••••ARE YOUR HERBS AND SPICES FRESH??••••

(Source: Americas Most Wanted Recipes by Ron Douglas & kappboom wallpaper photos)

••••A USEFUL GUIDE!!!!

••••INGREDIENT SHELF LIFE••••

•GROUND SPICES: 2 to 3 years

•WHOLE SPICES: 3 to 4 years

•SEASONING BLENDS: 1 to 2 years

•HERBS: 1 to 3 years

•EXTRACTS: 4 years, except pure vanilla, which lasts forever

••••Still not sure?? Then use these guidelines:

••••Check to see that the color of your spices and herbs is vibrant. If the color has faded, chances are so has the flavor.

••••Rub or crush the spice or herb between your fingers. If the aroma is faint and the flavor is not apparent, it's time to replace it.

••••Store herbs and spices in tightly capped containers, and keep away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Replace bottle lids tightly immediately after use.

••••To minimize moisture and caking, avoid sprinkling directly into steaming pot and use a dry measuring spoon.

••••Check the freshness date on the container.

••••BAKING TIP••••

(Source: Americas Most Wanted Recipes by Ron Douglas & photo also & Google+)

••••WOW!!

••••WHEN BAKING BREAD, YOU GET A FINER TEXTURE IF YOU USE MILK IN THE RECIPE. WATER MAKES A COARSER BREAD.••••

••••COOKING TIP••••

(Source: Americas Most Wanted Recipes by Ron Douglas & Google+ photo)

••••A GREAT TIP••••

••••ALWAYS CHILL JUICES AND SODAS BEFORE ADDING TO BEVERAGE RECIPES••••

••••SLOW COOKER ROAST BEEF AND VEGETABLES••••

(Source: sixsistersstuff.com & photos also)

••••A WONDERFUL MEAL!!!••••

Slow Cooker Roast Beef and Vegetables Recipe

Author: Six Sisters' Stuff (Elyse)

Recipe type: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep time:  10 mins

Cook time:  10 hours

Total time:  10 hours 10 mins

Serves: 6

 

This Slow Cooker Roast Beef and Vegetables only takes a few minutes to make but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 3-5 pound roast beef
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 1 onion, cut into slices
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 (2 ounce) package onion soup mix
• 1 (1 ounce) package au jus mix

Instructions

1. Place roast in a slow cooker sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Sprinkle celery, carrots and onions on top of roast.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together beef stock, onion soup mix and au jus mix. Pour over roast and vegetables.
4. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
   

   
   

••••WORLD KINDNESS DAY :)••••

(Source: Juliep.com & juliejohnsoncoaching.com & sellingformationproducts.com & cbsenniminety.com & blog44.ca & pifmanitoba.ca)

••••WORLD KINDNESS DAY :)••••

••••PRAY FOR PARIS••••

(photos-Google+ volunteersmi.org)

••••PRAY FOR PARIS••••

••••WARM CHOCOLATE RISOTTO••••

(Source: publications international & photos also)

••••HOW WONDERFUL!!!!••••

••••WARM CHOCOLATE RISOTTO••••

•1 cup white rice, uncooked

•1 cup milk

•1/3 cup sugar

•1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

•1/4 cup heavy cream

•2 TB unsalted butter

•+Fresh mint leaves (optional)

1. Combine rice, milk and sugar in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes.

2. Stir in chocolate chips, cream and butter until melted. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.

•Makes 4 servings