Playdough Recipe

Homemade Playdough

1 Cup flour

1 Cup water

1/2 Cup salt

1 Tbs veg oil

2 tsp cream of tartar

Food coloring (opt.)

Put all ingredients in a pot and stir constantly, scraping sides and bottom, for 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat.

It will be like a paste, then start to go lumpy, then start to form a ball. When it no longer looks wet.

Turn out onto counter and knead until soft and smooth. Be careful, it's pretty warm, but cools fast! Store in an airtight container.

You can double/triple the recipe if desired. It just takes a little more muscle at the end to keep stirring it. (This was a tripled recipe without food coloring.)

Break out the rolling pin, and cookie cutters! Way fun!! (I know, we have way too many playdough tools and paraphernalia, I guess it comes from having 11 kids over the last 23 years. We've been collecting for a long time!!)

http://theprovidentpantry.blogspot.com/

Autism Characteristics for OUR son

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM FOR OUR SON
Susceptibility to distraction 
Difficulty in expressing emotions and when he offers a hug or kiss  WE take  it  immediately.....we will stop ANYTHING, including the vehicle (safely) for a hug or kiss. 
Depression
Generalized confusion during periods of stress anything or nothing can cause stress 
Perfectionism for every task
Excessive questions
Sleep difficulties  Difficulty understanding organizing and sequence 
Unable to accept criticism or correction 
Bluntness is emotional expression
Difficulty in forming friendship with children his age; difficulty in distinguishing between acquaintance and friendship
Rigid adherence to rules and social conventions where flexibility is needed
Difficulty with unstructured timeDifficulty in judging distances, height, depth
Gross and fine motor coordination problems
Expressing anger is excessive and uncontrollable
Difficulty in maintaining eye contact
Anxiety in social settings 
Stims (self-stimulatory behavior serving to reduce anxiety, stress or expressing pleasure) we call it his happy dances
Excellent rote memory
Excellent visual memory
Excessive word repetition and can be repeats what you've just said
Highly gifted in one or more areas (e.g., science & reading)Strong sensitivity to sound of any kind, taste, sight and smell (e.g. fabric texture, texture of foods, blinking lights etc)

Independent, unique thinking Speech and language hyperlexia
Loves learning and gathering information to point of obsession
Strong food preferences and aversions
Impulsiveness
Distractions happen due to focus on external or internal sensations, thoughts, and/or sensory input
Difficulty understanding organizing and sequence
Unable to seek comfort
Unwilling to stay on task that doesn't draw his attention or his own learning needs
Schedules must be set and NOT changed in any way
Something as simple as a sudden rain storm during an outing can cause a meltdown or stimming Low understanding of reciprocal rules of conversation: interrupting, dominating, minimum participation, difficult in shifting topics, problem w/ initiating or terminating conversation,subject preservation  

Fruited Oatmeal

These are SO good, make them the night before and have a quick healt

INGREDIENTS1 container (6 oz) greek yogurt, any flavor
1/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup fruit (see ideas below)

Instructions:
In container with tight-fitting cover, mix yogurt and uncooked oats. Stir in desired fruit.

Cover; refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 3 days before eating.
Passionate Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup raspberries.

Energized Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup mandarin orange segments.

Positive Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup pineapple pieces.

Harmonious Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup diced kiwifruit.

Relaxed Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup blueberries.

Romantic Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup sliced grapes.

Stir-ins German Chocolate Cake Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut. Calories 250 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0mg; Potassium 140mg; Total Carbohydrate 38g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 8g

S'mores Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons miniature marshmallows. Calories 240 (Calories from Fat 40); Total Fat 4.5g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 5mg; Potassium 110mg; Total Carbohydrate 42g (Dietary Fiber 2g); Protein 8g

Bananas Foster Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1/2 sliced banana and 1 tablespoon chocolate chips. Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 40); Total Fat 4.5g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 0mg; Potassium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 50g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 8g

Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon each chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Calories 270 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 30mg; Potassium 150mg; Total Carbohydrate 42g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 9g

Stir-ins Pomegranate Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds. Calories 230 (Calories from Fat 25); Total Fat 2.5g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 60mg; Potassium 180mg; Total Carbohydrate 34g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 16g

Honey Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1 tablespoon honey or 2 tablespoons comb honey.* Calories 260 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 60mg; Potassium 90mg; Total Carbohydrate 43g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 16g

Banana Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup banana slices. Calories 220 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 210mg; Total Carbohydrate 34g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 16g

Almond Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup toasted almonds. Calories 330 (Calories from Fat 120); Total Fat 13g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 240mg; Total Carbohydrate 31g (Dietary Fiber 6g); Protein 21g

Blueberry Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup blueberries. Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 105mg; Total Carbohydrate 31g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 16g

Blackberry Power Oatmeal: Stir in 1/4 cup blackberries. Calories 200 (Calories from Fat 20); Total Fat 2.5g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Potassium 135mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 5g); Protein 16g

*Those with bee sting allergies should consult their physician before consuming comb honey.

To toast almonds, sprinkle in ungreased heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until almonds begin to brown, then stirring constantly until almonds are light brown.

