Inkin' & Thinkin'

Candy Wrapper Cutting Dimensions

These are the DIMENSIONS of some Wrappers  for Candy Bars and other Items
Hershey snack size candy bar: 2-1/2" wide by 3-1/2" long
Full size Hershey bar: 5" wide x 5-1/4 long
Baby Ruth: 4" wide x 4-1/2 long
Kit Kat bar: 3-1/4 wide x 4-1/4 long
M&M bag: 3-1/4 wide x 3-1/2 long
1.5 oz. Hershey's Symphony: 4-3/8 Wide x 4-1/2 tong
Charleston Chews: 3-3/4 wide x 10" long
Reg. size Almond Joy: 4-1/5 wide x 7-1/4 long
Reese Sticks and Cups: 6" wide x 6-1/4 long
Rolo's round candy: 3-1/2 wide x 5" long
Mr. Goodbar 6-1/4 wide x 6-3/4 long
Peppermint Pattie: 4" wide x 7" long
Lifesavers: 2-1/2 wide x 3" long
Stick of gum: 3"wide x 2-1/2" long
Dentyne Wrapper: 2-3/4 wide x 3-1/2 long
Tic Tac: 1-1/4 wide x 5-1/4 long
Campbell soup can: 3-1/2" Wide x 8-1/2" long
Soda Pop Label: 4-1/2 wide x 8-3/4 long
1qt. paint can: 13-1/2 Inches long by 4-1/2 inches high
1 qt Paint can lid takes a No. 5295 Avery label
Fuji film Canister: 4-1/8" around x 1-7/8 . top to bottom
Matchbox: 2" wide x 4-1/2 inch long

A Week of Meals in 4 Hours

Ground Beef Quartet

Yields:  Spicy Chili, Asian Meatball Soup, Meat Lasagna, Two Meatloaves

Shopping List

_____ Olive or Vegetable Oil

_____ 1 Loaf Light Rye Bread

_____ ½ Cup Ketchup

_____ Beef Bouillon Cubes (you’ll need 8)

_____ 16 oz bag of Dried Lentils

_____ 2 Cups White Rice

_____ 8 Oz Box no-boil Lasagna

_____ Chili Powder (you’ll need 1/3 cup)

_____ 5 (28 oz) cans Crushed Tomatoes

_____ 4 (19 oz) cans Red Kidney Beans

_____ 3 (11 oz) cans Corn

_____ Chili Powder

_____ Dark Asian Sesame Oil

_____ Ground Cumin

_____ Italian Seasoning

_____ Poultry Seasoning

_____ Salt

_____ 6 lb Lean Ground Beef

_____ 2 lb Ground Turkey

_____ 1 Quart Milk

_____ 1 Dozen Large Eggs

_____ 15 oz Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese

_____ 8 oz Package Part-Skim Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

_____ Grated Parmesan Cheese (you’ll need at least 3 oz)

_____ 2 lb Onion

_____ 2 lb Bell Peppers (Green, yellow or red)

_____ 1 lg bunch Curly Parsley

_____ 1 head Fresh Garlic

_____ 2 inch piece fresh Gingerroot

_____ 1.5 lb Bok Choy

Equipment List

Food Processor                                                         13x9 baking dish

Chef’s Knife                                                                 Measuring Spoons

Standing Mixer w/Paddle Attachment                   Nested Measuring Cups

Cutting Board                                                               Glass Measuring Cup

12in Skillet                                                                   Cheese Grater

2 Large Bowls                                                              Assorted Freezer Containers

1 Med Bowl                                                                 Freezer Bags

8 qt pot                                                                        Aluminum Foil

6 qt pot                                                                        Freezer Wrap

2 loaf pans                                                                    Saran Wrap

To Begin:

Chop and cook the aromatic vegetables (these will be used to flavor all the recipes in this plan).

1.      Chop 2 lbs Onions (you’ll have about 6 cups), 2lbs Bell Peppers (about 4 cups), and 1 large bunch Curly Parsley (5 cups of leaves will make about 2.5 cups chopped).

2.      In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of oil.  Add the onions and peppers and cook over medium high heat 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until almost tender.  Remove the skillet from the heat.  Stir in the parsley.  You should have about 7 cups of cooked vegetables.

