Readers' Tips

I would like to recommend to Brenda to see if there is a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm near her. We joined a new one in our area where for a certain amount of money would buy a share or a half share and you work a certain number of hours during the season. We enjoyed biodynamically grown foods every week from June (as it was just started this year) and now it's pick-your-own till everything is gone.
--Susan R.

You will not be able to find organic food CHEAP all year round. Much of the fresh produce is not widely available year round and prices can soar during the winter months. Some ways to reduce your cost of whole foods is to 1) join a whole food co-op in your area. Check the North Farm Co-op web page (www.northfarm- coop.com) to see if there is a local co-op in your area. 2) Buy in bulk. Organic dried rice and beans purchased from the bulk bin and canned food by the case is always cheaper than picking up a box here and there. 3) Frequent your local farmer's market and search out the organic farmers. I found local organic farmers in my area by checking the web page of the Organic Growers of Michigan. 4) Buy organic what you absolutely have to (peanut butter, raisins {all those "red light" foods}) and make sure to wash and peel everything you cannot afford to purchase organically. 5) It is a little late in the year for this, but for next season: grow your own organic produce and freeze or can what you are able to supplement your shopping in the winter months.

Best of luck! I know this is a difficult task, but it is well worth the effort. You will be doing both your body and the planet a favor. Remember to encourage everyone you know to purchase whole foods as much as possible, because the greater the demand the better the variety and prices will be for us all!
--Lisa W

As a wildlife rehabilitator, I see many cases of animals suffering from secondary poisoning and would highly recommend that you find an alternative to using pesticides. You see, any rodent suffering from these poisons is an easy prey item for other animals including: birds of prey such as hawks and owls, domestic cats, and even your own dog (The dog that lives on the farm where my husband works nearly died this year from eating rodent poison). These animals will most likely suffer from secondary poisoning and die. One possible alternative to using poison is to attract a natural enemy of the rodents to your property. Owls, such as screech owls, eat rodents. You can attract an owl to your property by putting up a nestbox for it to roost and nest in. Not only will this rid you of some of the rodents, but it is completely natural and probably cheaper than chemical pesticides. Nestboxes can usually be found at a garden center or wild bird store. The rehabilitation facility I volunteer with also sells them, if you cannot find any in your area. Feel free to contact me with any questions about owls or nestboxes.
Melissa A. G.
Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

This tip was passed along to us by a woman who lived in a Catskill Farmhouse for years, and even though we were suburb dwellers, it turned out to be the only thing that helped get rid of our mice. Take plaster of Paris (dry) and mix it with chocolate milk powder and set it so the mice can eat it. It will be a dry powder. The good idea about this mixture is that the mice will leave the house to find water after they eat it so they will not die in the house. It is also basically non-toxic, having no poison in it. It worked for us, and we had quite a few mice that we could not get rid of other ways. I guess mice love chocolate too.
--Lida

(other suggestions for getting rid of mice are included on the web at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/971125b.htm)

This is an easy recipe that can be made ahead of time and my kids really enjoy.

Breakfast Cookies
Makes 24
131 calories, 7g fat/cookie
(This may seem like a lot of fat, but for normally active children, it usually is not a problem. Just balance with lower fat foods, fruits and veggies, the rest of the day.)

• 3/4 c flour
  
  
• 1/2 t cinnamon
  
  
• 1/2 t baking powder
  
  
• 2/3 c butter or margarine, softened
  
  
• 1/3 c brown sugar
  
  
• 1 egg or equivalent egg substitute
  
  
• 1 t vanilla extract
  
  
• 1 medium apple
  
  
• 1 1/2 c quick-cooking oatmeal
  
  
• 1 c colby or cheddar cheese, shredded
  
  
• 3/4 c raisins
  
  

