Make Your Own Plastic "Screens" for Dehydrating, Freezing, Sprouting . . .

and Sifting, in minutes at Great Cost Savings!

The screens used with dehydrators to contain small pieces and make removal of the finished product easier average around $8.00 a pair----plus $5.00 shipping if you buy them on line.

I knew there was a way to beat that price.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The simple answer is the plastic canvas sheets used in crafts. You've  probably seen (and maybe even have) tissue boxes or napkin holders that have been constructed, and decorated, with yarn. Possibly made by your grandmothers?

        

The sheets come in all sizes--with many different hole-size options. The sheet shown below is a size 7 which I think means 7 holes to the inch This larger size 10-1/2 by 13-1/2 inches cost $1.49. Small sheets can cost one-third that. 

To be sure it would be "food grade" safe I contacted the company Darice.

For Dehydrating: 

I trace around the drying tray to make a pattern and cut the canvas slightly smaller so it will fit within the tray..  I cut out the center circle and one small "finger grasp" section at the edge and the sheet is good to go and go and go. I use them for drying everything, not just the small items, because the plastic makes things easier to remove. Plus, the sheets are much simpler to wash than the trays! Nesco actually calls them "Clean-A-Screens."

And since one good idea often leads to another . . .

For Freezing:

When freezing foods we are often directed to place the individual pieces to be frozen (peas, banana slices, pepper pieces, etc.) on a cookie sheet and freeze before packaging.  I don't like all the space the cookie sheet takes in my freezer, especially when each sheet only holds one layer.  The answer: Plastic canvas!  I buy the size, or cut down larger sizes, to fit my 9x13" cake pans.

Depending on the size (or rather "height") of the pieces I am freezing, I average five layers, stacking each plastic sheet, with its food, directly on top of one another.  When frozen lift off the layers one at a time and easily pop-off the frozen pieces.

Another plus: Depending on the size of the product and how you are going to store it, you can slightly bend the canvas lengthwise and funnel the items directly into their storage container.

Using the canvas as a funnel reminds me of the genius trick I found on the internet this past week.  A friend was thinning his green onions and gave me a large bunch.. I took to the internet to search the best way of preserving them --- freezing or drying?

After trimming and washing the green onions  I put them vertically, in a strainer, and let them drain for an hour or two until they were thoroughly dry. I chopped (or cut)  them into small pieces and spread them on the plastic sheets and froze them. When they were frozen I put a funnel into the neck of  clean and dry empty water bottle, folded each canvas sheet into a funnel-shape as mentioned above, and poured them into the funnel which funneled them right into the narrow-necked bottle. To use them, shake the bottle, pour out what you need, and return the bottle to the freezer. 

For Sprouting:

You can spend your money to buy fancy sprouting kits, or as Gail, the cheapskate does, you can simply and quickly make your own.

For the very basic----a jar, a rubber band, and a piece of pantyhose will do the job.

1. Put the small amount of seeds to be sprouted in a jar.
2. Add water.
3. Stretch the pantyhose over the opening and secure it with a rubber band.
4. Prop the jar at an angle (so there is more sprouting room for the seeds but so the water won't run out the opening).
5. Put it in a near-by cupboard or dark place.

And the hardest part!

Remember to drain the water (through the pantyhose) and add new water three or four times a day. I write a note and leave it by the sink!

When the sprouts are the size you want, usually in just a day or two, drain the jar, and lay it on its side in a sunny spot to green them up.

To "fancy" up the process, I cut jar-opening size circles of the plastic canvas (usually from leftover scraps) and hold them on with the jar ring  used in canning. Remember, you can buy the canvas with many size openings so you can match the openings to the size of your seeds. The rest of the process is the same.

For "Sifting":

I use the same method as I use for sprouting--- to store items I used for other food processes.  Pint jars of cornmeal,  flour, powdered sugar  for "dusting" a surface and cinnamon-sugar mixture for sprinkling on hot buttered toast and smaller-hole-size canvas for  very lightly sprinkling on apple or zucchini slices before drying --- using various size canvas openings to meet the particular need.

I am Simply, Gail and I encourage you to be creative.

