Category Archives: Money Savers

Pot Luck Tips

When taking food to a potluck, use dishes you’ve purchased at yard sales, or resale shops. You will never feel badly if the dishes are lost, broken or not returned.

Use a clean milk crate or a sturdy liquor box (from the wine department at your store) to transport a slow cooker to a potluck. Line it with a towel, take the cover off the slow cooker and put foil over it. Set the cooker in the crate or box with your serving utensil. The crate keeps the pot from tipping and catches any drips. When you leave, you don’t have to look for the lid, as it will be easy to find, being wrapped in foil.

When taking a salad, take the dressing in a separate container and put it on just before serving, to save wilting the greens or having the dressing settle at the bottom of the dish.

Use disposable or inexpensive serving utensils so if they are lost or not returned, you have not lost your favorite kitchen items.

Use a twist-tie and a small tab or folded address lable with your name or initials to attach to the handle of your utensil, kettle, bowl, etc. if possible. Tape often comes off in the dishwasher or sink at a pot luck or is not seen if put on the bottom of the dish.

Always take a set of eating items, i.e. plate, soup bowl or sauce dish, cup, fork, spoon, knife, napkin, water bottle, etc. in a plastic bag and leave it in the bottom of your cooler or in your vehicle, so if they are not furnished or do not have enough, you are ready to use your own.

I am available to do food presentations or sales presentations of products in stores, food shows, etc.

Contact me at the following e-mail address:

creativecook@sbcglobal.net

608-240-9773

Interactive questions, comments, suggestions, etc. can also be posted on this website.


Cold weather tips

To keep your vehicle locks from freezing, dab a little petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) on your keys and move them in and out of the keyholes of your house and car. This saves the locks from freezing.

On a windy day, hold a tissue next to closed doors, windows, fixtures and electrical outlets. If it blows, you know you have an air leak.


Thanks. for visiting my website. You can contact me with any questions of if you are looking for someone to do enhanced food demos, via my e-mail: creativecook@sbcglobal.net.

Lydia Critchley



Replacement for brown sugar

I Tablespoon molasses (regular or light is fine) added to granulated sugar to make a total of 1 cup is a great money saver when baking cookies, cakes, etc. If more or less is needed, adjust accordingly. That is what brown sugar is made of that you purchase in the store – check the ingredients on the bag or box. This way you do not need to worry about keeping it soft too.

If you brown sugar does get hard, moisten the inside of the canister lid and replace it on the canister and it will re-moisten the brown sugar. I prefer this method. Some people use a slice of white bread or a quarter of apple or a special clay bear that you moisten and add to the canister.

Creative Cooking

By

Lydia Critchley

608-240-9773

creativecook@sbcglobal.net

www.creativecookingbylydia.com


Print Recipe


Replacement for brown sugar

BigOven - Save recipe or add to grocery list
Yum

Servings

Servings


Share this Recipe
 

CORNSTARCH ABSORBS AND SHINES

CORNSTARCH ABSORBS AND SHINES
To clean windows and mirrors, mix 2 quarts of warm water with 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Apply with a sponge and buff dry for a sparkling shine.

There are many, many entries on this web site. Be sure to scroll back through to the beginning for all the recipes and tips. The “class” area has class listings of many types of classes and locations that I teach cooking, homemade pet foods, homemade soap and personal products and many more items. If you would like a class in “home-making”, sewing without a machine or with a machine or any other subject, please contact me and we can arrange a class in my home or any location of your choice. Please contact me for more details. Classes for all ages are available, including children – hands-on or presentational style.

Gift certificates are available for weddings, holidays or “you are special” gifts or any other reason.

Team building with cooking classes is fun. Join co-workers and create recipes or learn about each other while cooking.

I am available to teach cooking classes or food related subjects in your home or give presentations or classes for your organizations or groups, along with team building events. Contact me at the following e-mail address:
creativecook@sbcglobal.net

Cooking classes currently scheduled can be viewed by clicking on the “class” icon. The schedules will be updated as they change.

Interactive questions, comments, suggestions, etc. can also be posted on this website. I can also be reached at 608-240-9773.

 

Baking Soda Cuts Grease

BAKING SODA CUTS GREASE
Baking soda’s mild abrasive action makes it a great stovetop and oven cleaner. Mix with a little vinegar and scrub.

There are many, many entries on this web site.

Interactive questions, comments, suggestions, etc. can also be posted on this website. I can also be reached at 608-240-9773.

 

Natural Cleaner for Brass and Copper

LEMONS MAKE COPPER AND BRASS SPARKLE
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle it with salt (any kind — even sea salt) and rub surface until it is clean. Rinse well with water. Do not use lemons on brass-plated items.