While the Vegetables cook:  Prepare the meat mixture.

1.      In a large bowl, mix 6 lbs Lean Ground Beef with 2 lbs Ground Turkey until blended.  (If you have a heavy duty mixer with a paddle attachment, mix the meat half at a time.)

2.      Mince 10 large garlic cloves.

Now you’re ready to prepare all four recipes.  For the most efficient use of time and tools, make the recipes in the order given.

#1 Meat Lasagna (Serves 8)

This delicious lasagna uses no-boil noodles.  You can assemble and freeze the lasagna before baking and you don’t need to defrost it when you’re ready to cook. 

1.      Heat the oven to 350 (if you’re going to bake lasagna right away).

2.      Put 1 cup of aromatic vegetables in a large skillet.  Add 1 lb (2 packed cups) of meat mixture, crumbling it with fingers; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; and 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning.  Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink.

3.      Stir in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes to make a meat sauce.  Spread 1 cup of meat sauce over the bottom of an ungreased 13x9in baking dish.  Cover with 3 dry no-boil lasagna noodles, being careful the noodles don’t touch the edges of the dish (the reason you leave room between the noodles and the sides of your pan is for the expansion that occurs with unboiled noodles).

4.      Cover the noodles with 1 cup of meat sauce.  Layer over the meat sauce half a 15 oz container of part-skim Ricotta Cheese (I like to use cottage cheese and eggs mixed with the ricotta), 2/3 c shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 3 more noodles, and 1 cup meat sauce.  Repeat Layering once.

5.      Sprinkle with 2/3 c shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese.

6.      Cover with foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until bubbly and the noodles are firm-tender.

7.      Cool completely, then tightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days.  Remove the plastic, loosely cover with foil and heat at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.  Or cover with plastic wrap, then heavy-duty aluminum foil, and freeze up to 2 months before baking.  Seal all wrapping securely so package is moisture proof and vapor proof.  When ready to bake, don’t worry about thawing.  Just increase the baking time by 30 to 40 minutes.

#2 Meat Loaves (serves 16)

Everybody loves meat loaf and our easy recipe makes two of these delicious entrees.  Have one now and freeze the other for later.

1.      Heat the oven to 350

2.      In a large bowl, beat 4 large eggs and 1.5 cups milk until well blended.

3.      Add 8 slices of light right bread torn into small pieces.  Let soak for 2 to 3 minutes, then beat with a fork until a thin paste forms. 

4.      Stir in 2 cups of aromatic vegetables, ½ cup Ketchup, 1 Tbsp each poultry seasoning and salt, and 1.5 tsp minced garlic.

5.      Add 4 lbs (8 packed cups) of meat mixture and mix until very well blended. 

6.      Pack the meat loaf mixture into two ungreased 9x5 loaf pans.

7.      Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the meat loaves are firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center (about 165-170 on a meat thermometer).  Pour off fat, let stand in pans 15 minutes, then remove from pans.

8.      Cool the meat loaves completely, then tightly wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days.  Remove the plastic, cover loosely with foil, and reheat at 300 for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.  Or wrap in heavy duty foil or freezer paper and freeze up to 4 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator or microwave before reheating.

#3 Texas Chili (severs 12)

Chili is one of the great main dishes to have on hand.  Freeze in serving size portions, and they’ll be ready in a snap.

1.      In an 8qt pot, put 2 cups of aromatic vegetables.  Add 2 lbs (4 packed cups) of meat mixture, crumbling it with fingers; 1/3 c chili powder; 2 Tbsp each ground cumin and minced garlic; and 2 tsp salt.

2.      Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink.

3.      Stir in four 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes, four 19oz cans red kidney beans, drained; and three 11 oz cans of corn.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium low.

4.      Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, so the flavors blend and develop.

5.      Cool the chili completely.  Pack into airtight containers and refrigerate up to 1 week.  Reheat on the range top.  Or cool quickly by putting the pot in a sink of cold water, then pack in airtight containers and freeze up to 4 months.  Thaw in a covered saucepan over low heat.  Increase the heat and cook until hot.

6.      Serve with sour cream and chopped scallions.  Accompany with rice or corn bread.

#4 Asian Meatball Soup (serves 8)

This lively flavored soup makes a hearty main dish that’s good any time of year.