It's Best to Tell the Truth and . . .

It has happened again! I have forgotten how to add the recipes from several posts to the cookbook list that runs down the side of my blog.

I have posted several GREAT recipes (at least I think they are and so do my tasters!) without being able to list them for your future reference.  I have spent hours going through my notes, digging through Google Blogger for Dummies, and experimenting --- unsuccessfully.

We have two grandchildren coming  through here in the next week or so on their way home from college. Hopefully they will be able to spend some time and will be willing to help me out.......again.

In the meantime---- please don't give up on me!

Fortunately, a few weeks ago when we were visiting, our daughter pointed out the little white search box at the top left hand side of my blog.  Can you believe ..... that's a dumb question ..... sure you can, that I didn't realize it was there.

Of course, you probably already knew about it.

Until help arrives I am going to list the recipes that don't appear in the sidebar and the wording to type in the little search box.

I am sorry for the extra work this will cause you but if you read one of the posts, wanted the recipe, and couldn't find it again, hopefully this will be worth your effort.

I have tried each of the "titles" I have put in bold, before the recipe descriptions and they will take you to the correct site.

• Chocolate "Shell" gives you the 2-ingredient recipe for the crackly chocolate topping that hardens when it hits ice cream (or frozen banana slices). 
• Blender Compost teaches you to turn your veggie and fruit trimmings into an instant compost smoothie for your garden.
• Artisan Bread reveals the simplicity to frugally making that expensive crusty-type European breads found in bakeries --- in minutes for pennies.
• Greek Yogurt shows you how to easily make this expensive yogurt  inexpensively without any special equipment.
• Donuts provides simple and simply delicious cake donuts in minutes --- Dave thinks they are the best he has ever tasted!
• Root Veggie Chips from my experimenting to create inexpensive and  healthy alternative to commercial ones.
• Zucchini Chips offers more in the dehydrating line of healthy snacks. They are so much better than they sound.
• Tartar Sauce quickly made from simple ingredients you probably already have on hand --- with none of the additives.
• Cole Slaw Dressing perfect for cabbage slaw (I am not sure where the name Cole came from) to mix up in a minute using simple ingredients.
• Microwave Potato Chips ---- to make, eat, and enjoy without any expensive specialty equipment.
• Coconut Cookies that require only one bowl and one fork to make.
• Barbecue Sauce that requires few ingredients, no cooking, and tops the most famous.
• Jello Milk Shake for a cool and colorful refreshing treat.
• Deodorant that does the job with natural, around the house, ingredients and no yucky, potentially harmful ones.

When I finally learn, I promise to

---fully write out the directions

---prominently post them in an obvious place

---immediately add the recipes to the cookbook list

Until that time, I will continue to add the search box headings to the bottom of each post.

And, I am thanking you in advance for what I hope is your patience with me.

I am Simply  Simple, Gail.

UPDATE!!!  My good friend Sandy talked me through how to put my recipes (including all of the above) in the Cook Book section.  Thanks, Sandy.

My next project will be how to make the Cook Book Section more user-friendly. In the meantime (which could be quite a long time) I hope you'll keep scrolling down to see what is there for you to make simply, cheaply, and without a bunch of added chemicals and other ingredients.

Make Your Own Chocolate "Shell" for Ice Cream and More

You know what fun it is to watch the ice cream store employee dip your ice cream cone in a runny chocolate that immediately turns to a  crackly coating for a yummy treat? 

You can make your own in minutes with only two ingredients!

Make it . . . store it in the frig . . .
ready for an instant treat at a moments notice.

This is the ideal treat to keep on hand for hot summer weather.   It's super great because it is quick, much cheaper than the commercial "shell topping" you can buy, and without a lot of unnecessary ingredients.

Simply

1. Combine 1-1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips with 
1/2 cup coconut oil (measured when solid).

2. Melt in the microwave at about 70 percent power for about one minute (depending on your microwave). Do not overheat. Stir until smooth.

