Apple Cinnamon Puffs

Many of you follow my site The Good, The Bad, The Maybe and will remember my review for the product Apple Cinnamon Puffs.  Well, the company that makes these delicious and healthy treats read it too and sent me a case of them to enjoy as well as play around with and I have been having a ball doing just that.

Here are a couple of things I've come up with using Apple Cinnamon Puffs.

I love Cashew Butter, which is gluten free, and Marshmallow Cream.  I've found that dipping Apple Cinnamon Puffs in my cashew butter or my marshmallow cream is soooo good.  It gives me a little bit of sweetness without all the calories that most desserts/snacks might.

This one has a few more calories but the taste is so worth it.  I drizzled vanilla ice cream with Salted Caramel Sauce, sprinkled it with crushed Apple Cinnamon Puffs and added a few whole puffs for dipping.  This is one everyone will love.  I took a dish over to my 95+ year old neighbor and she immediately picked up a puff, dipped it into the caramel and ice cream and popped it into her mouth!  She loves it and you will too.

I can't wait to come up with more uses for this delicious treat.  If you have suggestions, please let me know and I'll give it a try.

Why Our Feet Smell - Part 6 (The End)

When to see a doctor

In some cases, foot odor can be so foul or persistent that a visit to the doctor is necessary. "If [the previous] steps don’t work, see a podiatrist or dermatologist, who might prescribe a stronger antifungal medication or perform tests to determine an underlying cause for the excessive sweating," suggests Dr. Kosinski. 

Occasionally, a funky smell can be a sign of a larger medical problem, "especially in a person with any immune compromising medical condition," says Dr. Schwartz. "It is critical to be sure to look for a possible cut or wound of the skin or between the toes, any increased redness, or swelling. A severe bacterial infection of the skin or soft tissue will usually produce a terrible odor."

Diabetics should be on particular lookout for foot odor: "If you have diabetes, visit a doctor at the first sign of odor, which may be a sign of a more serious problem," says Dr. Kosinski. "Fungal and bacterial foot infections can progress quickly and become more severe in people with diabetes."

Why Our Feet Smell - Part 5

(Info from Grandparent.com)

·         Look for odor-killing shoe products

Some people use powders, some use sprays, and still others use cedar chips to keep their shoes smelling fresh. None of these people are wrong, says Dr. Schwartz. "Use an antibacterial spray or odor absorbing foot powder within shoes," she advises. Baking powder, corn starch, baby powder, talcum powder, Dr. Scholl’s Odor Destroyer Deodorant Spray, and Kiwi Select Fresh Force are said to keep shoes stench-free. 

As previously mentioned, inserts are another option. Dr. Scholl’s and good ol’ Odor Eaters are two well-regarded brands.

Why Our Feet Smell - Part 4

(Info from Grandparents.com)

Wash and rotate socks and shoes

Needless to say, your socks should be changed every day to prevent the buildup of moisture and dead skin —sometimes more than once, if you’re particularly sweaty or it’s really hot out. To ensure they’re cleaned all the way through, turn them inside-out before throwing them in the washing machine.

Shoes are a bit different. Certain pairs can be washed on occasion without doing damage to the materials—simply read the care instructions and make sure they dry completely—but many cannot. Either way, it’s important to rotate shoes daily, and air out used pairs. "Try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row," says Dr. Kosinski. "And at the end of the day, don’t throw your shoes in a dark closet. Instead, allow them to air out in a well-lit, ventilated spot."

Dr. Schwartz concurs, adding: "Dry shoes as soon as possible if they get wet or damp."

Why Our Feet Smell - Part 3

(Info from Grandparents.com)

Try proven home remedies

"Home remedies such as salt baths, tea soaks, and vinegar are unlikely to eliminate foot odor if a person continues to wear dirty or damp socks/shoes," says Dr. Schwartz, "but they may reduce the foot odor at the time when they are used." With that in mind, you can attempt the following for temporary relief:

Vinegar baths: "Try soaking feet daily in 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water," suggests Dr. Kosinski. "Here, the aim is to reduce the level of bacteria that cause odor."

Tea soaks: Dr. Kosinski calls tea soaks, "one of the most effective home remedies," and recommends the following: "Use 4 or 5 tea bags to a quart of water. Allow to cool, and soak feet for about 20 minutes each day."

Salt washes: Pour 1/2 cup kosher salt into 4 cups water, soak for 10-15 minutes, and dry thoroughly. You can also use Epsom salts; consult a doctor for proportions.

Powders: Baking soda, baby powder, corn starch, and talcum powder are said to absorb extra moisture (and make feet smell quite lovely in the process).

Buy good socks and shoes

Once you’ve tackled your foot odor, it’s time to move on to your gear. 

To prevent stinky feet from starting in the first place, purchase socks and shoes made of breathable materials. "Synthetic materials provide less ventilation than natural materials, and so polyester or nylon socks may increase the amount of perspiration compared to cotton," says Dr. Schwartz. "Natural materials (cotton and wool) generally provide more ventilation and therefore may limit the growth of bacteria."

