eye infections, body aches and pains) especially those they’re closest to, somewhat like sympathy pains.

7. Digestive disorders and lower back problems: The solar plexus chakra is based in the centre of the abdomen and it’s known as the seat of emotions. This is where empaths feel the incoming emotion of another, which can weaken the area and eventually lead to anything from stomach ulcers to IBS (too many other conditions to list here). Lower back problems can develop from being ungrounded (amongst other things) and one, who has no knowledge of them being an empath, will almost always be ungrounded.

8. Always looking out for the underdog: Anyone whose suffering, in emotional pain or being bullied draws an empath’s attention and compassion.

9. Others will want to offload their problems on you, even strangers: An empath can become a dumping ground for everyone else’s issues and problems, which, if they’re not careful can end up as their own.

10. Constant fatigue: Empaths often get drained of energy, either from energy vampires or just taking on too much from others, which even sleep will not cure. Many get diagnosed with ME.

11. Addictive personality: Alcohol, drugs, sex, are to name but a few addictions that empaths turn to, to block out the emotions of others. It is a form of self protection in order to hide from someone or something.

12. Drawn to healing, holistic therapies and all things metaphysical: Although many empaths would love to heal others they can end up turning away from being healers (even though they have a natural ability for it), after they’ve studied and qualified, because they take on too much from the one they are trying to heal. Especially if they are unaware of their empathy. Anything of a supernatural nature is of interest to empaths and they don’t surprise or get shocked easily. Even at the revelation of what many others would consider unthinkable, for example, empaths would have known the world was round when others believed it was flat.

13. Creative: From singing, dancing, acting, drawing or writing an empath will have a strong creative streak and a vivid imagination.

14. Love of nature and animals: Being outdoors in nature is a must for empaths and pets are an essential part of their life.

15. Need for solitude: An empath will go stir-crazy if they don’t get quiet time. This is even obvious in empathic children.

16. Gets bored or distracted easily if not stimulated: Work, school and home life has to be kept interesting for an empath or they switch off from it and end up daydreaming or doodling.

17. Finds it impossible to do things they don’t enjoy: As above. Feels like they are living a lie by doing so. To force an empath to do something they dislike through guilt or labelling them as idle will only serve in making them unhappy. It’s for this reason many empaths get labelled as being lazy.

18. Strives for the truth: This becomes more prevalent when an empath discovers his/her gifts and birthright. Anything untruthful feels plain wrong.

19. Always looking for the answers and knowledge: To have unanswered questions can be frustrating for an empath and they will endeavour to find an explanation. If they have a knowing about something they will look for confirmation. The downside to this is an information overload.

20. Likes adventure, freedom and travel: Empaths are free spirits.

21. Abhors clutter: It makes an empath feel weighed down and blocks the flow of energy.

22. Loves to daydream: An empath can stare into space for hours, in a world of their own and blissfully happy.

23. Finds routine, rules or control, imprisoning: Anything that takes away their freedom is debilitating to an empath even poisoning.

24. Prone to carry weight without necessarily overeating: The excess weight is a form of protection to stop the negative incoming energies having as much impact.

25. Excellent listener: An empath won’t talk about themselves much unless it’s to someone they really trust. They love to learn and know about others and genuinely care.

26. Intolerance to narcissism: Although kind and often very tolerant of others, empaths do not like to be around overly egotistical people, who put themselves first and refuse to consider another’s feelings or points of view other than their own.

27. The ability to feel the days of the week: An empath will get the ‘Friday Feeling’ if they work Fridays or not. They pick up on how the collective are feeling. The first couple of days of a long, bank holiday weekend (Easter for example) can feel, to them, like the world is smiling, calm and relaxed. Sunday evenings, Mondays and Tuesdays, of a working week, have a very heavy feeling.

28. Will not choose to buy antiques, vintage or second-hand: Anything that’s been pre-owned carries the energy of the previous owner. An empath will even prefer to have a brand new car or house (if they are in the financial situation to do so) with no residual energy.

