Great Gardening Link

I found this great article through a newsletter I get. It's a fast read and I thought it could be very useful since Spring is on it's way (at least I hope it is soon) and everyone is thinking "garden". How nice would it be to have your own little cook's garden???

Here is the link: http://www.cleanhomejournal.com/view.aspx?pid=111. Enjoy!!!

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad is one of my favorite side dishes for grilled foods. It makes a perfect addition to any barbecue or cook out and goes great with hot dogs or hamburgers.

Macaroni Salad

1 Lb. box Elbow Macaroni

8 hard boiled eggs

1/3 C Minced Celery

2 T Minced Onion

2 1/2 C Salad Dressing (I prefer Miracle Whip)

Milk

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and cool. Peel, rinse and chop hard boiled eggs. Combine macaroni, eggs, celery and onion. Fold in salad dressing adding milk as needed to moisten dressing and make it smoother. Add salt and pepper to taste as you mix. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight to let flavors distribute and to chill. Keep refrigerated.

TIPS:

~You can also add 1 to 2 Tablespoons of yellow mustard for additional flavor.

~Rinsing cooked macaroni with cold water will stop the cooking process and keep them from becoming mushy.

~Kids can help peel the eggs and can cut them up with a butter knife!

Care For A Spot Of Tea?

One of my favorite daily treats is a hot, relaxing cup of tea. Just the smell of a rich, Premium Black Tea instantly de-stresses me and helps me refocus. I even carry one or two of my favorite tea bags in my purse during the winter months so I will have my favorite type handy when the mood strikes.

I like to have a cup of tea in the morning rather than coffee. The caffeine in a 6 oz. cup is just enough to get me moving while another cup in the afternoon starts me off on the right foot after work and staves off the need for an afternoon snack and nap.

Other ways to incorporate tea into your day is to keep a small tray ready with tea cups and tea bags in case a friend drops by or to have friends over for an afternoon tea rather than for dinner. The snacks traditionally served with tea are much more cost-effective than an entire meal.

A Bit About Tea

Besides being touted as a stress-reliever, tea has also been studied over the years as a possible cancer-fighter (green tea) and coronary artery disease fighter (black tea). Ginger Tea is one of the best ways I know of to calm an upset stomach whether caused by motion sickness, virus, food or pregnancy.

Along with Green Tea, Organic Black Tea is becoming more popular around the world. The organic growing process is done without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides and is being practiced by more and more farmers each year. The cost of organic can be more, but as more growers begin the change-over to organic farming, the costs are beginning to equalize as well.

To find out more about the many varieties of teas available, I suggest you visit Revolution Tea. They have a wonderful selection of flavors and have a wonderful selection of tea-related gifts for the tea-lover on your list.

Tea is just the thing to start off your day, re-energize after work or to catch up with friends. Make a cup of tea part of your day and you will surely begin to feel more centered and relaxed.

Quick Pudding Dessert

I love this dessert. It is so easy to throw together and it really impresses the kids. In fact, it is a wonderful dessert for kids to make as well. There is no cooking involved and the kids could make it while you cook dinner!

Pudding Dessert

1 large package Instant Pudding Mix (I used Chocolate)

1 package Graham Crackers

Whipped Cream or Non-Dairy Topping

Break graham crackers up in their package or in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Place crushed graham crackers in the bottom of a 9x11 baking dish. Mix pudding mix according to package directions. Pour pudding over graham crackers and spread evenly with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Spoon into serving dishes and top with your favorite whipped topping. Serves 6.

TIPS:

~I like to break graham crackers into large pieces rather than crushing them into crumbs.

~ If taking this dish to a carry-in or picnic, spread whipped topping over top of entire dish.