The same general principle goes for shoes. "Wear shoes that are made of a breathable material like leather or canvas. This will allow perspiration to evaporate," advises Dr. Kosinski, who also suggests looking into inserts. "Over the counter insoles made with activated charcoal may help to absorb foot odor."

Oh, and never, ever go sock-less. "Wearing shoes without socks can lead to sweat accumulation, enabling bacteria to grow over time," says Dr. Schwartz. "There can also be dead skin cells, dirt, oils, mold and fungus thriving there." Yum.

Why Our Feet Smell - Part 2

(Info from Grandparents.com)

2 - Explore the wide, wonderful world of foot anti-perspirant

"At-home treatment for hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) can include anti-perspirants that contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate, a chemical found in underarm antiperspirant spray and some over-the counter preparations that are specifically marketed to inhibit excessive sweating," says Dr. Kosinski. Brands like Klima and SweatBlock sell products made for feet.

A note of caution: Beware of applying the antiperspirant and walking on slick surfaces; there’s a potential for slipping and injury.

Why Our Feet Smell Part 1

Info from Grandparents.com

Whether it’s your spouse, a coworker, or some unfortunate soul on the airport security line, we’ve all known someone who could clear a room with the stench of their sweaty dogs. Heck, maybe YOU even suffer from occasional stinky feet (a.k.a. eccrine bromhidrosis). They can happen to anyone, but pregnant women, teens, the elderly, folks with heart disease and diabetes, and people under a lot of stress are especially prone to the condition, which is essentially caused by perspiration.

"The feet have about half a million sweat glands, and this can lead to a whole lot of sweat," says Dr. Erika M. Schwartz, DPM, FACFAS, of the American Podiatric Medical Association. "When you wear socks and shoes, the sweat gets trapped inside. Bacteria and fungus can thrive in this type of warm, moist environment, and can produce odor."

To truly eliminate that aroma once and for all, you have to attack it on two fronts: your feet themselves, and your socks and shoes. Here’s how.

#1 - Wash your feet correctly

You might think that a simple shower scour would be enough to keep your toes clean. Nope. Pleasantly scented feet begin with proper washing technique, and many of us do it wrong.

To tackle foot odor, "wash feet thoroughly with an antibacterial soap daily," says Dr. Mark A. Kosinski, DPM, FIDSA, Professor at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. "[Then] dry feet thoroughly after bathing, paying special attention to the area between the toes," since that’s where moisture collects. And finally, for extra protection, "Spray both shoes and feet with an over-the-counter athlete’s foot spray powder." This process ensures your feet begin with a clean slate each morning.

Magic Erasers

Remove stains with the 'Magic Eraser'

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser isn't joking around with the word 'magic.' It's a reliable product for a variety of stains. Use it to remove marks on dry erase boards (even permanent marker), to get rid of scuff marks on shoes, remove marks on floors and to brighten up your shower. Simply dampen the eraser, squeeze out the water and rub the stain until it disappears.

Tip from Today.com

Many Uses of Dryer Sheets

Why dryer sheets are your answer for everything

Tip from Today.com

From dusting to tackling static, dryer sheets are your new best friends. Some effective uses for them include:

·         Dampening them to clean fan blades, dust shelves, books and plant leaves

·         Placing them in drawers and boots for a fresh scent

·         Rubbing them on the inside of coats to prevent static

Removing Sticky Price Tags

Spray laundry stain remover on pesky stickers

If you have ever struggled to get those sticky price tags off of your new pictures frame or ceramic mug, here is your answer: laundry stain remover. Just make sure the remover contains petroleum distillate, which is what actually dissolves the residue.

Simply spray it on the tag on the glass or ceramic and let it sit for 10-20 seconds, then clean off the solution with water. 

Tip from Today.com

Treat Stained Mugs with Toothpaste

Get your tea-and-coffee-stained mugs looking as good as new with a little help from…toothpaste! The abrasive texture is perfect for getting gunk out of your mugs, and even for tackling dirty faucet. Make sure that you're using regular white toothpaste — not gel. 

Tip from Grandparents.com

Use Baking Soda to Clean That Dirty Roasting Pan

Another tip from Grandparents.com

Still scrubbing that roasting pan's burnt bits from last night's dinner? Reach for the baking soda and get your life back.

Simply take about a quarter cup of your favorite dish detergent (powder or liquid) and mix it with a quarter cup of baking soda. Spread the mixture on the bottom of the pan, then fill it with hot water and let it soak overnight. Dump out the water in the morning, wash as normal and you have yourself a clean pan! 

Keeping Kitchen Staples Fresher Longer: - Part 5

Vanilla

Shelf Life - long lasting

Do keep vanilla in a tightly sealed container away from light and heat.

Don't get rid of old vanilla.  Vanilla's high alcohol content makes it extremely self-stable.  Tests found that even 10 year old vanilla is indistinguishable from fresh.