3. Drizzle, dip or pour over ice cream or other frozen treats* and enjoy.

Adapted from  Skip to my Lou.org 

Store remaining topping in the refrigerator in a bottle or jar. When ready to use the next time, heat in microwave for 30 seconds. Shake or stir and continue heating at 15 second intervals until liquid and well-combined. 

• This simple recipe is simply too good to limit to ice cream.  We freeze banana slices in single layers on cookie sheets, scoop them into dishes and drizzle with the topping.  Delicious!

• You can cut bananas into chunks (about four per banana), skewer each with a toothpick and freeze on cookie sheets. Dip each frozen chunk into the topping, allow excess to drip off, and return to freezer until totally set. Store in bags or containers until ready to use.

• If desired, you could roll each banana section in sprinkles or chopped nuts before the topping sets. Then return to freezer.

• Just before serving I have topped the picks with a pineapple tidbit and a maraschino cherry and set them on a bed of ice. 

I keep thinking of other things to freeze and dip.  Pretzels and marshmallows top my to try list. Sandwich cookies?

'til we eat again,

                Simply Gail

Simply Easy and Instant Composting!!!

A compost pile takes dedication to do it right. Honestly, we are not that dedicated. Since we don't work our pile, it takes a couple of years for it to properly break down to where we can use it.

NO LONGER!!!

MAKING IT!

Now we simply place our kitchen fruit and veggie trimmings and scraps, and egg shells in a  blender -- 1/2 to 3/4 full --- add water and blend away. This garden smoothie is not  very appealing to humans, even though it usually smells good,  but the earth and the earth's worms love it!

How simple is that?  

We happened to have a second blender stored away in the back of a cupboard. For what reason and for how long we don't remember but the color gives a clue! 

We simply placed our avocado-colored blender  in a corner of our counter, near an outlet, and fill it as we go. It is quite colorful, and even sorta attractive in an artsy kind of way---until you blend it. I'll leave the blended description to your imagination. 

 The blender lid not only contains any odor there might be, it prevents those bothersome fruit gnats from flitting around. (I don't know where the gnats originate and how they so quickly find our  fresh fruit or veggie pieces but they do!) 

If you don't have an extra blender, just store your trimmings in a container in the frig until you are ready to whip up your garden smoothie.

USING IT!

• Make a small shallow trench ---- a few inches away from your plants ---either around each or in a row alongside, pour it in and cover it with a little dirt or some leaves. Treat your garden one section at a time, moving along  with each blender's worth.  

• If you have a compost pile or area, pour it in,  and cover it lightly with a little dirt or leaves. It will really help speed the process.

NO-NO's

• Do not add any meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or oils! Egg shells and coffee grounds are the only exception I can think of off hand.  I don't add cooked leftovers of any kind. 

This simple process, an almost immediate  banquet for the garden is one of those "duh," why didn't I think of this years ago things!  

We are always learning --- on our own, from one another and with each other. I hope my blog is continuing this learning process.

What If . . . Can Safety Hints Help Keep You Safe?

Hopefully, you have been following my series of What If . . .? posts on precautions to help keep you safe.
Probably, this will be my last post on this topic --- but you never know. 
Strongly, I encourage you to click back and read the previous four if you haven't already. It is  . . . 
Likely, these helps you read will come back to you if the need ever arises.
Simply little tips and safeguards that could save you lots of sorrow and possibly your life. 

Little things that could mean a lot!

I know I have said it before but once again I will state 
emphatically--- 


Each of us has a special internal "warning system."

Holy Ghost - Holy Spirit - Guardian Angel - Comforter - 
Still Small Voice - Intuition -Prompting - Sixth Sense -
Gut Feeling . . . 

No matter what term you choose to use for these feelings, it is always very important to listen to them and act upon them! 

Since we have been taught to be polite to others we worry about displaying actions that may appear rude--even when our internal feelings are on high alert.

Note from Gail: My 7th grade teacher was a man (probably in his fifties) who teased a lot, told inappropriate jokes and held a classroom dance each Friday afternoon. He held the girls too close when he danced with them. For some reason I was at school early one morning and he happened to be in the hallway. Just the two of us. He started joking and "jokingly" tugging me towards our classroom.  I was too young (we didn't grow up as fast back then!) to know what was going on but felt the warning, "jokingly" resisted and pulled the other way and finally, "jokingly" --- scratched his arm. He let me go.  I later, hesitantly told my mother, who worked at the school, and begged her not to tell anyone.  I never heard another word but he was, not too much later, released from his teaching position.