29. Sense the energy of food: Many empaths don’t like to eat meat or poultry because they can feel the vibrations of the animal (especially if the animal suffered), even if they like the taste.

30. Can appear moody, shy, aloof, disconnected: Depending on how an empath is feeling will depend on what face they show to the world. They can be prone to mood swings and if they’ve taken on too much negative will appear quiet and unsociable, even miserable. An empath detests having to pretend to be happy when they’re sad, this only adds to their load (makes working in the service industry, when it’s service with a smile, very challenging) and can make them feel like scuttling under a stone.

If you can say yes to most or all of the above then you are most definitely an empath

Empaths are having a particularly difficult time at the present time, picking up on all the negative emotions that are being emantated into the world from the populace.

TRAITS OF AN EMPATH by Christel Broederlow
Empaths are often quiet achievers. They can take a while to handle a compliment for they’re more inclined to point out another’s positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times quite frankly. They may have few problems talking about their feelings if another cares to listen (regardless of how much they listen to others).

However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at “blocking out” others and that’s not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

Empaths are more inclined to pick up another’s feelings and project it back without realizing its origin in the first place. Talking things out is a major factor in releasing emotions in the learning empath. Empaths can develop an even stronger degree of understanding so that they can find peace in most situations. The downside is that empaths may bottle up emotions and build barriers sky-high so as to not let others know of their innermost thoughts and/or feelings. This withholding of emotional expression can be a direct result of a traumatic experience, an expressionless upbringing, or simply being told as a child, “Children are meant to be seen and not heard!”

Without a doubt, this emotional withholding can be detrimental to one’s health, for the longer one’s thoughts and/or emotions aren’t released, the more power they build. The thoughts and/or emotions can eventually becoming explosive, if not crippling. The need to express oneself honestly is a form of healing and a choice open to all. To not do so can result in a breakdown of the person and result in mental/emotional instability or the creation of a physical ailment, illness or disease.

Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and may have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another’s ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.

You will find empaths working with people, animals or nature with a true passion and dedication to help them. They are often tireless teachers and/or caretakers for our environment and all within it. Many volunteers are empathic and give up personal time to help others without pay and/or recognition.

Empaths may be excellent storytellers due to an endless imagination, inquisitive minds and ever-expanding knowledge. They can be old romantics at heart and very gentle. They may also be the “keepers” of ancestral knowledge and family history. If not the obvious family historians, they may be the ones who listen to the stories passed down and possess the majority of the family history. Not surprisingly, they may have started or possess a family tree.

They have a broad interest in music to suit their many expressive temperaments, and others can query how empaths can listen to one style of music, and within minutes, change to something entirely different. Lyrics within a song can have adverse, powerful effects on empaths, especially if it is relevant to a recent experience. In these moments, it is advisable for empaths to listen to music without lyrics, to avoid playing havoc with their emotions!

They are just as expressive with body language as with words, thoughts, and feelings. Their creativity is often expressed through dance, acting, and bodily movements. Empaths can project an incredible amount of energy portraying and/or releasing emotion. Empaths can become lost in the music, to the point of being in a trance-like state; they become one with the music through the expression of their physical bodies. They describe this feeling as a time when all else around them is almost non-existent.

People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet!

Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding. Then again, for empaths, it is always nice to actually be heard themselves!

Here are the listeners of life. They can be outgoing, bubbly, enthusiastic and a joy to be in the presence of, as well as highly humorous at the most unusual moments! On the flip side, empaths can be weighted with mood swings that will have others around them want to jump overboard and abandon ship! The thoughts and feelings empaths receive from any and all in their life can be so overwhelming (if not understood) that their moods can fluctuate with lightning speed. One moment they may be delightfully happy and with a flick of the switch, miserable.

Abandoning an empath in the throes of alternating moods can create detrimental effects. A simple return of empathic love–listening and caring compassionately without bias, judgment and/or condemnation–can go an incredibly long way to an empath’s instant recovery. Many empaths don’t understand what is occurring within them. They literally have no idea that another person’s emotions are now felt, as one’s own and reflected outwardly. They are confused as to how one moment all was well, and then the next, they feel so depressed, alone, etc. The need to understand the possibilities of empath connection is a vital part of the empaths journey for themselves and for those around them.

Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer. They often will search until they find one – if only for peace of mind. This can certainly prove beneficial for others in their relationships, in the workplace, or on the home front. Where there is a will, there is a way and the empath will find it. The empath can literally (likely without the knowledge of what’s actually occurring) tap into Universal Knowledge and be receptive to guidance in solving anything they put their head and hearts into.

Empaths often are vivid and/or lucid dreamers. They can dream in detail and are inquisitive of dream content. Often they feel as though the dreams are linked to their physical life somehow, and not just a mumble of nonsensical, irrelevant, meaningless images. This curiosity will lead many empathic dreamers to unravel some of the “mysterious” dream contents from an early age and connect the interpretation to its relevance in their physical life. If not, they may be led to dream interpretations through other means.

Empaths are daydreamers with difficulty keeping focused on the mundane. If life isn’t stimulating, off an empath will go into a detached state of mind. They will go somewhere, anywhere, in a thought that appears detached from the physical reality, yet is alive and active for they really are off and away. If a tutor is lecturing with little to no emotional input, empaths will not be receptive to such teaching and can (unintentionally) drift into a state of daydreaming.

Give the empath student the tutor who speaks with stimuli and emotion (through actual experience of any given subject) and the empath is receptively alert. Empaths are a captivated audience. This same principle applies in acting. An actor will either captivate the audience through expressing (in all aspects) emotions (as though they really did experience the role they are portraying) or will loose them entirely. Empaths make outstanding actors.

Empaths frequently experience déjà vu and synchronicities. What may initially start as, “Oh, what a coincidence”, will lead to the understanding of synchronicities as an aspect of who they are. These synchronicities will become a welcomed and continually expanding occurrence. As an understanding of self grows, the synchronicities become more fluent and free flowing. The synchronicities can promote a feeling of euphoria as empaths identify with them and appreciate the connection to their empathic nature.

Empaths are most likely to have had varying paranormal experiences throughout their lives. NDE’s (Near death experiences) and or OBE’s (Out of body experiences) can catapult an unaware empath into the awakening period and provide the momentum for a journey of discovery. Those who get caught up in life, in society’s often dictating ways, in work etc., can become lost in a mechanical way of living that provides very little meaning. All “signs of guidance” are ignored to shift out of this state of “doing”. A path to being whole again becomes evident and a search for more meaning in one’s life begins.

These types of experiences appear dramatic, can be life-altering indeed, and are most assuredly just as intensely memorable in years to come. They are the voice of guidance encouraging us to pursue our journey in awareness. Sometimes, some of us require that extra assistance!

For some empaths, the lack of outside understanding towards paranormal events they experience, may lead to suppressing such abilities. (Most of these abilities are very natural and not a coincidence.) Empaths may unknowingly adopt the positive or negative attitude of others as their own. (This, however, can be overcome.) Empaths may need to follow interests in the paranormal and the unexplained with curiosity so as to explain and accept their life circumstances.

The Mind Unleashed
www.TheMindUnleashed.org

Why drink infused waters?

1. Green tea, mint, and lime - For fat burning, digestion, headaches, congestion and breath freshener.

2. Strawberry and kiwi - For cardiovascular health, immune system protection, blood sugar regulation, digestion.

3. Cucumber, lime, and lemon - For water weight management, bloating, appetite control, hydration, digestion

4. Lemon, lime, and orange - For digestion vitamin C, immune defense, heartburn, (Drink this one at room temperature)

Infused waters are good for detoxification energy and hydration. Put as much fruit in water as you like and let the water sit for at least 30 minutes before drinking.

I have been skunked

According to this vet, a good formula is:

1 quart fresh hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1-2 teaspoons liquid soap (e.g., Ivory or Softsoap)
1 quart warm water (for larger dogs)

Mix together in open bucket or bowl. Do not use spray bottle because mixture might explode. Wear protective gloves, goggles and apron.

