Frozen Grapes and Pops

One of my favorites this time of year…

Wash a batch of black (or red), seedless grapes, place in the freezer, and enjoy these delectable, sticky, yummy sweet treats!

Another fun way to serve these up is to take the fresh washed grapes (can use green, red, or black, but be sure they are seedless) and place them on skewers to make a grape popsickle. Cut off the sharp end of the skewer, freeze, and serve as healthy popsicles!

Banana Bread/Muffins and Crumb Topping

Mmmmm…one of my favorites! I am making these muffins tonight for our Sunday school class tomorrow.

• 3-4 over-ripe bananas
• 1/3 c. melted butter (this is approx. 1/2 stick, melted)
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 c. flour

Get out your favorite mixing bowl and a good, old-fashioned wooden spoon. Mash the bananas in the bowl, add melted butter and stir. Then mix in sugar, then egg, then vanilla. Sprinkle mixture with salt, then baking soda. Slowly add flour, mixing while adding. Optional: once mixed, fold in walnuts (not black/English- too bitter).Oven should be pre-heated to 350* F. If making muffins, this will make 12 and should bake approximately 18-22 minutes. For the loaf, bake approx. 1 hour. Check with toothpick to see if they are done- should come out clean from center of muffin or loaf. Can also be topped with crumb topping (below):

Crumb Topping
Now you’ll need the mixer. Mix 1/2 stick of softened butter, 1/4 c. brown sugar (white will do fine too), and 1/2 c. flour. Mix until crumbly, sprinkle over muffins or loaf prior to baking.
If you try these, please let me know how they come out for you!

Bread and Milk Poultice for Tick Bites

Ticks are crazy here this season! Until now, my last bite was in 1999. Now I’ve had FOUR in just a couple of days-ugh! The latest left a large red lump on my hip that was painfully itchy and sore. When antibiotic ointment did not work, I tried a home remedy that a friend told me about…and it worked! Yes, it sounds insane, but I had almost instant pain/itch relief and now the swelling and redness have been reduced by at least 50%. I’m told this also draws out splinters.

Pour some milk (few Tbsps) into a saucer or cup and heat for 1 minute in microwave. Take piece of bread and soak in the hot milk. Remove, allow to cool more if needed. Place on bite and secure with large bandage. Allow to remain for 8-12 hours (best to do this at bedtime). I’m told this also works for skin infections.