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Show IT MAKES CENTS By Vi Blake Isn't Mother Nature wonderful? She provides us with foods such as squash, potatoes, cabbage, and grains that will keep all winter long, then when spring comes, she provides succulent fruits and vegetables. I thought about that today while cooking and freezing a pumpkin purchased in October. Two months old and it was still crisp and firm! That pumpkin, which cost less than a dollar, yielded the equivalent of three large cans of pumpkin, plus about two snack-size packages of pumpkin seeds. Actually, I prefer fresh or frozen pumpkin to canned for pie, and I really like toasted pumpkin seeds for a snack. Easy, too. You just wash and dry the seeds on a towel, then toast them until crisp and slightly brown in a fry pan with a small amount of oil, stirring often to prevent scorching. Season as desired with plain salt, seasoning salt or any spice you like. Oh yes, I should mention, too, that instead of trying to peel away the tough skin of a pumpkin or winter squash, first steam it until tender, then you can easily scoop the flesh from its shell or skin. I once got a deep cut on my hand when the knife slipped while I was trying to remove the tough skin of a winter squash. That taught me. Recently, I wrote about the "miracle" cloths that are so wonderful for cleaning windows, mirrors, chrome almost anything. Since then, several of you have told me that these microfiber cloths can be purchased at most kitchen centers for about half the exorbitant price you pay when you buy them from a multilevel multi-level sales person or through a catalog or TV ad. When something new surfaces, eager entrepreneurs are quick to move in and try to make a killing. "Let the buyer beware." Dear Vi: To keep windows from frosting, wipe them with a solution of one-half cup rubbing alcohol in one quart water. Rub dry with crumpled newspapers. Delia Hicks Rexburg, Ida. I understand why we don't want frosted windows (especially in our vehicles, Delia, but have you experienced the magic of "Jack Frost" paintings on your bedroom window? That used to fascinate me when I was a child. I'd pretend I was in fajryland. Dear Vi: Worried about your children eating too much sugar? Instead of prepared cereals (almost all of them are sweet, sweet, sweet), try cooked cereal with raisins, chopped nuts and apples, seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg and served with whole milk or half-and-half. We find that our children don't put nearly as much sugar on their cereal when we mix it with spices and put it in a large salt shaker. Fern Slater Mesquite, Nev. Or you could replace the sugar spoon with a salad fork. Just kidding of course. Your salt shaker idea is tops. Thanks for writing. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Make all of your friends feel there is something special about them. Readers: This is your feature. Send your good ideas to IT MAKES CENTS, 328 So. 300 East, St. George, Utah, 84770 or e-mail: e-mail: viblakeinfowest.com. If used here, I'll send you $2. Or a copy of one of my booklets, "Kitchen Tricks," "Vinegar, the Homemaker's Best friend," or "What Else is it Good For." These booklets are also available to others. Price: $2.50 plus $1.00 for postage. Please state your choice. For back copies of IT MAKES CENTS, log onto my web page, www.infowest.comcents. |