Via: Betty Crocker 

Kosher Dill Pickle Mix

Kosher Dill Pickles Featuring Ball^® Kosher Dill Pickle Mix, now with Pickle Crisp^® Granules for crunchier pickles!

http://www.freshpreserving.com/recipe.aspx?r=270&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=barkley

You will need:

For every 2 quarts of pickles: 3 1/2 lbs pickling cucumbers (about 14 small to medium) 
2 cups water 
1 cup vinegar (5% acidity) 
1/4 cup Ball^® Kosher Dill Pickle Mix  
2 Ball^® Quart (32 oz) Fresh Preserving Jars with lids and bands

Directions:

Prepare Kosher Dill Pickles1. CUT ends off cucumbers. Cut into spears. 
2. COMBINE water, vinegar, and Ball® Kosher Dill Pickle Mix in a medium saucepan. Heat to a boil. 
3. PACK based on ENJOY NOW or FRESH PRESERVE steps below.

ENJOY NOW (Refrigerate up to 3 months): 1. POUR hot pickling liquid over cucumber spears in a large bowl. Cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
2. PACK cucumber spears into jars. Ladle pickling liquid over cucumbers. Place lids and bands on jars.  
3. REFRIGERATE pickles. For best flavor, allow pickles to stand in refrigerator for 3 weeks.

-OR-
FRESH PRESERVE (Store up to 1 year): 1. PREPARE canner, jars, and lids according to manufacturer's instructions. 
2. PACK spears into hot jars. Ladle hot pickling liquid over spears leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars. Apply bands and adjust to fingertip tight. 
3. PROCESS in boiling water canner for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude*. For best flavor, allow pickles to stand for 4-6 weeks.

Mosaic Birdbath Directions

http://www.birdsandblooms.com/Backyard-Projects/Small-Garden-Projects/Mosaic-Birdbath

Mosaic Birdbath

By Dottie Baltz, Pennellville, New York

Tools and Materials

• 12-inch terra cotta saucer
• Terra cotta sealer
• Approximately 300 3/8-inch glass tiles of your choice
• Water-resistant tile adhesive
• Sanded grout in your choice of color
• Outdoor penetrating grout sealer
• Foam paintbrush
• Paper towels
• Tile cutters
• Plastic knife
• Rubber gloves
• Several soft cloths
• Sponge
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask

Instruction

1. Rinse terra cotta saucer to remove dust and debris. Allow to dry overnight before sealing.
Seal all saucer surfaces with a terra cotta sealer. Allow to dry at least two hours before gluing on mosaic pieces.
2. Using the plastic knife, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of each tile. Press the tile, adhesive side down, to the saucer. (I find it easiest to start gluing from the outside of the pattern and then work my way in.)
3. Allow no more than 1/4 inch between the pieces and try to keep the distance the same between all the pieces. This will add strength to your birdbath and will be more pleasing to the eye.
4. If you'd like to create a specific pattern or design, it's good to have a pair of tile cutters handy. For example, I cut some of my white tiles diagonally.
5. Once all the tiles are in place, allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before grouting.
6. Cover your work surface and put on a dust mask before you begin mixing the grout, as the dust from dry grout can harm your lungs. Mix the sanded grout according to package directions. You can remove the dust mask once the grout has been mixed and is no longer powdery. Your grout should be the consistency of peanut butter when completely mixed. If it's too wet, the grout will be weaker and harder to clean up.

7. Allow grout to sit five to 10 minutes before applying it to the saucer. If you buy premixed grout, make sure it is sanded grout for outdoor use.
8. Wearing rubber gloves, apply grout by hand or with a plastic putty knife. Press grout between all the pieces and smooth with your fingers. When applying grout to the rim of the saucer, make sure the edge of each tile is completely covered and is smooth to the touch. Allow the grout to sit for 20 to 60 minutes or until it begins to dry. Then wipe off any excess grout with a dry cloth.
9. Allow the grout to sit for an additional 30 to 60 minutes. Then fill a bucket with warm water, wet your sponge, wring it out well and use it to wipe off any film.
10. You may have to wipe your piece several times over the course of an hour or two. Rinse and wring the sponge often for best results. If a film keeps forming on the piece, either your sponge is too wet or dirty or you need to let the grout dry a little longer before wiping it down.
11. After several hours, buff the tiles with a clean soft cloth to remove the last of the film.
12. Allow the grout to dry at least 24 hours before sealing with an outdoor penetrating sealer. Follow manufacturer's instructions. Usually you will need to apply the sealer with a foam paintbrush. Allow the sealer to dry for five to 10 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel.
13. Allow it to dry for two hours, then apply another coat of sealer.
14. Leave the outside unpainted or apply an outdoor acrylic paint.

Birdbath Tips

Clean your birdbath by scrubbing it with a brush or sponge and water. For stubborn algae stains, use a capful of bleach and then rinse thoroughly.

Bring birdbath inside for the winter or the terra cotta will chip and crack in freezing temperatures. Apply grout sealer once every year or two to extend the life and beauty of the birdbath.

23 Pickle Recipes

23 Pickle Recipes We Love

http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/07/pickling-recipes.html

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

 

 
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

(recipe from Six Sisters Stuff)

Ingredients:
1 (6 oz) pkg. chicken flavored stuffing mix
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon prepared, Dijon mustard
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces (I boiled mine)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cooked, chopped ham
6 slices of extra thin Swiss cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Prepare stuffing as directed on package. Mix soup and mustard in medium bowl; stir in chicken, broccoli and ham. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with cheese slices and stuffing. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through.