How to Buy Okra

Okra is the immature seed pod of the okra plant, grown and marketed locally in the southern states. 

When buying, look for tender pods (the tips will bend with very slight pressure) under 4 1/2 inches long.  They should have a bright green color and be free of blemishes.

Avoid tough, fibrous pods, indicated by tips which are stiff and resist bending, or by a very hard body of the pod or by pale, faded green color.

When left to dry, I've found that the mature seeds are very tasty in soups.

Carol Dare Cookbook - State Magazine

There are a variety of recipes in the two sections of this book titled Yesterday's Recipes and Today's Recipes. Some of Grandmother's or Great-Grandmother's food is now impractical to cook, but makes good reading. Some of the recipes dated during World War II reflect scarcities of the time - certain sugarless foods, for instance. Today's recipes you will recognize with boxed, frozen, dehydrated, reconstituted, ready-mixed and ready-made included. But hopefully you will find it all interesting and a lot of it that makes you want to get 'right in the kitchen.'

 In Carol Dare's Cookbook you'll find a section on 'cooking with herbs' but you will also find the traditional sections found in most cookbooks such as salads and dressings, Eggs, Cheese, Seafood and even game which includes recipes for Pot Roast of Bear, BBQ Rabbit, Cooked Goose and Squirrel and Dumplings. Each recipe not only lists the person who submitted but also the date.
Copyright in 1971 Carol Dare Cookbook measures 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 1 (approx.) and contains 313 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate this copy a 7+. It has a little shelf discoloration on the page edges but the cover and inside pages are in great condition.

Priced right at $2.75 plus shipping at
Books, Books & More - Adopt a Book

The Art of Salad Making - Carol Truax

Salads are nature's gift to the menu maker. Every country has its special salads, but America is the salad bowl of the world. No other nation has so many types of greens available all the year round. The American chef has at hand the materials for creating an astounding variety of salads - and his creativity is bound only by the scope of his imagination. This marvelous abundance, and its many appetizing uses, is the subject of Carol Truax's book The Art of Salad Making.

 This book begins at the beginning, with directions for one of the most important steps in preparing a salad - the proper washing and drying of the greens. The author then explains the difference between them - at last the reader is told exactly what Bib Lettuce is, Leaf Lettuce and Curley Endive, to name only a few. This book is enhanced throughout with practical advice and with amusing anecdotes that lend emphasis to many of the author's directions.

 Then come the salads themselves. You have Fish Salads, Spanish Olive Anchovy Salad, Brazilian Avocado Salad, and of course the traditional Chef's Salads, just to name a few. Then you have the dressings and herbs and spices and on and on.

 The Art of Salad Making was copyright 1968. It measures 8 1/2 x 6 x 3/4 (approx.) and contains 210 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate the book an 8 and the dustcover a 7. This book is a steal for any cooks collection.  Priced perfectly at $2.75 plus shipping at Books, Books & More - Adopt a Book.

Stuffed Crescents

This is one of the easiest breads to make and change and it is oh so good.

1 tube of crescent rolls
cheese
seasonings

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil sprayed with non-stick spray.  Roll out the crescents keeping them in the rectangular shape (4 per package).  Sprinkle each with cheese of your choice and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings.  I like to use salt free seasoning blend.  Roll into logs.  Bake 10-12 minutes. 

You can make these with minced garlic and cheese; Italian herbs and cheese; just about any combination of herb and cheese you like. Just Think With Your Taste Buds when making your bread rolls.  They're so delicious that you might want to use 2 tubes instead of 1.  If you happen to have leftovers, they microwave nicely.

Southern Living The Dessert Cookbook

Southern homemakers know that desserts may be made in imaginative shapes and delectable flavors. There are delicious cakes with surprise fillings and melt-in-your mouth frostings...creamy smooth puddings...nutritious fresh fruit...the variety is endless. Desserts, in their infinite variety, offer the creative homemaker innumerable opportunities to finish their meals with a flourish.