Keeping Kitchen Staples Fresher Longer: - Part 4

Soy Sauce

Shelf Life 1 year

Do store pasteurized soy sauce (most common type) in the pantry.

Don't store unpasteurized soy sauce in the pantry: put it in the fridge.  Though the high levels of salt, sugar, and acid in this fermented soybean liquid protect against rapid spoilage,  tests showed it took on a fishy flavor after a few months in the cupboard.

Keeping Kitchen Staples Fresher Longer: - Part 3

Vinegars

Shelf Life - long lasting

Do ignore any sediment in your vinegar.  The sediment is a harmless cellulose that has been shown to not affect taste.  It can be easily strained out if you want.

Don't toss old vinegar.  Most vinegars contain about 5% acetic acid, which (along with pasteurization) prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, and will last indefinitely.

Keeping Kitchen Staples Fresher Longer: - Part 2

Olive Oil 

Shelf Life - unopened 1 year; opened 3 months

Do check the harvest date printed on the label and high-end oils to ensure the freshest bottle possible (some labels cite an expiration date, which producers typically calculate as 18 months from harvesting, but unopened olive oil can go rancid 1 year after the harvest date.

Do move olive oil from the countertop or windowsill to a dark pantry or cupboard.  Strong sunlight will oxidize the chlorophyll in the oil, producing stale, harsh flavors.

Don't buy olive oil in bulk.  Once opened, it has a very short shelf life.

Checking for freshness - heat a little olive oil in a skillet.  If it smells rancid, throw out the bottle.  This test works for all vegetable oils.

Other Oils

For optimal flavor, replace these oils 6 months after opening:

Store in the pantry:

  Canola
  Corn
  Peanut
  Vegetable

Store in the fridge:

  Sesame
  Walnut

Keeping Kitchen Staples Fresher Longer - Part 1

Spices and Dried Herbs

Shelf Life:  Whole spices 2 years; Ground spices and dried herbs 1 year.

Do buy spices whole, versus ground, whenever possible and grind them just before using.  Grinding releases the volatile compounds that give a spice its flavor and aroma.  The longer the spice sits around (or is stored) the more compounds disappear.

Don't store spices and herbs on the counter close to the stove.  Heat, light, and moisture shorten their life. 

Checking for freshness - crumble a small amount of the dried herb between your fingers and take a whif.  If it releases a lively aroma, it's still good to go.  If the aroma and color of the spice have faded, it's time to restock.

Info from Cooking Illustrated Magazine

I Didn't Know That - Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire Sauce

If you can't think of Worcestershire sauce without thinking of Lea & Perrins, blame it on more than just branding. In the early 1800s, chemists John Lea and William Perrins tried to duplicate an Indian sauce recipe for Worcester nobleman Lord Sandys. The chemists found the result of their attempt "unpalatable" and moved on to other projects while the jars of sauce gathered dust in the cellar. Years later, they tasted the aged sauce and found it delicious and savory. The men bottled the sauce and sold it throughout Europe. In 1839, New York entrepreneur John Duncan imported the sauce to the states where it became the oldest commercially bottled condiment in the U.S.

Just in case you were wondering, you can properly pronounce the sauce a number of ways: "WUST-ter-shire," "WOOS-ter-sheer," or "WOOS-ter-sher" sauce, according to manufacturers. 

Info from Grandparents.com 

I Didn't Know That - Icee

Icee

Contrary to popular belief, 7-Eleven did not invent its well-known slushy frozen drink. The slurpee was a happy accident of Omar Knedlik, a Dairy Queen owner in Kansas City during the 1950s. When Knedlik's soda fountain broke down, he improvised by putting some soda bottles in the freezer to stay cool. He served the not-fully-frozen bottles to customers who ended up loving the consistency of the cool treat. 

Knedlik then created his own machine that added carbon dioxide to make the drink fizz then held a naming contest. The drink became known as ICEE. In 1965, 7-Eleven licensed Knedlik's machine and their ad agency director named the drink Slurpee® after the sound made while drinking it through a straw. To date, 6.5 billion Slurpee® beverages have been sold through the store alone and approximately 13 million people sip Slurpees each month, according to 7-Eleven. 

Slurp on that!

Info from Grandparents.com

I Didn't Know That - Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chocolate lovers everywhere bow to the greatness that is Ruth Wakefield's accidental creation — the chocolate chip cookie. Wakefield was the owner and occasional cook of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. One day Wakefield was making a batch of chocolate cookies when she ran out of baker's chocolate. Improvising, she used broken pieces from a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar thinking the dough would absorb the melted pieces. Instead, she accidentally created chocolate chip cookies. 

Wakefield called the cookies "Toll House Crunch Cookies" and the recipe was eventually published in a Boston newspaper. This got the attention of Andrew Nestlé, the chocolate provider whose chocolate was used in Wakefield's fruitful mishap. In exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate, Wakefield agreed to let Nestlé print her cookie recipe on their chocolate packaging. You can still find the Toll House cookie recipe on Nestlé packaging today! 

Info from Grandparents.com