Homemaking Hints

I have recently run across a few tips for the homemaker that I thought were of value to post here. Hope you find something that you can use in your own home!


We use Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Blend spaghetti pasta almost on a weekly basis. It was rated tops by Consumer Reports Magazine.




I have had success in replacing the oil in certain baked goods recipes with natural applesauce. It really cuts down on your fat intake and adds a nice flavor. I'm surprised it works as well as it has for me... although, I've only ventured out and tried it (with great success) in a few muffin and cake recipes. It's worth experimenting with!!


The March/April issue of Cook's Illustrated magazine reviewed the efficiency of a product called Veggie Wash . This product claims to be more effective in removing wax, soil and chemicals from fruits and vegetables than rinsing with water alone. In summary, the product did a great job, however, for value it was found that white vinegar works almost as well. (at a fraction of the cost) So, another reason to pull out your vinegar bottle! "A spray bottle filled with vinegar works nearly as well at a fraction of the cost."

Watch out when comparison shopping for boxed and canned goods!! Many companies are not only enlarging the size of the container to make you think you are getting more food, but they are actually CUTTING the amount of food per box or can! Check the weights along with the price.

STORE BRANDS- many store brands are at least as good as national brands or many times better! Don't be afraid to check them out. This is the main reason why, as a rule, I don't bother with couponing... unless of course you can get triple off coupons or a buy one-get one free deals.

If someone were to ask me what kitchen tool have I gotten the most use out of over the years, I would have to say our Kitchen Aid Stand mixer. It is still going strong after 24 years of use! We have the smaller, very basic model, but I can make up to 2 loaves of whole grain bread (for larger batches I use our Bosch mixer), cakes, cookies, great whipped cream, and a myriad of other kitchen uses. It's such a standard item in our kitchen that as each of our daughters get married and start their own homemaking... that has been first on their "wish list". (My parents and siblings graciously purchased a Kitchen Aid Mixer for their wedding gifts)