The wonderfully varied world of dessert cookery is captured for you in Southern Living's Desserts Cookbook. Featuring favorite dessert recipes from hundreds of southern homemakers, this cookbook brings together in one volume the very best home-tested, family-approved dishes. Cakes, cookies, pies, puddings, frozen desserts, fruit desserts, sweet breads, they are all included.

The Dessert Cookbook was copyright 1976. This hardbound book measures 10 x 7 x 1/2 (approx.) and contains 192 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate this book an 8+. There is wear along the edges of the cover but the inside is almost like new. This is a great book to add to any cooks collection.  Buy now by going to Books, Books & More.  Priced at $2.75 plus postage.

Adopt a Book - Better Homes & Gardens Homemade Bread

There are several reasons why many homemakers make their own bread. Like generations of homemakers before them, some view this cooking skill as a means of self-expression. Others cite the satisfaction they feel when family or friends say, "That bread's great." Still others prefer the homemade because it is homemade and it tastes so good. Regardless of your reason for wanting to make homemade bread, the Homemade Bread Cook Book is just right for you. You say you've never baked bread before? Don't let that deter you. You will find simple-to-follow directions for all of the recipes in this book. And for those of you who have mastered the bread-baking skills, there are new and intriguing recipes for you, too.

 Copyright 1976 this hardcopy measures 10 x 8 x 1/4 (approx.) and contains 96 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate this copy an 8+. It's in great condition.  Priced at just $3.00 plus shipping at Books, Books & More

Another Great Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat

Jeannie Walker

My review: 5 Stars
Cooking: It is something we all have to do from time to time. So why not find joy while playing around in the kitchen? I loved how Martha starts out her old-fashioned cook book with a recipe for banana puddin. This of my favorite desserts that brings back so many good memories. Scattered about this wonderful cook book are tips that will help anyone (especially a beginner) cook fabulous dishes. This is one book that you will use and want to pass on to your future generations. Reading this was a sweet way to end my day. Thanks Martha - I love your suggestions, tips and factual information that we all can use.

Homemade Cookies - Food Editors of the Fr Journal

No one can resist these golden brown, warm and fragrant from the oven, and in this cookbook the Food Editors of Farm Journal offer you over 460 delicious recipes that are sure to please your family. They range from simple, old-time favorites, frosted and even jeweled meringues. Included here are the best recipes published in Farm Journal through the past twenty years and also many original Test Kitchen recipes appearing in print for the first time.

 Copyright 1971 this hardback book with dust cover measures 8 1/2 x 6 x 1 (approx.) and contains 320 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate the book and dust cover a 4. The actual book cover I would rate a 7+, the dust cover does show wear and the inside pages show use. But the recipes inside are with the lower condition rating of the book.  The Perfect book for the upcoming holidays and it's priced right too.  $2.75 plus shipping at Books, Books & More - Adopt a Book

The House of Chan Cookbook

A famous New York restauranteur has combined his long experience in catering to the tastes of American gourmets with his own thorough knowledge of Chinese cookery to produce this mouth-watering collection of simple, delectable recipes. More than one hundred in all, these recipes cover every part of an oriental meal, from exotic and tempting appetizers to light but luscious desserts.
Copyright 1952 this hardcover with dust jacket measures 7 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 1/2 (approx.) and contains 190 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate the dust jacket a 1. It is separated at the spine but the coloring is still in pretty good condition for its age. The book cover and inside pages I rate a 7+. They are in wonderful condition.

And this adoptable book is priced right too at $3.50 plus shipping at Books, Books & More - Adopt a Book

Casserole Teasury 1964

This hardcover book was published in 1964 Casserole Treasury measures 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 1 (approx.) and contains 310 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate this book's cover and inside pages an 8+. There is no dust cover and the top page edges do have very slight dust spots. Other than that, this book as a whole is in wonderful condition.