1.      Put 2 cups of aromatic vegetables into a 6 quart pot.  Mince one 2in piece of fresh gingerroot (you’ll need 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons).

2.      Add 3.5 qts of water to the pot, along with 8 beef bouillon cubes, 1 lb of dried lentils (about 2.5 cups), rinsed and picked over, 2 cups uncooked converted white rice, and 1 tablespoon each minced gingerroot and minced garlic.  Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat.  Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are almost tender.

3.      Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix 1 lb (2 packed cups) of meat mixture and 2 tsp each minced gingerroot and minced garlic until well blended.

4.      Form the meat into 24 small balls and stir into soup or drop by the tablespoonfuls into soup.

5.      Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meat loses its pink color.

6.      Meanwhile, rinse 1.5 lb bok choy, then cut the stemps and leaves crosswise into ½ inch-wide strips.

7.      Stir the bok choy and 2 Tbsp dark Asian sesame oil into the soup.  Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times, until the bok choy stems are crisp-tender.

8.      Cool the soup completely and refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days.  Reheat on the range top.  Or freeze up to 3 months.  Thaw in a covered saucepan over low heat.  Increase the heat and cook until heated through.

Fudge of Great Worth

FUDGE HIKE

Freezer Bag: As you begin your journey take this little bag which will represent your body. We invite you to use your imagination and listen with your heart. Learn to fill yourself with every good and righteous value which our loving Heavenly Father has provided. This will enable you to have a rich life, full of sweet joy and delicious happiness.

Butter (1 TB): Liken this little pat of butter to your own divine nature which when worked on in a consistent, loving manner develops into a blend of unique, divine qualities which will strengthen you throughout your life. Work with warm, loving hands and go towards the light.

Cream Cheese (1/2 oz.): Add a chunk of faith which must be strong and smooth; free from lumps of doubt. Keep it fresh by sharing your testimony with others and by staying close to our Heavenly Father and Jesus. Work with warm, loving hands and go towards the light.

Vanilla (1/2 tsp.): Our knowledge is like the spice of life! As we study and seek opportunities for growth we add a zest of flavor to our journey which enhances everything we do and gives us desires for further wisdom! Work with warm, loving hands and go towards the light!

Cocoa (1 1/2 to 2 tsp.): Just as this cocoa adds an important unique quality to our mixture; we, as individuals, must understand our own great worth in Heavenly Father's plan. We must come to know that each one of us is unique and has a divine purpose to fulfill. Work with warm, loving hands and go towards the light!

Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): The sweetness of life comes only through righteous service to others. As we sprinkle our good works around, we realize we can never give enough charity or share from our nurturing spirit. Work with warm, loving hands and go towards the light!

Salt (a few grains): People with a strong sense of integrity have been referred to as the "salt of the earth"! We must have the courage to remain true to ourselves and our beliefs by standing firm and unshaken as we progress forward. Work with warm, loving hands and go towards the light!

Nuts: We have been given a great freedom to choose what course our lives will follow. Take responsibility for your actions; then add a little humor, go a little "nuts" and know that Heavenly Father loves you, understands you and wants you to be happy!

Now your bag, which started our empty is filled with a yummy treat.
It's from your loving efforts that you have this fudge to eat!
Each ingredient, though quite small, has played a special part;
In making sure the flavor was sweet and from the heart.

But if you had just dumped them in without warm and loving hands,
The outcome of these values may have tasted rather bland.
Each of us possesses our own great individual worth
A special gift from given to us long before our birth.

Search deep inside yourself so that you may find it too
For when we learn to love ourselves, there is so much we can do!
Just as the Nephites, born of old,be courageous, valiant and true
So the world may see you in a different view.

We alone can make the journey better for the rest
Upon this earth we came to dwell so we could pass our test.
Heed not what the wicked say, hold fast to the iron rod,
And always remember this, young woman, You Are A Child of God!