Protect the dog's eyes with eye ointment or mineral oil.

Oven Canned Tomatoes

Old Fashion Orange Marmalade or Whiskey Marmalade

This is a very special and cherished recipe passed on from a dear friend's grandmother. It was a wonderful experience making this jam because the aroma that was sent through the air allowed me to relive past Christmases from when I was a child. I made mine without whiskey but included the ground cloves which I mistakenly added at the start of the cooking time.

Cook time: 2 Hr  Prep time: 40 Min  Serves: made 10 (1/2 pint) jars

 

2.2 lb thin skinned oranges

4 lb sugar (7.6 cups)

2 lemons

1 tsp ground cloves

8 c water

1 tsp ground cloves (optional)

IF MAKING WITH WHISKEY

1 tsp ground cloves

5 Tbsp whiskey

1. cut up the oranges in quarters and squeeze out the juice of lemons, remove membrane of oranges with a spoon.

2. Put orange shavings in muslin bag and tie (slice the peel finely or coarsely your choice) (I used a fine grater and put my shavings right in with my jam) Or you can do as the directions stated and put it in a bag and in a saucepan of water and leave it soaking a few hours

3. Then bring it all to the boil and let to simmer gently for 1-1/2 hours, making sure after this time the water should be reduced by half. Squeeze all the liquid from the muslin bag and remove from saucepan.

4. Now you will add the sugar and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Then, increase the heat and bring to a full rolling boil rapidly until setting point is reach 5 to 10 minutes approx. stay with it ..

 

Test for set = put a little marmalade on a cold saucer and cool for a few minutes if it wrinkles when u push it with your finger it's done, if not boil some more ...allow marmalade to sit in the saucepan for 15 minutes before potting to prevent the peel from floating all to the top.

 

NOTE==if you want whiskey marmalade this is how's it is done ....add the 5 tablespoons of whiskey and a teaspoon of ground cloves to the cooking marmalade just before potting stir in well .

 

Here is where I messed up and had put the cloves in at the beginning with my  Oranges. The result was a darker all around color but the taste is out of this world. We even created a new tv favorite snack from this jam.

 

Old fashioned Orange Marmalade Dip 

 

1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese 

1 jar of This wonderful jam 

Crackers or chips (we used corn chips) 

 

This was done just like you would with a jalapeño jelly. Just set the cheese in an oblong serving bowl and pour this jam over top. Serve it with chips to dip.

Orange Marmalade with Peach Schnapps

That a pain it is to make this one. I had no idea. First you have to fine grate the orange zest then get the fruit out without the white membrane.

2 1/2 pounds thin skinned oranges (1/2 a 5 lb bag)
5 1/5 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 oz peach schnapps
2 envelopes liquid fruit pectin (1 package)

Grate a fine zest off the oranges. Then, I found it easiest to cut the orange in half the cut around the outside if the rim of the orange down 2/3's of the way the digging your fingers in from the center and work your fingers down and out by the outside of the orange. Then go around and juice the orange and dig out any extra bits of orange. believe me I tried everything at it was by far the best and fasted way to remove the orange insides.

Add everything but the peach schnapps and the fruit pectin. Bring that to a boil and then low boil it for 30 minutes stirring often and watch it closely.

Add the peach schnapps and the fruit pectin and cook 5 minutes

See note below *

Ladle into hot jars actually makes 8 plus jars but i only had seven ready so the last I put into the fridge.

boiling water bath for 10 minutes.



*NOTE: get your jars ready and your boiling water bath. I found it easiest to after I wash and rinse the jars to just set in the boiling water bath and bring that to a boil until I am ready to can. I have had a 100% seal rate since I started this.

COINS LEFT ON TOMBSTONES

COINS LEFT ON TOMBSTONES

While visiting some cemeteries you may notice that headstones marking certain graves have coins on them, left by previous visitors to the grave.

These coins have distinct meanings when left on the headstones of those who gave their life while serving in America's military, and these meanings vary depending on the denomination of coin.