There are many, many entries on this web site. Be sure to scroll back through to the beginning for all the recipes and tips. The “class” area has class listings of many types of classes and locations that I teach cooking, homemade pet foods, homemade soap and personal products and many more items. If you would like a class in “home-making”, sewing without a machine or with a machine or any other subject, please contact me and we can arrange a class in my home or any location of your choice. Please contact me for more details. Classes for all ages are available, including children – hands-on or presentational style.

Gift certificates are available for weddings, holidays or “you are special” gifts or any other reason.

Team building with cooking classes is fun. Join co-workers and create recipes or learn about each other while cooking.

I am available to teach cooking classes or food related subjects in your home or give presentations or classes for your organizations or groups, along with team building events. Contact me at the following e-mail address:
creativecook@sbcglobal.net

Cooking classes currently scheduled can be viewed by clicking on the “class” icon. The schedules will be updated as they change.

Interactive questions, comments, suggestions, etc. can also be posted on this website. I can also be reached at 608-240-9773.

 

USE FLOUR TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL

USE FLOUR TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL
Flour is wonderful to buff and polish a stainless steel sinks. Sprinkle a little bit into a dry, clean sink. Buff well with a soft cloth or paper towel. Then, just push the flour down the drain. flush drain well with cold water.  Then put a little cooking oil on a towel and rub the sink with the oil.

There are many, many entries on this web site. Be sure to scroll back through to the beginning for all the recipes and tips. The “class” area has class listings of many types of classes and locations that I teach cooking, homemade pet foods, homemade soap and personal products and many more items. If you would like a class in “home-making”, sewing without a machine or with a machine or any other subject, please contact me and we can arrange a class in my home or any location of your choice. Please contact me for more details. Classes for all ages are available, including children – hands-on or presentational style.

Gift certificates are available for weddings, holidays or “you are special” gifts or any other reason.

Team building with cooking classes is fun. Join co-workers and create recipes or learn about each other while cooking.

I am available to teach cooking classes or food related subjects in your home or give presentations or classes for your organizations or groups, along with team building events. Contact me at the following e-mail address:
creativecook@sbcglobal.net

Cooking classes currently scheduled can be viewed by clicking on the “class” icon. The schedules will be updated as they change.

Interactive questions, comments, suggestions, etc. can also be posted on this website. I can also be reached at 608-240-9773.

Save time when baking turkeys

Consider buying two small turkeys instead of one large one. They cook in about half the time and are easier to lift. Bonus, 4 drumsticks instead of 2 if your family likes drumsticks.
There are many, many entries on this web site. Be sure to scroll back through to the beginning for all the recipes and tips. The “calendar” area has class listings of many types of classes and locations that I teach cooking, homemade pet foods, homemade soap and personal products and many more items. If you would like a class in “home-making”, sewing without a machine or with a machine or any other subject, please contact me and we can arrange a class in my home or any location of your choice. Please contact me for more details. Classes for all ages are available, including children – hands-on or presentational style.
Gift certificates are available for weddings, holidays or “your are special” gifts or any other reason.
Team building with cooking classes is fun. Join co-workers and create recipes or learn about each other while cooking.
I am available to teach cooking classes or food related subjects in your home or give presentations or classes for your organizations or groups, along with team building events. Contact me at the following e-mail address:
creativecook@sbcglobal.net
Cooking classes currently scheduled can be viewed by clicking on the “Calendar” icon. The schedules will be updated as they change.
Interactive questions, comments, suggestions, etc. can also be posted on this website.

Dates in Baking/Cooking

Save money and chop your own dates instead of purchasing the pre-chopped dates. Spray your scissors or knife with cooking spray and cut or chop to desired size. The spray keeps them from sticking to the knife or scissors. Dipping the knife or scissors in water is another way to keep them from sticking. You can also freeze the dates for 1 to 2 hours which make them easier to cut/chop.

Eight ounces of pitted dates yeild about 1 1/2 cups of chopped dates.

Dates can be stored in your cupboard in an airtight container, the refrigerator or the freezer for extended time.

There are many, many entries on this web site. Be sure to scroll back through to the beginning for all the recipes and tips. The “calendar” area has class listings of many types of classes and locations that I teach cooking, homemade pet foods, homemade soap and personal products and many more items. If you would like a class in “home-making”, sewing without a machine or with a machine or any other subject, please contact me and we can arrange a class in my home or any location of your choice. Please contact me for more details. Classes for all ages are available, including children – hands-on or presentational style.
Gift certificates area available for weddings, holidays or “your are special” gifts or any other reason.
Team building with cooking classes is fun. Join co-workers and create recipes or learn about each other while cooking.
I am available to teach cooking classes or food related subjects in your home or give presentations or classes for your organizations or groups. Contact me at the following e-mail address:
creativecook@sbcglobal.net
Cooking classes currently scheduled can be viewed by clicking on the “Calendar” icon. The schedules will be updated as they change.
Interactive questions, comments, suggestions, etc. can also be posted on this website.