DO NOT IGNORE THESE FEELINGS even if you feel they are inconsequential or would cause possible embarrassment. 

Increasingly, the same electronic devices which reportedly make our lives faster, easier, and more connected can also be increasingly detrimental.

Our private interactions using supposedly private actions are, in reality, making our actions and our lives increasingly public. The genius of our electronic transmissions are increasingly intercepted by the geniuses out there who are up-to-no-good, taking advantage of this technology by developing their sordid technology. 

Many of these devices allow our personal information to be tracked, stored and transmitted to many sources without any approval or even awareness on our part --- and without it being a crime, as in identify theft. 

When we use "savings cards" or similar at stores, they are in reality, or at the very least additionally, tracking our habits through our purchases. And, they are using this information to further their causes, however varied those causes may be. 

GPS devices track our whereabouts, even when we are not asking them to. 

All of this is presented and reported to be for our own good and even our own safety. 

And we, caught up in the hectic of everyday existence, just go along with it and think how wonderful it all is.  Think again!

Back in the day I worked in a library. Back then, libraries contained  almost totally ---- books! And, back then most of our private information was exactly that --- private.

If you are not familiar with reverse directories, they were/are a special type of book that, instead of looking up an address and phone number by name,  allowed you to look up an address or  phone number and find out the names, etc. of those who belonged to them.  The reverse directories of those days were kept behind the counter, where they had to be requested, only used in-house, and even then, needed to be signed for in order to look at them. Sounds like overkill? Maybe. But even with all of those precautions, we sometimes didn't feel good about the people who wanted to look at them. 

Today we are an information highway at the mere touch of a screen --- an information highway that can be easily and quickly traveled by anyone for any reason.  An informational source that can even provide photos of our homes and our streets. 

Before you dismiss me as paranoid, take a few minutes to consider what I am saying. 

Many, if not most, things which have been invented to serve us, manage to have unsavory individuals find a way to distort and abuse their intended  helpfulness.  

Compared to today's world, I lived in a safe time, in small safe communities, and even then, had experiences where I heard (and fortunately heeded) the promptings I received. 

Times are becoming increasing dark and that makes  listening to our internal warning system increasingly important. 


The following is from the book "The Gift of Fear---Survival signals that protect us from violence" by Gavin De Becker.

“...what many others want to dismiss as a coincidence or a gut feeling is in fact a cognitive process, faster than we recognize and far different from the familiar step-by-step thinking we rely on so willingly. We think conscious thought is somehow better, when in fact, intuition is soaring flight compared to the plodding of logic. Nature’s greatest accomplishment, the human brain, is never more efficient or invested than when its host is at risk. Then, intuition is catapulted to another level entirely, a height at which it can accurately be called graceful, even miraculous. 

"Intuition is the journey from A to Z without stopping at any other letter along the way. It is knowing without knowing why. 

“...the root of the word intuition, tuere, means ‘to guard, to protect.’”

“Can you imagine an animal reacting to the gift of fear the way some people do, with annoyance and disdain instead of attention? No animal in the wild, suddenly overcome with fear, would spend any of its mental energy thinking, ‘It’s probably nothing.’...We, in contrast to every other creature in nature, choose not to explore — and even to ignore — survival signals.” 

Even when intuition speaks in the clearest terms, even when the message gets through, we may still try to second guess ourselves.

The Word “NO”

“No" is a word that must never be negotiated, because the person who chooses not to hear it is trying to control you. In situations in which unsolicited offers of assistance are appropriate, such as approaches by a flight attendant, it is simply annoying if you have to decline three times. With a stranger, however, refusal to hear "no" can be an important survival signal, also with a suitor, a friend, a boyfriend even a husband.

“Declining to hear “no” is a signal that someone is either seeking control or refusing to relinquish it. ... If you let someone talk you out of the word “no” you might as wear a sign that reads, ‘You are in charge.’”