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together the flour, cinnamon and baking powder. Stir in the butter/margarine, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Peel and core the apple; chop it into small pieces or shred it. Add apple pieces, oatmeal, cheese and raisins. Stir. Place large spoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bat at 375 for 15 minutes. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Another idea is to make a batch of pancakes and either refrigerate or freeze them (depending on how fast you will use them up). Pop them in the microwave to reheat and let the kids enjoy. You can also add a sausage link and roll the pancake around it. Great for that on the go breakfast.
--Anne

• 3 1/2 cups oats (quick or regular), toasted
  
  
• 1 cup nuts
  
  
• 1 cup raisins
  
  
• 2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
  
  
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  
  
• 1/3 cup honey, corn syrup or molasses
  
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  
  

Toast oats by spreading on a cookie sheet or large baking pan. Bake 350 degrees F. for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned. This gives the oats a nutty flavor and helps the mixture stick together better.

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl with a wooden spoon.

Press into well-greased 15x10 inch jelly roll pan.

Bake at 350 F. for 12-15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars when cool.

Variations: Substitute chocolate chips for raisins. Add 1/2 cup coconut. Substitute 1/2 cup sunflower seeds for the nuts.
--Rebecca

(editor's note: Many more good breakfast suggestions are included on the web site at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/971125a.htm. Thanks for the help!)

I've never had to remove the odor from under my sink, but I have removed onion and garlic smells from other surfaces. Vinegar or lemon usually work. You may try baking soda sprinkled over the surface and wash it up after it has time to absorb the odor. I've removed onion smell from old Tupperware products by putting damp newspaper in them over night, covered, and then scrubbing the containers.
--Susie

Here is a recipe I have for sweetened condensed milk. I hope this helps you out some.

• 3/4 c. sugar
  
  
• 1/2 c. water
  
  
• 1 c. plus 2 T. powdered milk
  
  

Combine all ingredients. Heat to boiling. Cook until thick, about 15 to 20 minutes. This equals 1 can.
--Tracy

• 1 cup Powdered skim milk
  
  
• 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  
  
• 1/3 cup Water
  
  
• 1/4 cup Butter or Margarine
  
  

Measure all ingredients into blender. Blend until smooth. Makes equivalent to 1 can.
--Donna

I think someone requested bath recipes a while ago. I got this recipe from an e-mail pal. It's sure cheaper than the commercial stuff - here in Toronto bath bombs (balls about the size of an orange) retail for around $3.00! For something basically made of baking soda!!! To form into balls, you could try adding some water or bath oil. I'm still experimenting with that. But the salts are wonderful.

Effervescent Soak --- Fizzing Bath Salts

• 2 parts baking soda
  
  
• 1 part ascorbic or citric acid powder (look for this at a Home Brewery Outlet for home beer and wine makers)
  
  
• 1 part cornstarch
  
  
• 6 drops oil of lavender or whatever you like (optional)
  
  

Mix ascorbic acid, soda and cornstarch. Place in a glass jar and drop in oil. Close jar tightly and shake several times a day for two days to develop fragrance. To use, Fill tub with hot water and sprinkle about 1 or 2 tablespoons (or as much as you wish -- it's fun to experiment. Depends on how much *fizz* you want.) on the water. Enjoy an effervescent soak!

I don't use molds. You are supposed to be able to form this into balls but I didn't have any luck. It's too dry and all fell apart so now I don't bother. I just get fancy little bottles (at our Dollar store) and fill them with it. It sure beats trying to form the stuff into little balls. I don't even *scent* it -- I leave it plain. There are so many people allergic to all sorts of stuff.

COLORING:
I don't color it because I was told that food coloring and the ingredient combination might dye your skin. Someone suggested using soap dye, however, I couldn't find a supplier so just leave it plain. It looks great in little colored bottles.

Have fun and enjoy!
Linda B.
Toronto, Ontario

(editor's note: sounds like a great holiday gift!)

A great way to get out ball point pen ink is to pour milk on it, let soak in, then wash. Some ink may need a second wash. I've used this many times, and it works wonderfully.
--Jennifer W.

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