A coin left on a headstone or at the grave site is meant as a message to the deceased soldier's family that someone else has visited the grave to pay respect. Leaving a penny at the grave means simply that you visited.

A nickel indicates that you and the deceased trained at boot camp together, while a dime means you served with him in some capacity. By leaving a quarter at the grave, you are telling the family that you were with the solider when he was killed.

According to tradition, the money left at graves in national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries is eventually collected, and the funds are put toward maintaining the cemetery or paying burial costs for indigent veterans.

In the US, this practice became common during the Vietnam war, due to the political divide in the country over the war; leaving a coin was seen as a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the grave than contacting the soldier's family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war.

Some Vietnam veterans would leave coins as a "down payment" to buy their fallen comrades a beer or play a hand of cards when they would finally be reunited.

The tradition of leaving coins on the headstones of military men and women can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire

Fresh Strawberry Jam

2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and cut into fourths
6 1/2 cups sugar
1 lemon juiced and pulp added
1 envelope liquid fruit pectin

Add everything except the fruit pectin in a 2 qt sauce pan and bring to a boil, cook until strawberries are done and add the fruit pectin and boil two minutes.

Follow basic boiling water bath precautions and boiling water bath the jars for 10 minutes.

Honey Pear Apple Jam (my own invention)

Was thinking the taste of honey went really well with pears and I had some left so I made this jam.

6 Bartlett pears pealed and cored, then chopped
3 large sour apples (about 4 cups)
1 lemon, juiced with pulp
1 cup honey
4 cups sugar
1 envelope liquid pectin

In a 2 qt sauce pan place the apple and pears in 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil and then on low boil cook for 15 minutes add the lemon, honey, and sugar. Bring back to boil and then on low boil cook about 25 minutes add the pectin and cook for 2 minutes after it boils.

Remember to do all the essentials for boiling water bath as well as properly handling your jars.

Boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Strawberry Vanilla jam

Found this recipe on line but was different measurements and her's only did 2  (1/2 pints). I added the lemon juice, more sugar and the pectin. The original one was to simply put in fridge. I wanted mine to have a shelf life. Also hers had vanilla beans and I can not find them here. Made 7  (1/2 pints) plus a taste left over.

2 lbs (about 8 cups) strawberries, stemmed and cut in quarters
1/2 cup apple peeled, diced and cored
5 cups sugar
1/8 cup lemon juice
2 boxes fruit pectin (I used 1 low sugar and one regular)
2 tablespoons real vanilla (or two beans split and scraped into jam.

Boil water bath your jars and lids minus rings to keep hot while you prepare your jam.

In a 2 qt sauce pan put everything but the fruit pectin and vanilla. cook 30 minutes until strawberries are well cooked and it starts to get Jammy. Add the fruit pectin and cook until it starts to thicken 5 minutes. ladle into jar, set tops and boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Apple Pie Jam

This looks and tastes like apple pie filling and would also make a great recipe for that. Said it made 7 (1/2 pints) but only made 5 1/2 despite the fact that I added almost a 1/2 cup more apples as I wasn't going to throw away a half apple. Looks and smells great.

6 cups cored, skinned, and chopped apples
3 cups white sugar
2 cups brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/2 teaspoon butter
1/2 cup water
1 box fruit pectin

In a boiling water bath place your I mixed it all up jars and lids after washing them. leave there until ready to use.

In a large 2 qt sauce pan put all your ingredients except the fruit pectin. Bring to a biol and stir while the apples cook but not to mushy stage. add pectin and bring back to boil and boil two minutes. Ladle into jars and set lids. Then boil water bath for 10 minutes and remove. Allow to cool.

Carrot Cake Jam

I watched a lot of recipes go by for carrot cake jam before I was willing to try it. Each slightly different and yet none had vanilla. Funny, I thought since carrot cake usually has vanilla.Was suppose to make 7  (1.2 pints) but actually made 8 1/2.