And, again:

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

POLICE OFFICERS WOULD MUCH RATHER RESPOND TO A “FALSE ALARM” THAN TO AN ACTIVE CRIME SCENE.


While the odds of  something happening are remote, it is very important to consider, in advance, things you could do to help yourself if faced with an emergency situation. 

I'll once again ask the question that began this post. . .

Can Safety Hints Help Keep you Safe?

What If . . . You Find Yourself in Danger at Home?

Before we continue with part 4 of these safety posts a reminder . . .

                                                     
Some of these ideas can help you avoid a potentially bad situation while others will help you act IF you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

The following are habits that are simple to develop. Being cautious is not being paranoid. Being safe may keep you from  being sorry.

No matter how safe you feel your neighborhood is,
it is very wise to keep your house locked ---
even when you are home (which some think
is unnecessary.)

BE AWARE IN YOUR HOMES — Don’t automatically act on the “out of the ordinary.” Individuals intent on doing evil are inventive! Stay alert and keep safe. 

DO's:

• If you want to have your windows open for air, take blocking precautions: open them only enough to allow air to come through---not a person! 

          For sliding doors or windows, place a length of dowel in the inside window track preventing the window from being opened wider.
          For windows that open from bottom to top, buy or make stoppers that only allow a few inches to be raised.

• Consider a barrier between you and who ever is on the other side of the door when you open it. Not many years ago almost every home had a screen door along with the regular door(s). They were usually made of window screen  in a simple wooden framework. Not so, these days.  But also, unfortunately, most homes today have oversize or fancy doors that do not "lend" themselves to this extra protection.  A couple of years ago we installed one of the "modern"one at our front door. It not only allows us to have the door open to let in air, it is a comforting safety feature. It is made from heavy holey-stuff with grill work.  They aren't very expensive;  they can easily be installed to the existing framework; in daylight you can see who is at the door without them being able to clearly see you; and they aren't overly "ugly" I think they are a great bang for the buck!!!

• If you need help, yell FIRE instead of help---it attracts more attention, which is sad but, confirmed in a safety class, true. 

• If your car has an automatic car door opener keep your car keys by your bed. If you hear a noise that concerns you, you can press the alarm button and it will set off the car alarm. Somehow the alarm "waves" are able to travel through walls so this is effective even when you are on the side away from your driveway. Have someone stand by your car and then try it to make sure it works for you!

• Keep your cell phone by your bed. Even if it is out of charge I was told in a recent class that you will still be able to dial 911. The control center won't be able to automatically track the location of the call but they can talk to you. I'm am not sure how to test this (since you shouldn't just dial 911) but I trust the instructor that told us.

Any deterrent, even if it is only going to slow the perpetrator down just a couple of seconds, is often all it takes for him to pass up your home in favor of an easier mark. They usually won't take a chance on the possibility that the dog may be just around the corner of the house or in the house, or to speculate on whether you actually have a security system or not. So . . .

• Buy a huge dog dish, paint a mean sounding name on it (like Killer or Bruiser, etc.), beat the dish up to make it look used, and throw it in the backyard.
• Post a "Beware of Dog" sign.
• Buy "This house protected by security alarm" stickers and place on doors and windows.
• Plant "stickery" bushes under windows.
• Add deadbolt locks to your doors --- and then be sure to use both locks. 

DON'Ts: 

The following are reported to be true. While I can't verify them, they do provide extra cautions we may not have thought of on our own.

A woman heard a crying baby on her porch late one night so she called the police because she thought it seemed weird. The police told her “Whatever you do, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR.” The lady then reported that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window. The policeman said, “We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.” He told her that they think an attacker has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls from women reporting baby's cries outside when they're home alone at night.

If, especially after dark, you hear, or are awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of your outside water faucet running or what you think is a pipe that has burst, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! This ploy has the attacker turning on your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and he can attack.

I think this next one is especially cunning --- I had never considered  predators would be patient.

One day a nicely dressed man knocked on a door and when the woman answered told her he and his family were considering moving to the neighborhood and could she tell him what she thought of the schools. After she answered, he thanked her and left.

