Hodge Podge Day: Kitchen & Laundry Tips

To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. ~George Santayana

I live in south Louisiana and have had a huge problem with drain flies {some people call them fruit flies}. I don't care what they're called, they are VERY annoying. I've had a problem for months and months now. First time I've ever seen such a creature. Anyway, I had them by the dozens and could NOT get rid of them. I tried all the remedies I could find after researching the Internet, talking to people, etc. Everything, that is, short of taking my drain apart and putting it back together again as one helpful Internet site recommended. I finally found something that seems to work. I read an advertisement selling a book on the wonders of hydrogen peroxide. An idea hit me! Peroxide kills germs and cleans wounds, etc., why not try it on the flies. If it cleans drains, could it possibly kill those pesky creatures living in my drain? Well, I tried it and it did!! The first time, I put about a third of a bottle in every drain in the house - only one time. After that first time, I just put a "dribble" drain twice a day. I put it down the drain in the AM before I leave for work and in the PM as part of my bedtime chores. Yea! No more drain flies. ~Fran

To remove oil dripping from concrete plain old laundry detergent can be sprinkled on the oil enough to cover the dripping - wait overnight and the oil is absorbed from the concrete by the powder. ~R. Schnell

I carry a gallon handled container in my car during the winter filled with Oil Ease, (grit for cleaning up the oil messes on the garage floor) Sometimes, I find that Kitty Litter is too slick. When I get shopping and step out of my car I sprinkle it by my car and when I come back out, it is all melted and I can get back into my car without slipping! Sometimes when it is icy, I sprinkle my way right into the store!! I also carry a child's shovel which comes in handy when they don't clear the parking spaces in our town, it is sometimes impossible to get over the snow pile. I am 70 and would not want to fall. Spring is coming! ~Ginny

Our appliance repairman told us to use only a couple of tablespoons of liquid detergent in our front loader and he was right. The clothes still get clean if I put extra soap on any stains and use the presoak cycle. He also told me that detergent that doesn't rinse out of clothes can cause an allergic type of itching and he was right again. The smaller amount of detergent helped and saved us lots of money, too. ~Lynn

On OFL you'll find tips on cleaning your frig coils:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/refrigerator.html

~Brenda

Reader's Garden Questions

Of winter's lifeless world each tree
Now seems a perfect part;
Yet each one holds summer's secret
Deep down within its heart.
~Charles G. Stater

Today I have two garden questions on topics that I get asked about all the time. I hope the answers will be of help.

When would be a good time to plant pumpkin seeds in San Antonio, TX? Is it best to start them inside? If so, when? My grandson and I are going to try growing our own pumpkins from seeds that he kept from last October's jack-o-lantern. This should be interesting! I have never tried to grow pumpkins. Do they have any special needs? ~Patricia

You should have good luck, because is the fourth leader in pumpkin producing. A lot of pumpkins are grown in Texas! First, all pumpkins have a vining growth habit, so they need a lot of space. The soil should be fertile, so mix in compost or rotted manure into the bed before planting. They also need high amounts of nitrogen, so remember that when using fertilizer. Another thing to keep in mind is that pumpkins are tender annuals and won't tolerate frost. The soil temperature should be between 70 and 90 degrees before planting. You can direct seed outside or start them indoors in pots. Direct seeding works when you have at least 3 months of hot days.

Many gardeners have their own methods for growing giant pumpkins, but the basics are the same. Build up small hills (3 foot x 3 foot or so) that are about 6 foot apart. Sow 4-6 seeds per hill, then thin to 2-3 plants per hill. (Or you can transplant 2-3 plants per hill.) A corner of the garden works well, or even a patch away from your regular garden. If you plant near other vegetables make sure you train the vines to grow away from them. You can grow them in rows too, but make sure they are about 6 foot apart as well. They need full sun and regular watering. Pumpkin plants have shallow roots, so they need about an inch of rain per week. As with other vegetables, water in the early morning or early in the afternoon so the foliage isn't damp at night. Soaker hoses or that type of irrigation is good used during the day.

When you sow depends on your climate. In Texas you can direct sow in May, but some areas can even go earlier, so check with your extension office. This site has information: http://texasextension.tamu.edu/

I live in New York and would like to know when is the right time to plant sunflower seeds and what are their needs? My Grandson likes them and wants to plant them. ~Judy

Sunflowers can be direct seeded, which I really think is the best, in the spring. The soil temperature should be around 45-50 degrees F. I'm in the Midwest, and this would be around the end of May for me (Zone 4-5). The soil should be fairly fertile and free of rocks-add some compost and/or other organic matter if the soil is heavy. Plant the seeds about 2 inches deep, smooth the soil down and water well, but gently. The seeds will take 7 to 10 days to germinate, depending on temperature. There are many types of sunflowers to choose from, and the spacing depends on the variety. I love dwarf types, but always grow the giants too.

