Out of Dishwasher Detergent?

I was, but needed to get some dishes clean (without the elbow grease!) So I looked up a substitute and decided to post it here in case I need it again. It worked great!

**Note: Everyone strenuously stressed that you use ONLY 3 drops of liquid dish soap or you would be cleaning up suds!

• 3 drops liquid dish soap
• Fill 1/2 of the detergent compartment with baking soda

Some More Travel Sites

Airfare Watchdog - locates last-minute deals, plus has a section of the Top 50 Fares of the Day
Cruisemates - Advise and reviews about cruising
LastMinute - Last minute weekend packages, sometimes saving 70% on unsold airplane seats.
WorldAirportGuide - check out maps of any airport
FlightStats - displays up-to-date arrival and departure boards for major airports

**Note: The best time to buy an airplane ticket is:

• 5:15 pm on Saturday if you're doing it by phone
• after midnight on Sunday if you're doing it online

Some More Travel Tips

Most hotels still leave a shower cap in your bathroom. But if you're like me, you don't ever need a shower cap for it's intended purpose. So I save them anyway and use them to put over any shoes in my suitcase that may be dirty so they don't rub against my clothes.

If you know you're traveling and intend to purchase breakable items or souvenirs, pack a couple of kids arm floaties. They don't take up much room in your suitcase and you can blow them up a little bit to protect any special items, including bottles of wine.

A Few Recipe Subsitutions

I've had to make several of these substitutions in the past...always handy to have.

• Substitute for 1 tsp lemon juice: 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
• Substitute for 1 cup cake flour: 1 cup less 2 Tbs of all-purpose flour
• Substitute for 1 cup buttermilk: 1 cup milk plus 1 Tbs lemon juice
• Another substitute for 1 cup buttermilk: 1 cup plain yogurt
• Substitute for 1 cup brown sugar: 3/4 cup sugar plus 1/4 cup molasses
• Substitute for 1 cup heavy cream: 2/3 cup milk plus 1/3 cup melted butter
• Substitute for 1 cup ricotta cheese: 1 cup cottage cheese

Last Minute Lasagna

• 1 26-ounce jar pasta sauce
• 2 30-ounce bags frozen large cheese ravioli, unthawed
• 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess water
• 1 8-ounce bag shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spoon in a third of the sauce.

2. Arrange 12 ravioli on top and scatter the spinach over them. Top with half of each cheese. Cover with another layer of ravioli and the remaining sauce and cheese.

3. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more or until bubbly.

Basic Quiche Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, diced
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 8 ounces Gruyere, grated
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 store-bought frozen piecrust in a tin

1. Heat oven to 375° F.

2. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Cover and cook until the onions are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the parsley and cook, covered, for 2 minutes more.

3. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half. Stir in the Gruyère, nutmeg, the remaining salt and pepper, and the onion mixture.

4. Place the piecrust on a foil-lined baking sheet. Scrape the egg mixture into the piecrust; it will be very full. Bake until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

**Note: Tailor this quiche to your liking by stirring in a handful of chopped cooked ham or sautéed vegetables when you add the cheese.

Chickpea Pasta!

I love chickpeas!!

1 Tb olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
7 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
Kosher salt
12 oz angel hair pasta
1 (15.5 oz) can chickpeas (rinsed)
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute (do not let it brown).
• Add the broth, red pepper, and 3/4 tsp salt and bring to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook, stirring until the broth is nearly absorbed the pasta is al dente, about 6 mins.
• Stir in the chickpeas and parsley.
• Sprinkle with the Parmesan and almonds before serving.

Quick and Easy Soup!

Here are 2 recipes that start with two cans of chicken noodle soup. Add the rest of the ingredients and act like you cooked for hours!

**Note: The winner of the best canned chicken noodle soup was Campbell's Select Harvest Chicken with Egg Noodles.

Tortilla Soup:
Bring two, 14-19 oz cans of chicken noodle soup to a simmer. Add 1 cup of frozen corn kernels and 1 tsp. of hot sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Ladle into bowls and serve with an avocado slice and tortilla chips.

White Bean and Chicken Soup:
Bring two, 14-19 oz cans of chicken noodle soup to simmer. Add 1/2 bunch of kale, leaves torn into 2-inch pieces (about 4 cups), and cook until tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in one 15-oz can of rinsed white or cannellini beans and cook until heated through.

CardTrack Calculator

This may not be information anyone really wants, but...

CardTrack has a web calculator that will tell you how long it will take you to pay off a credit card balance. You just enter the amount you owe, the interest rate, and how much you pay each month.

Best Workout Music

Since I'm a MAC, I can't really use this right now. But I'll save it for sometime in the future...just in case my iTunes are ever on a PC again.

It's pretty cool! As most of us can guess, faster music causes us to exercise longer. BeatScanner is a free, PC-compatible program that searches your music library and finds upbeat tunes for you to use when you exercise.

And if you are a MAC, the site does have pages of playlists of recommended workout songs, as well as a search feature that lets you pick your pace and music genre.

Party Plum

One of my new favorite party supply websites.
PARTY PLUM

I love LISTS!

Real Simple has over 50 checklists for almost anything you can imagine. I love Real Simple, and I love checklists! Some of my favorites:

Picnic Packing Checklist
Camping Checklist (I have one of my own I've used for years, but this is a great one!)
HouseGuest Prep Checklist
Warm Weather Packing Checklist
Moving Checklist

Sweet Potato Risotto

A great vegetarian dish!