Priced perfectly at $3.75 plus shipping!  Find your next vintage book plus at Books, Books & More - Adopt a Cookbook

Books, Books & More - Adopt A Cookbook

Looking for that long ago missing cookbook?  You just might find a copy by going to Books, Books & More - Adopt a Cookbook.  You'll find vintage cookbooks and not so vintage cookbooks, all priced perfectly.  Most of the books and other items listed are found at Estate Sales, which I go to weekly so if the book or item you want isn't there today, it may be there tomorrow so check back frequently because I add items daily.  Make sure you click on the 'Categories' to have a full view of what is offered to date.

 

 

Junior Cook Book was copyright 1955. This version is a revised 1st print 1963. It measures 10 1/4 x 7 1/4 x 1/4 (approx.) and contains 79 pages. On a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being 'like new' I rate this book a 4. It has been used and does show some wear but is still in very useable condition.  Priced at $3.00 plus shipping.

How to Buy - Mushrooms

Grown in houses, cellars, or caves, mushrooms are available the year round in varying amounts.  Most come from Pennsylvania, but many are produced in California, New York, Ohio, and Illinois and other States.

We usually describe mushrooms as having caps - the wide portion on top, gills - the numerous rows of paper thin tissue seen underneath the cap whenit opens and a stem.

When buying look for young mushrooms that are small to medium in size.  Caps should be either closed around the stem or moderately open with pink or light-tan gills.  The urface of the cap should be white or creamy - or light brown from some producing ares.

Avoid Overripe mushrooms (shown by wide-open caps and dark, discolored gills underneath) and those with pitted or seriously discolored  caps.

Books, Books & More

Books, Books and More is the perfect place to search for that next cookbook, mystery, kids book and even history.  You'll also find unique items that you probably won't find elsewhere.  And everything is priced just right!  So check through the listings and see what you might be missing.

All books and items are sold barely over what was paid for them.  My main goal is to find a nice home for them and keep them in circulation.  Many of the books are old and can be found in no other format, which means once they are gone they are gone forever. 

Most items listed on this site are found at Estate Sales and due to that I have no way of knowing if the house had a smoker.  I do everything I can to make sure there is no smoke smell and even musk smells attached to the vintage books and items.

Some Old, Some New, All Worth Sharing.

 
I NEVER KNEW THIS!

What IS The Main Ingredient of WD-40?
Before you read to the end, does anybody know what the main ingredient of WD-40?
No Cheating.....
...
WD-40 ~ Who knew!

I had a neighbor who bought a new pickup.
I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason).
I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news.
He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do....
probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open.
Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off.
It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck. I was impressed!

WD-40 who knew?
"Water Displacement #40".
The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts.
WD-40 was created in 1953, by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company.
Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'Water Displacement' Compound.
They were finally successful for a formulation, with their fortieth attempt, thus WD-40.
The 'Convair Company' bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.
When you read the 'shower door' part, try it.
It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door.
If yours is plastic, it works just as well as on glass.
It's a miracle!
Then try it on your stove-top.
It's now shinier than it's ever been.
You'll be amazed.

WD-40 Uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floor that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps the flies off of Cows, Horses, and other Farm Critters, as well. (Ya gotta love this one!!!)
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic / terracotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on both home and vehicles doors.
18. It removes that nasty tar and scuff marks from the kitchen flooring.
It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off.
Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Remove those nasty Bug guts that will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gearshift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...
22. Rids kids rocking chair and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes grease splatters from stove-tops.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, it protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose.
Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. It is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray it on the marks and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you spray it inside a wet distributor cap, it will displace the moisture, allowing the engine to start.

P.S.
As for that Basic, Main Ingredient.......
Well.... it's FISH OIL....

Now This Is Definitely Worth SHARING!!

20 Strawberry Cake Recipes

Classic Strawberry Cake

'Cooks' if you like strawberries, even if you don't someone one you know does, and this is a must have book.  Check out my full review and the recipe for this moist, tasty, simple, strawberry cake.