There is more information on OFL about sunflowers:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/sunflowers.html

Friday's Recipes: Warming Soups

Love unlocks doors and opens windows that weren't even there before. ~Mignon McLaughlin

I've been fixing soups and stews to take off the chill here in the Michigan. We had wind chills below 0 degrees this week! Try a few of these recipes for your family, and keep warm.

Slow Cooked Beef Stew

Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds lean beef-cut into cubes
1 pound baby carrots
2 1/2 potatoes, cut in eighths
2 1/2 sweet onions, sliced thinly
1 (15 oz.) can Italian-style canned, tomatoes, undrained
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2-3 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, or 1 tsp. fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. dried basil or 1 tsp. fresh, minced

Brown the beef cubes in a large skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper lightly. Place a layer of the vegetables in the crock, and then a layer of the meat. Repeat until it's all layered. Mix the flour and the seasonings together. Sprinkle the mixture over each meat layer. Sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce as well. After layering, pour stewed tomatoes over all,cover and cook on low 10-12 hours. NOTES: I also like to drizzle with herb vinegar in place of the Worcestershire sauce. A good way to prepare this is to cut all the meat and vegetables the night before-placing the vegetables in one plastic bag or bowl and the meat in another. In the morning you assemble and it cooks all day long. A great busy day meal! This could easily be doubled and served for a crowd,or used as leftovers for lunches! Serve with corn bread. I also blend up the tomatoes because my kids don't like "chunky" things in their food.

Southwestern Corn Chowder

Ingredients:
1/2 pound of cubed ham
1 (16 1/2 ounce) can cream style corn
1 11 ounce can whole kernel corn
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
1 cup sour cream, lowfat is fine
1 cup milk, skim, 2% or whole

Combine ham, both kinds of corn and chilies. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture just comes to a boil. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and stir in the sour cream and milk. Cook 3-4 minutes longer until heated through, stirring occasionally. 6 servings.

Slow Cooked Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients:
1/2 pound hot Italian sausage
1 cup sliced carrots or baby carrots
1 large diced potato
1 garlic clove minced
2 15 ounce cans beef broth
15 can cooked northern or navy beans
14 ounce can diced tomatoes (Italian style is nice)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into one inch pieces
Optional: 1 cup chopped cabbage or spinach
Parmesan Cheese

Brown the sausage, and at the end saute the garlic, careful not to scorch. Combine everything in the crockpot except the green beans and cabbage. Cook on low for 7-9 hours. Add the beans, and the cabbage or chopped spinach and cook 30 minutes more. Serve with the Parmesan cheese in bowls. You can also boil some pasta according to instructions and spoon a small amount in the bottom of each bowl, then top with the soup.

On OFL we have more soup recipes to warm you up:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/soups.html

Herbs 'n Spices: Herb Recipes

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. ~Victor Hugo

Today I'm sharing herb recipes, starting with a question and answer from a reader. If you don't grow herbs, or it's winter for you too and you want a taste of fresh herbs, check your grocery store produce section. More stores our offering herbs year round now.

Do you have a recipe for a Creamy Oregano Dressing in your archives? ~Ginny

Creamy Oregano Dressing

Ingredients:
3/4 cup light or regular mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar or sweetener
1 clove garlic, minced

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar,lemon juice, oil, water, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, sugar and garlic. Chill before serving.

Creamy Oregano Dressing

Ingredients:
1/4 cup wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. fresh oregano or 1 tsp. dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. sugar or sweetener
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Pour the vinegar into a microwave safe measuring cup and add the oregano and garlic. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir and allow to cool to room temperature. In a small bowl whisk together the mustard,sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add in the oregano, garlic, and vinegar combination, then whisk in the oil,whisking constantly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

I also wanted to share these herb recipes that are lower in fat today:

Lowfat Cheese Dip

ingredients:
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese, creamed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lowfat milk
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 tsp. garlic granules or powder
1/8 tsp. pepper
Salt to taste

Mix ingredients in a blender, scraping sides as needed. Process until the dip is smooth and creamy. Makes 1 1/3 cups

Blue Cheese Spread

Ingredients:
8 ounces lowfat cream cheese, softened
2 ounces Bleu cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
salt to taste

Mix ingredients together and chill. Spread on bread sliced thin, or crackers.

On OFL we have recipes and tips for using herbs in soups:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/herbs8.html

Caring for Vintage Furniture and Wood

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. ~Albert Einstein

Years ago I was given a wonderful gift by my parents when they gave me my grandmother's dresser, china cabinet and vanity. I remember as a child thinking her vanity, with her brushes, mirrors and jewelry box laid out neatly, was so enchanting when we visited her! I would love to care for these items properly so I can one day hand them down to my daughter. I'm sure many of you have antique furniture as well. How can we care for it properly?