The next week, he knocked once again and asked her a couple more seemingly appropriate questions; thanked her and left.

A few days later, he appeared once again with a logical question and apologizing for bothering her.  (By then, even cautious people would be feeling quite comfortable.)  He started coughing, asked for a drink of water and . . .

Next:  Being safe on the phone and more

What If . . . You Find Yourself in Danger while Jogging or Walking?

Before we continue with part 3 of these safety posts a reminder . . .

                                                       
Some of these ideas can help you avoid a potentially bad situation while others will help you act IF you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

The following are habits that are simple to develop. Being cautious is not being paranoid. Being safe may keep you from  being sorry.

• IT IS IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, whether alone or with someone, whether walking for exercise or pleasure, or going to and from your responsibilities or activities — EVEN IN FAMILIAR AND COMMON AREAS; EVEN IN DAYLIGHT!

Note from Gail: One summer my girl cousins and I were selling berries from our grandparents' garden, door to door in their small country town. (I was 8 or 9; they were about 12 and 13). It was dusk; the houses were spaced far apart. Suddenly we noticed a man walking briskly behind us and it didn't feel right. My cousins started running down the street. I was prompted to run to one of the houses that had lights on.  They told me he was just a crazy man who wouldn't hurt us and slammed the door.  I jumped off their porch and ran past two other houses until I saw another one with a light on. They were kind and understanding, while explaining his situation and agreeing that he probably wouldn't have hurt us --- still they understood our fear and took us home. 

• USE EAR BUDS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITH  GREAT CAUTION.  Whether you are walking or stationary, THESE CAN ALL CAUSE DANGEROUS DISTRACTIONS ---1) making you less in tune to promptings, 2) less aware of your surroundings, 3) unaware of suspicious noises and activity --- ALL MAKING YOU EASY PREY FOR A CRIMINAL.

• THE ELBOW IS THE STRONGEST POINT ON YOUR BODY. IF YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO USE IT, DO! (Tip from Tae Kwon Do) 

• IF A ROBBER ASKS FOR YOUR WALLET AND/OR PURSE, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. TOSS IT AWAY FROM YOU---Chances are that he is more interested in your money and will go for that---AND RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

• IF THE PREDATOR HAS A GUN AND YOU ARE NOT UNDER HIS CONTROL, ALWAYS RUN! PREFERABLY IN A ZIG-ZAG PATTERN. Even when running in a straight line the chances of being hit are only about 4 in 100 times and, even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. 

• GO AGAINST YOUR NATURAL TENDENCIES TO BE SYMPATHETIC AND HELPFUL. It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy*, the serial killer from the 1970's was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS PLAYED ON THE SYMPATHIES OF UNSUSPECTING WOMEN. He sometimes walked with a cane, or a limp, sometimes wore a fake cast, and asked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

*Utterly unique in its astonishing intimacy, as jarringly frightening as when it first appeared, Ann Rule's The Stranger Beside Me defies our expectation that we would surely know if a monster lived among us, worked alongside of us, appeared as one of us. With a slow chill that intensifies with each heart-pounding page, Rule describes her dawning awareness that Ted Bundy, her sensitive coworker on a crisis hotline, was one of the most prolific serial killers in America. He would confess to killing at least thirty-six young women from coast to coast, and was eventually executed for three of those cases. ... Rule's book strikes a seamless balance between her deeply personal perspective and her role as a crime reporter on the hunt for a savage serial killer -- the brilliant and charismatic Bundy, the man she thought she knew.... (book review)

Note from Gail: We lived near one of the shopping mall's where Ted Bundy tried and failed  to abduct a teenage girl. He got away but she was able to give a description.  Our neighborhoods were in virtual self-imposed lock-down! It was very scary.

Again, being cautious is not being paranoid. Being safe may keep you from being sorry----even if you feel embarrassed or rude in the process.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

POLICE OFFICERS WOULD MUCH RATHER RESPOND TO A “FALSE ALARM” THAN TO AN ACTIVE CRIME SCENE.

Coming Soon

 Be Safe:
 At home; 

On the phone and more