1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple with juice
1 1/2 cups shredded and diced carrots
1 can 29 oz Bartlett pears, chopped ( minus juice)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
6 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 box fruit pectin

Mix all the above minus the vanilla and fruit pectin. Boiling water bath ready and jars and lids minus rims soaking, we begin.

Bring to a rolling boil and reduce heat to 3 and continue cooking for 20 minutes to cook the carrots.  Add the fruit pectin stirring as you go. Return to a rolling boil and boil 5 minutes. Take off heat add vanilla and ladle into jars as you pull them from the boiling water. Put the jars with lids attached into a boiling water bath and bath 10 minutes. Pull out and allow to sit in a non drafty area to process. Check for seals.

Dreamcicle Jelly

This was the jelly I made last night. It was quite easy and really does taste like my favorite orange dreamcicle bars I loved as a child. I did mine a little different but is basically at least near all the recipes going around. Around here in the middle of the woods there are no vanilla beans to be found, not even in West Branch, I know I tried. Was suppose to make 7 ( 1/2 pints ) and was spot on.

4 cups Simply orange Juice with high pulp
4 cups sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons real vanilla extract
1 box fruit pectin

Wash and rinse your jars and I always put them in my boiling water bath until they are needed along with the tops but not the bands.

In a large sauce pan,  (I use a 2 qt casserole pan) put the OJ and sugar and bring it to a full rolling boil. Boil 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and pectin and boil 1 more minute.

Take the jars out as you use them and set tops. then put all the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes and set out in a non drafty area to seal. Six out of the seven sealed as I was pulling them out and the last did about five minutes later.

Note when I do this again I will be cooking it longer as it was a bit runny.

Easy Raspberry Jam

This is an easy recipe with no fruit pectin needed
 
3 cups raspberries
3 cups sugar
 
Mash berries in sauce pan stir in sugar.
Bring to boil, boil 3 minutes.
Remove from heat, beat with wire whip for 6 minutes.
Put in jars, when cooled, seal with wax.
This recipe over 25 years old.

Prayer Circle

Sweet and sour Moose

Got to admit I have never had moose but found this recipe and was intrigued. The recipe came from Salley bates and was on JAP. She admitted she hadn't actually made it but thought it would work.

1-2 # Moose meat cut into bite size pieces
1 each bell pepper, remove seeds and veins and cut into thin strips
1 bunch green onions, cut into 1 to 1-1/2" pieces
3 ribs celery, cut into julienne strips
1 small can pineapple chunks, drained

Make a sauce using 8 oz jalapeño jelly, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup roasted garlic rice vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Hunts Tomato Paste and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Whisk briskly until well blended

In heavy skillet or wok, saute meat in 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium high heat until brown on all sides, remove from pan and set aside

In same pan, saute peppers, onions, celery and pineapple about 3 minutes, stirring with wooden spoon to preven burning.

Return meat to pan with vegetables, pour sauce slowly into pan; stir with wooden spoon until well blended

Turn heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes until meat is tender.

Serve with steamed or fried rice.

If you use her idea, let me know how it turns out. (I noted she never said how much jelly to use

Redoing a loved pair of slippers

These are the bottoms of my favorite slippers

On top you have the piece I cut out of the slippers and under it is two pieces of cut felt for each foot. I then took quilting filler and cut two to match the part that is falling apart and stuck it in between the two layers of felt and sewed it together and reattached then to my slipper tops and now they look like this

I am so happy!

exercise

Joining Together Photo Spell (also by Fortune teller on facebook)

If you want your potential lover to be stuck on you, this is the best of the black magic love spells. The photos you use shouldn't have anyone else in them except for you and him/her. Supplies for this spell:

• Photo of you
• Photo of the one you desire
• Red candle
• Pen or marker
On the back of the picture of him/her, write "I love you" and on the back of your photo, write "You love me". Light the candle and look at both photos, picturing the two of you together in real life. Drip candle wax on the front sides of both photos and quickly stick them together. Repeat the following:
Together as one
Under moon and sun
Slip the pair of photos under your pillow, and sleep with them there until your loved one is yours.