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 small sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

2. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring frequently, until absorbed.

3. Measure 3 1/2 cups of water. Add 3/4 cup at a time and cook, stirring occasionally and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. It should take 25 to 30 minutes for all the water to be absorbed.

4. Stir in the Parmesan and oregano.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Can't wait to try this one!

CRUST:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from 14 graham crackers)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

FILLING:

• 1 2.5-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 8-ounce bar cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Make the crust: Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Transfer to a 9-inch springform pan. Using a straight-sided dry measuring cup, press the mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.

2. Make the filling: sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup boiling water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until dissolved, about 5 minutes.

3. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin, sour cream, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Mix in the gelatin mixture until incorporated.

4. Chill: Pour the mixture into the crust and refrigerate, covered, until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Another Plant Idea for Me

I've written before here and here about possible options for my black thumb! This one caught my attention also. Maybe I could maintain and not kill plants in a Terrarium. This is a good how-to article by Real Simple. Maybe I'll try sometime.

It also includes a few websites where you can buy terrarium plants.
Logees
Glasshouse Works

Spa Relaxation Products

Who doesn't need to relax?

Bath by Bettijo Shower Infusers - place one on the shower floor while you shower and enjoy the aromatherapy. (Sudacare has vaporizing shower soothers to help congestion. I've tried them and they work very well.)

Lather Cucumber & Ginseng Facial Mist - just a little spritz any time during the day to hydrate skin and reduce anxiety.

Origins Lavendar Body Smoother - bedtime lotion with a calming scent

Bath & Body Works Instant Aromatherapy Roll-On - lavender balm to rub on pulse points before hitting the sack! (They also have lots of other aromatherapy versions: Mental Clarity, Crave Relief, Stamina Boost, Headache Relief, Energy Boost, etc.)

Hostess Gifts

I like these hostess gift suggestions...just act surprised if I ever give you one!

Scented Drawer Papers - I love the designs!

Olive Set - Bella Cucina has a lot of other great ideas too!

Good Karmel - flavored caramels!

Dean & Deluca's Famous Black and White Cookies - And, tons more of great bakery items (like these birthday cookies)...I could spend hours on this website. But beware, you'll get hungry!

Fast Fix Buttons

This is a good addition for a clothing emergency kit. Button pins...temporary button replacement on men or women’s button-up shirts. Sometimes you just don't have time to sew!

Brie en Croute

This one I will be trying very soon! I love brie!

1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet)
1 egg
1 tbsp. water
1/3 cup dried cherries, softened*
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves or tsp. dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 (13.2 ounces) Brie cheese round
1 pkg. (26 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Crackers

• Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes or until it's easy to handle.
  
• Heat the oven to 400°F.
  
• Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork.

• Unfoldthe pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
  
• Roll the pastry sheet into a 14-inch square.
  
• Stir the cherries, pecans, honey and rosemary in a small bowl.
  
• Spread the cherry mixture into the center of the pastry square.
  
• Top with the cheese round.
  
• Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg mixture.
  
• Fold two opposite sides of the pastry over the cheese.
• Trim the remaining two sides of the pastry square to 2-inches from the edge of the cheese.
• Fold the sides up onto the cheese and press the edges to seal.
  

• Place the pastry-wrapped cheese seam-side down onto a baking sheet.
  
• Brush the pastry with the egg mixture
• Decorate the top with pastry scraps or additional rosemary, if desired. Brush the pastry with the egg mixture.

• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is deep golden brown.
• Let stand for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with the crackers.
  

*To soften cherries, mix the cherries and 1/2 cup hot water in a small bowl. Let stand for 1 minute. Drain and pat the cherries dry.

Croissant and Chocolate Bread Pudding

6 large egg yolks
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
6 croissants, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, cut into chunks

• Heat oven to 375.
  
• Butter an 8-inch square or other shallow 2-qt baking dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg.
  
• Add the croissants and chocolate and mix to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake until set and a knife inserted comes out clean, 30-40 minutes.
• Serve warm or at room temp.

Need a Cheese Guide?

This one is pretty good! Mmmmm...I love cheese!

Gorgonzola - Italian blue cheese that can be buttery or firm, crumbly and quite salty.
Pairs well with: hearty breads, figs, pine nuts

Pecorino Romano - Hard Italian cheese with a sharp, very salty flavor
Pairs well with: fava beans, radishes, arugula

Mascarpone - Triple-cream, milky-white cheese
Pairs well with: pears, hazelnuts

Parmigiano Reggiano - Sharp, complex taste with slightly gritty texture
Pairs well with: pesto, honey, walnuts

Ricotta - Fresh, slightly sweet cheese
Pairs well with: almonds, spinach

Lantern Remote?

There have been many times when we're camping and settling into the tent, when a remote control lantern would have been nice! I had no idea that Coleman created such a thing.

Doileez

This modern twist on a classic doilies really make me smile! They are silicon and you can re-use them!

David Aubrey Bangles

I really like these bangle bracelets! He is always designing new ones so there's always a variety.

Mulled Wine

Nice and warm for the winter...

1 navel orange
4 cups apple juice
2 Tb honey
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
6 whole allspice berries
10 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle dry red wine

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the orange in long strips.
In a large saucepan, gently simmer the zest, apple juice, honey, ginger, allspice and 2 cinnamon sticks for 20 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook just until heated through. Serve hot with the remaining cinnamon sticks.