Do not set beverages, vases of flowers or anything similar on your pieces. Use coasters if it's a piece of furniture that will be used for this. Dust several times a week with a soft cloth. It's recommended that you NOT use spray waxes or polishes on the surfaces of antique furniture because it may leave a residue. You can use a paste wax, that is rubbed on and buffed afterwards if you wish. This can be removed easily if refinishing is ever necessary. Other sources recommend a lemon polish, but you need to make sure it has REAL lemon oil, not just the fragrance. Also, the polish must not contain alcohol, which will dry the wood, or silicone which will leave a residue. Any polishing you do to your pieces should be done in the direction of the grain. Once a year you can wash your furniture with a mild soap and warm water. Using a soft cloth, dip it in the water and wring it completely out. Wash a small area at a time on the piece, then wipe with a damp, soap free cloth. Then dry with another clean, soft cloth.

To really ensure the life of your wood pieces they should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating vents, alcohol, steam and water.

We have tips for removing watermarks from wood on OFL:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/water-marks.html

Vintage Family Tips from the 1920's

A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold. ~Ogden Nash

I was looking through my copy of Good Housekeeping's Book of Menus, Recipes and Household Discoveries from 1926 and thought these tips for getting kids to eat and drink properly were adorable! Sugar bowls and creamers are so easy to find at thrift stores and garage sales. Another idea to teach manners and give the kids a neat play time is to pick up odd teacups, saucers and spoons at garage sales, then keep them in a small tub for "tea time" with the kids. I know some moms love using good tea sets, which is fine, but I found that I have more fun and it's much more relaxing if we are using tea sets and dishes that aren't "special". If one breaks, it's no big deal. The following were the fun tips from the book:

Perhaps your child will not drink his milk. A small pitcher and a little, flat-bottomed wine glass will do the drink. Pour a little milk at a time from the pitcher into the tiny glass and watch your child delight in taking every drop. If the child is old enough, let him pour it himself. This is a healthful method, for the milk will never be taken in large gulps.

My two little girls refused to eat cereals until recently, when it occurred to me to give them each a little sugar bowl and pitcher so that they might help themselves. As they hold only enough for one serving, there is no waste or over-sweetening. Besides teaching them to wait on themselves without spilling, they are getting the benefit of wholesome cereals for breakfast and learning to like them.

On OFL we have a menu, tips and activities for a children's Valentine's Party: http://oldfashionedliving.com/valentine-tea.html

Tomato Seed Starting Tips

I love the garden, and I love gardening. I feel about gardening the way I feel about stirring a pot of soup, canoeing in the rain, singing in a large group, holding a child in my arms, or swimming in the dark. It makes me feel human. ~Neenah Ellis

Depending on where you live, it's time to start your tomato seeds indoors. You can grow heirloom varieties in so many varied colors, shapes and sizes that it's worth the extra effort. Seeds will keep for about 3 years if you store them in a cool place, so you don't have to use an entire packet. Remember that some seeds may not germinate, or the seedlings may be weak, so plant extra, and you can thin them to save the strong ones.

You will want to start your seeds 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a sterile potting mix. Moisten the soil an hour or two before you start planting. Also, make sure you've washed and rinsed your flat or container in hot water. Cover the seeds lightly after pushing them in 1/4 inch. Either place the container in a plastic bag or cover with plastic wrap. The seeds will germinate in a week or so if the temperature is about 75 degrees-longer if it's cooler. A sunny window works well if you have room to place the containers there, otherwise you can use florescent lights and keep the room warm. One tidbit I discovered is that you need to keep tomato seedlings away from ALL natural gas. Don't place them near a gas stove or furnace. Even a tiny amount can kill young plants.

Once the seeds germinate and sprout keep the temperature around 70 degrees, remove the plastic and water regularly. When the second set of leaves appear on your seedlings transplant them to 4" peat pots, planting them a little deeper than they had been- you can also use yogurt containers or small pots. If they seem a little spindly to you then plant them quite deep-almost up to the leaves. Give the seedlings as much sun or light as possible. If you are using florescent lights keep them about 6 inches from the plants, turning on for about 18 hours or so a day. Don't use a full strength fertilizer-cut it by half or use a natural one. I like using fish water from our fish tank to water. You can buy fish emulsion also.

Frugal notes: you don't need fancy flats with domes on them. You can use egg cartons, salad or bakery container, etc. Just make sure to poke holes for drainage and set them on trays! Drainage is super important before and after they are transplanted.

MORE: Planting information and tomato recipes!
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/tomato.html