SPELL TO INCREASE HEALTH AND VITALITY (from Fortune Teller)

You will need: quartz crystal
If you have a piece of quartz, first wash it in warm soapy water and rinse it with running water.
Then hold the crystal in both hands. Close your eyes and imagine being bathed in white light.
Visualize the area of your illness and point the crystal to that site. Imagine a stream
of light flowing from the crystal and bathing the area in its pure rays.
Place your crystal under your pillow while you sleep.

Mocha Cappuccino ~Gift in a jar

1/3 cup Hershey baking chocolate powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vanilla dry coffee creamer
1/3 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup Folgers instant coffee

Mix all together and put into a pint jar. Use 3 tablespoons in a mug of boiling water/

Strawberry Pie Filling

Makes 7 quarts

Ingredients
6 quarts Fresh or thawed Strawberries
6 cups Granulated sugar
2 packets liquid Clear Jel
7 cups Cold water
½ cup Bottled Lemon Juice

Instructions
Wash well and drain fruit in a covered bowl or pot. Combine sugar and Clear Jel in a large kettle. Stir. Add water and, if desired, food coloring. Cook on medium high heat until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Add lemon juice and boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Fold in drained berries immediately and fill jars with mixture without delay, leaving 1 inch head-space. Process in water bath for 30 minutes at a full rolling boil.
* Pour in a deep dish pie crust and bake until crust is golden brown. 425 for 15 minutes and reduce heat to 350 for 30 minutes.

Browine oreo cup cakes.

This was found on facebook without an author. Brownie cupcakes with peanut butter Oreo centers! Seriously!!! Share this recipe on your page, so you don't forget it!

Here's the recipe:
-Ingredients:
Oreos
Peanut Butter
Box of Brownie Mix
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
-Take two oreos and stack them with peanut butter (A layer in the middle and on top).
-Place the stack in a cupcake liner.
-Place liners in a muffin tin.
-Make brownie mix according to box
-Pour brownie mix over cookie stack
-Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked
-Pull out of the oven and let cool
-Enjoy!

Dehydrated Strawberry Powder

 

To use in  milk, baking, added to a white frosting, loaded in paper straws with as much powdered sugar, or as a sprinkle over Ice cream. This recipe makes almost an oz.

9 ozs strawberries

In a dehydrator set on 135° degrees or Preheat oven to 135°F.

Wash strawberries and slice them into very thin slices.

Place the strawberry slices onto two parchment lines baking sheets.

Dehydrate or Bake in the oven for 3 hrs or until dry.

Take the strawberry slices and let them rest over night at room temperature.

Grind the slices using a food processor. Keep the powder in an airtight container and use at your convenience 

This can be done with blueberries and any other berry.

Moon Stone

Oat Pulp Onion Cheddar Bread

I love this bread. it is so versatile. It makes a great soup bread a wonderful sandwich bread, toasted or not, and it is unsurpassed as a snacking bread.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl put

1 batch oat pulp (from making 6 cups oat milk)
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons oil
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns or 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Beat together and set a side.

In a small fry pan

1 small diced onion and  cook until golden brown.

Mix into the batter and add
2 cups flour
2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Mix well and fold into a 9x5x3 loaf pan and bake 55 minutes at 350 degrees. Take out of pan and allow to cool.

Note: (I used the small (Fancy) shreds but next time I will use the larger shreds.

Rainbow Cowboy Candy (pickled jalapeños)

1 lb fresh jalapeños
2/3 cup cider vinegar
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons mustard seed
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Slice jalapeños. Mix cider vinegar, sugar, turmeric, celery and mustard seed, garlic, and cayenne to boil. Reduce for 5 minutes to a simmer. Add jalapeños at the simmer for 5 minutes more. Load sterilized jars with jalapeños first and add liquid filling the jars leaving a 1/4 head space. Process in a water bath for 15 minutes. Makes 2 pints

Oat Pulp Dogg Treat #3

My Raptor loves the smell of vanilla and meat. she runs to see what is up when I am using either of them. She also loves any treat that tastes of vanilla.

