Five Star Favorites http://www.5starhelps.com/five-star-favorites.htm en-us 2008-04-22 <![CDATA[Another Use For Soda]]> Did you know that soda can keep flowers fresh. Cut an inch of it at the end of the stem. Put them in the vase with the desired amount of water. Add a little regular 7-Up or Sprite. When you change the water everyday, you add a little of the soda too. It will keep the buds perky for as long as possible. You can also do this with green plants. Treat them with soda once in a while.  ]]> <![CDATA[Shopping For New Christmas Lights?]]> Shopping For New Christmas Lights? 

 Save money and cut pollution by purchasing LED string lights.  They use much less electricity, reduce pollution from power plants and last longer.  They also stay cooler, too. While they cost more than traditional Christmas lights up front, the electricity savings will easily make up the cost difference within a season or two. 
]]> <![CDATA[Deep Frying Your Turkey]]>
Deep Frying Your Turkey
 
-In a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat peanut oil to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Be sure to leave room for the turkey, or the oil will spill over. (A good way to measure how much oil you will need is by placing  the turkey into the stockpot/turkey fryer & filling it with water until your turkey is completely covered, remove the turkey from the water & mark the level of the water line & then empty out the water).  Layer a large platter with food-safe paper bags if you don't have those paper towels work just as well.

-Remove all giblets, rinse turkey inside & out, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Make sure the hole at the neck is open at least 2 inches so the oil can flow freely through the bird.

-Inject your turkey with your favorite marinade.  You can do this up to 24 hours before, if not it works fine 30 mins before too. 

 

-The turkey should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 45 minutes.

-Carefully remove basket from oil, and drain turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Finish draining turkey on the prepared platter.

-Then transfer turkey to your Thanksgiving platter & its ready for everyone to enjoy!

]]> <![CDATA[Natural Insecticide]]> Add onions and garlic to a jar of water, let it stand for a week, and spray plants with it.]]> <![CDATA[Reduce Household Dust]]> Cut down on dust in the air inside your house by replacing furnace filters, shaking area rugs and cushions outside, vacuuming frequently and leaving the furnace blower on.]]> <![CDATA[Testing]]> ]]> Posted 2008-06-26 <![CDATA[Go Green]]> Go Green with the change of a Light Bulb
By replacing a standard bulb with a compact fluorescent one you will get more light for less money and save a lot of energy.

]]> <![CDATA[Veggie Water]]> Next time you boil or steam vegetables, don't pour the water down the drain.  Instead let it cool down then use the "veggie soup" to per up potted plants!  It is rich in nutrients!

]]> <![CDATA[Ant Repellant]]> Ant Repellant

To keep ants out of the house, find where the ants are entering the house and sprinkle a "barrier" of cinnamon or any type of ground pepper to block their way. The spices are too hot for the ants to cross.

]]> <![CDATA[Quick Bathroom Clean Up]]> Try cleaning your bathroom after a steamy bath/shower.  You'll notice the steam will losen up any dirt on your walls, floors, etc. which in turn will make it easier to clean up!]]> <![CDATA[Sparkling Lemonade]]> Sparkling Lemonade

2 Cups water

1 Cup honey

2 Cups club soda, chilled

1 Cup lemon juice

Directions:

In a small saucepan, bring the water & honey to a boil.  Remove from the heat, cover & steep for 10 minutes.  Let cool.  Transfer to a pitcher; stir in soda & lemon juice.  Serve immediately over ice.  Yield: 5 servings 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Fruit Salsa Recipe]]>

Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips

 
What you'll need:
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar
**You can also take out the sugar and let the fruit use its natural sweetness**
 
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves.  Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.
]]> <![CDATA[Cream of Mushroom Soup]]> Cream of Mushroom Soup

3 (8oz) pkgs sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 Tbs. butter, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 (14-1/2oz) cans chicken broth
3 cups whipping cream
1/4 cup dry white wine
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
 
Coarsely chop mushrooms.  Saute mushrooms and onion in butter in a large dutch oven over medium heat for 10 minutes or until tender.  Add flour, stirring until smooth.  Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
 
Stir in broth and remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-high.  Cook 20 minutes or until thickened, stirring often.  Yield: 10 cups.
]]> Posted 2008-04-22 <![CDATA[Ice Cubes]]> Ice Cubes
If your ice cube trays need to be filled up try adding a few drops of lemon juice or lime juice into each cube.  The cubes will add a great taste to your plain water or iced tea. 
]]> Posted 2008-04-22 <![CDATA[Scuff Marks]]> Scuff Marks
If scuff marks on your floor are driving you crazy here's a helpful tidbit:
Use a clean tennis ball to erase those scuff marks.
]]> Posted 2008-04-22