Health Food Chart

Absolutely the best chart I have seen in years.         SHARE THIS CHART

apples	Protects your heart	prevents constipation	Blocks diarrhea	Improves lung capacity	Cushions joints
apricots	Combats cancer	Controls blood pressure	Saves your eyesight	Shields against Alzheimer's	Slows aging process
artichokes	Aids digestion	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Guards against liver disease
avocados	Battles diabetes	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin
bananas	Protects your heart	Quiets a cough	Strengthens bones	Controls blood pressure	Blocks diarrhea
beans	Prevents constipation	Helps hemorrhoids	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Stabilizes blood sugar
beets	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones	Protects your heart	Aids weight loss
blueberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Boosts memory	Prevents constipation
broccoli	Strengthens bones	Saves eyesight	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure
cabbage	Combats cancer	Prevents constipation	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Helps hemorrhoids
cantaloupe	Saves eyesight	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Supports immune system
carrots	Saves eyesight	Protects your heart	Prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Promotes weight loss
cauliflower	Protects against Prostate Cancer	Combats *** Cancer	Strengthens bones	Banishes bruises	Guards against heart disease
cherries	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Ends insomnia	Slows aging process	Shields against Alzheimer's
chestnuts	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
chili peppers	Aids digestion	Soothes sore throat	Clears sinuses	Combats Cancer	Boosts immune system
figs	Promotes weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
fish	Protects your heart	Boosts memory	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Supports immune system
flax	Aids digestion	Battles diabetes	Protects your heart	Improves mental health	Boosts immune system
garlic	Lowers cholesterol	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	kills bacteria	Fights fungus
grapefruit	Protects against heart attacks	Promotes Weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol
grapes	saves eyesight	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Enhances blood flow	Protects your heart
green tea	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Helps stops strokes	Promotes Weight loss	Kills bacteria
honey	Heals wounds	Aids digestion	Guards against ulcers	Increases energy	Fights allergies
lemons	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
limes	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
mangoes	Combats cancer	Boosts memory	Regulates thyroid	aids digestion	Shields against Alzheimer's
mushrooms	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Kills bacteria	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
oats	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	prevents constipation	Smoothes skin
olive oil	Protects your heart	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	Smoothes skin
onions	Reduce risk of heart attack	Combats cancer	Kills bacteria	Lowers cholesterol	Fights fungus
oranges	Supports immune systems	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Straightens respiration
peaches	prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes	aids digestion	Helps hemorrhoids
peanuts	Protects against heart disease	Promotes Weight loss	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Aggravates diverticulitis
pineapple	Strengthens bones	Relieves colds	Aids digestion	Dissolves warts	Blocks diarrhea
prunes	Slows aging process	prevents constipation	boosts memory	Lowers cholesterol	Protects against heart disease
rice	Protects your heart	Battles diabetes	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes
strawberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	boosts memory	Calms stress
sweet potatoes	Saves your eyesight	Lifts mood	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
tomatoes	Protects prostate	Combats cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart
walnuts	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	boosts memory	Lifts mood	Protects against heart disease
water	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Conquers kidney stones	Smoothes skin
watermelon	Protects prostate	Promotes Weight loss	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure
wheat germ	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
wheat bran	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
yogurt	Guards against ulcers	Strengthens bones	Lowers cholesterol	Supports immune systems	Aids digestion

A few November Stamp of the Month Cards - Snow Friends

I decided that I better get my swaps finished this week so that I could send them before I left.  I was assigned a blush and white (or so I thought until I just read the rules again and found that I was supposed to use crystal blue instead!  OOOOPS!) 8x3 card and a non-card item in whatever color combo I chose. 

This is what I came up with....the first one is a pouch full of marshmallows that has a snowman poop poem written on it.  The second is my card.  I made two different versions of this because I couldn't decide where I liked the brads more.

Kristan's Dip....soooooooo good!

Here it is straight from Kristan...try it....it's to die for!

Here is that Artichoke Jalapeño dip recipe:

- Mayonnaise (DO NOT use reduced fat or fat free, you must use the real stuff ba-by)

- Artichoke hearts (I use the marinated kind)

- Jalapeño’s

- Grated parmesan cheese

Chop the artichoke hearts and jalapeño’s into small pieces and mix with mayonnaise and parmesan in a bowl to

desired consistency.  The chunkier the better, you don’t want too much of a mayonnaise base. 

Once all mixed, put in a small oven safe dish and bake at 350 degrees until top is golden brown and bubbly.  You can also sprinkle parmesan on top before baking for a crispy shell on top! 

Get some corn chips and dip away.