This one made her very happy

1 recipe of oat pulp from a 6 cup recipe of oat milk. (Recipe on here.)
1 egg
1 cup raisin bran without the raisins or bran flakes (Crushed)
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix together and spread on a sprayed cookie sheet with the back of a spoon until it is less than 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the better.

Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes and with kitchen shears cut into squares. return to the oven and shut off over night or continue to bake until hard as a rock.

Butterscotch Chip Cookies

In a bowl beat together
1 egg
1 stick softened butter (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Then add
1 1/2 cups flour
4-6 oz butterscotch chips

Blend well and place by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet. I prefer the bakers secret double lined ones as the bottoms do not darken like other baking pans.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 10-12 minutes.

Perfect Brussel Sprouts Everytime

Ever make a vegetable dish and have it look old, tired, and not the beautiful green you see in the pictures in magazines. Well I have the secret to perfect, good for you, veggies. It is all in the cooking.

First of course you need to pick good vibrant food. Your beans should snap when you break them. Your corn should spit at you when you dig your nail into the kernels flesh. Brussels spouts should be a vibrant green when you start.

Put any of the veggies above in a pot  with a teaspoon butter and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover, and take off the heat. Leave covered 20 minutes while you finish preparing your meal then drain and serve. They will be perfect everytime.

Gift in a Jar "Halloween Hay Stacks"

So you are having a party and need a center piece. Look under the directions for a great little idea that is sure to please.
Makes 12 stacks

1 c chocolate chips (in a baggy) (In a baggie)

1/4 c flaked coconut (color it orange with a drop each of yellow and red mixed together and put in a baggie)

3/4 c chow mien noodles

 

Layer in a wide mouth pint jar. decorate and attach a tag saying:

 

Halloween Hay Stacks 

(Nothing else needed) 

 

Put chow mien noodles in a medium bowl and set a side. Place chocolate in a bowl and mic for 30 seconds. stir well and mic another 15 seconds if it wasn't completely melted. stir well and pour over the noodles, mix well and drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Top with colored coconut. Allow to harden for an hour. Makes 12 stacks.

Ideas for serving:

Place on a large plate with crushed chocolate cookie crumbs to look like dirt and add a few coffin cookies or ghost marshmellows

Gift in a Jar "Chow on this Fudge"

Chinese noodles meet American ingenuity in this east meets west gift in a jar. This is the easiest fudge you will ever make and one of the most appreciated Gift in a jars you will ever give.

 

3/4 c chocolate chips

3/4 c butterscotch chips

1 1/2 c chow mein noodles (placed in a zip lock baggy)

1 c graham cracker crumbs (placed in a zip lock baggie)

 

Layer in a 1 qt wide mouth canning jar. Decorate and attach a tag saying:

Chow on this Fudge
Needed Items 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

Take out the 2 baggies and set a side. place all the chips in a bowl, add peanut butter and microwave for 30 seconds. stir and microwave again for 20 seconds if it wasn't all melted. Stir in crumbs from the baggie and stir well then add the chow mein noodles and stir again. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and allow to sit an hour to harden. Makes 36 teaspoon sized pieces of fudge

Mango Jam without Sure Jel

"Luscious, fresh mango jam will add bright, tropical sweetness all winter long to a variety of dishes and desserts."

 

2 pounds ripe mangoes 1 1/2 cups white sugar

3/4 cup water 3 saffron threads (optional)

	Boil, steam, or microwave the whole mangoes until soft. Cool, then remove the peel and inner seed; place the mango pulp in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the pulp well.
	Place the sugar and water in a large saucepan over low heat, stir mixture, and bring to a boil. When mixture begins boiling, increase heat to medium-high. Continue boiling until fine, soft threads form, 270 degrees F (135 degrees C). Stir in the mango pulp, add the saffron threads, if desired, and boil until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
	Pour cooked jam into sterilized jars and seal according to canning directions.