Time flies when we are having fun. Where did summer go? It seems like just yesterday that the kids screamed “school’s out” and we had their annual book-burning campfire at the
cabin.
Although the time went quickly, our family has transformed a lot this summer. Our eldest son became attuned to the rock band AC/DC and boy do we rock when we are doing dishes. I never thought I would hear myself say, “please turn down that music.” Am I really getting that old?
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My middle child seems to think that he is a good singer and belts out, “it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll” and my baby learned that it was more fun to run away from me than it was to be my little cling-on.
All these changes are part of growing up – very quickly. As we move gracefully into fall, let’s remember that a lifetime is a short experience and we should embrace what is going on right now.
Enjoy a harvest moon, the northern lights and new autumn beginnings. And that includes trying some new recipes.
New taco soup
Warm spicy soup is a welcome
autumn meal. I love this soup with fresh bread.
1 lb. lean ground beef 500 g
1 envelope dry taco seasoning 1 envelope dry ranch dressing
1 cup each chopped onion,
green pepper, red 250 mL
pepper and celery
1 can (10 oz.) sliced 284 mL
mushrooms, drained
(reserve juice)
2 14 oz. cans kidney 398 mL
beans
1 can (19 oz.) diced 540 mL
tomatoes
2 cups water 500 mL
Fry together the beef, taco seasoning and ranch seasoning in the mushroom juice. Add the vegetables and mix. Add the mushrooms, beans and tomatoes. Mix.
Top off with the water, cover, bring to a boil, then simmer on low to medium heat for at least one hour. Not unlike chili, the more simmering time you give the recipe the better the taste. Very comforting. Enjoy.
New berry good dessert
2 cups whipped 500 mL
cream or topping
1 graham wafer crust
1 cup each fresh 250 mL
raspberries and
blueberries
1 tablespoon 15 mL
sugar
1 cup cold milk 250 mL
1 package of instant
vanilla pudding mix
Spread 1/4 cup (60 mL) whipped cream over the graham crust. Combine the berries and sugar; spoon one cup (250 mL) over the whipped cream. In a bowl whisk the milk and pudding mix for two minutes; let stand another two minutes or until slightly set. Spoon over berries. Spread with remaining whipped cream. Refrigerate until set, approximately one hour. Just before serving, top with remaining berries.
New alternative beverage
My kids, like others, love pop. I think it is the fizzing action that is so appealing: at the local 7 Eleven, I was pleased to finally find a beverage solution: a new drink called The Switch, a line of all-natural fizzy sodas made from 100 percent juice. It costs more but it’s worth it knowing it is a healthy treat. Try your local health food or grocery store or check www.wholefoods.com.
Dirty movies
Dear TEAM: Our family spends a fortune buying movies and games, but half the time they freeze up while we are watching or they will not play at all because they are so dirty. What can I do to keep them operating well? – K.C., Calgary, Alta.
Dear K.C.: You can erase this problem using a damp cloth. Wipe the disc from the centre out to the edge with sideways strokes. Never wipe in a circular motion because this fills the disc’s tracks with dirt. Rinse the disc under warm water and dry with a lint free cloth. Remember to wipe the disc from the centre to the outer edge. If this does not correct the problem, repeat the above steps adding a drop of mild dish detergent. Good luck.
Jodie Mirosovsky is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and one of four columnists comprising Team Resources. Send correspondence in care of this newspaper, Box 2500, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2C4 or contact them at team@
producer.com.
