Help Archives - Page 4 of 28 -

Tips for Using and Storing Fresh Tomatoes

Tips for using and storing fresh tomatoes.

Our local farmer’s markets are brimming with colorful fresh produce. However, it’s easy to buy more than we can use.

I agree with Sad Tom above: “Ketchup just don’t do a fresh tomato justice!” With a little care, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes well into the season.

How to store; when to refrigerate.

Store unripe tomatoes stem side down, in a paper bag or cardboard box; single layer. Keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature away from sunlight. On the other hand, overripe tomatoes that are soft to touch or deep red flesh are best kept in the refrigerator.

Freezing them is a good option.

The quickest and easiest way to preserve what you will not use in a few days is freezing them. Freeze smaller tomatoes whole on a cookie sheet and then bag them. Larger tomatoes, however, should be chopped (peeled or not) and stuffed into freezer containers. Hint: empty mayo or peanut butter jars hold the right amount for adding to soups and casseroles.

Expand your menu; try new tastes on your family.

Click here for 100 Ways to use Fresh Tomatoes this Summer.

Consider seeding the large firm tomatoes; roast them and blend for soups and sauces.

A great stir-fry is seeded tomato chunks, okra, zucchini or whatever veggie on hand, and onions or/and garlic; blend with olive oil.

Broil or Grill Thick Slices

For a main dish: broil thick slices of tomato and top with feta cheese and fresh basil. Grill thick slices for sandwiches for a completely different flavor.

Stir chopped, grilled tomatoes into hash browns, grits, even gravy for a southern flair. Add crumbled bacon, sausage, or chopped ham for a complete meal in minutes.

Two simple salad upgrades.

Instead of the ho-hum chopped lettuce/tomato salad, try chopped fresh tomatoes with avocado, onion, lime juice and olive oil.

For a real taste treat, combine grilled tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, black olives and red onion. Sprinkle with a good vinaigrette.

As you bravely use tomatoes in new ways, try these flavor options: onions, garlic, celery, orange peel, fresh basil, fresh parsley, rosemary and a good stock: vegetable, chicken or beef.

Be sure to click below for a list of herbs and spices to use with vegetables.

Too many tomatoes to deal with now? Perhaps that neighbor you’ve been wanting to visit could use a pretty basket filled with ripe tomatoes and crackers. Hmmmm!

Hugs,

For a list of herbs and seasonings for oven roasted vegetables, click here.

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimers Disease

Understanding Dementia and Alzheimers Disease will dispute the saying: “It’s just old age, don’t be concerned about it. We’ll all be there someday.”

When Granny forgot the simplest of things, It was common to believe that her memory loss was due to getting older. I did not want to get that old!

For my 5 critical tips on communicating with dementia and Alzheimers, click here.

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease are not confined to the aged. Both Alzheimers and dementia can strike people as young as 30s; they are not simply diseases of the elderly. It is difficult to care for someone at any age when they begin to lose their ability to think, talk, or connect with others in a rational way.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It destroys brain cells thus causing varying states of memory loss. Through clinical trials and advanced research, progress has been made on slowing down this process; however, there is no known cure at this time.

Often overlooked is vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects. Symptoms due to vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, or other medical conditions need to be considered. It is very important to be observant, keep notes, and inform the medical staff of any changes in memory or behavior.

Most caregivers are family members, especially in the early stages. Nearly 15 percent of those are long-distance caregivers, living an hour or more away from their loved ones. If you find yourself in this situation, know you are not alone. There are helps out there for you and others who have walked the path before you.

One helpful tool is a daily journal. Obviously, you won’t be able to journal everything; you can note major behavioral changes. For instance: did your loved one simply forget an appointment this week, or is this happening more frequently? As you consistently write down changes, you may see a pattern develop which could prove helpful in treatment.

Trustworthy information is vital. Find direct answers to many of your questions at the Alzheimers Association website with up-to-date information and good referral sites. Click here for more.

We are learning more about dementia, Alzheimers and other illnesses. New scientific discoveries in medicines and care are encouraging. I am thankful for those in the trenches, discovering new medicines and techniques to help the many suffering from these diseases.

I’m most thankful for those of you who spend your valuable time caring for those who cannot care for themselves. I pray often for you and for those in your care.

Hugs,

Did you realize that coloring books are not just another craze? Coloring has been a helpful tool in communicating with others. Do you know someone who would benefit from my Patches Coloring and Activity Book?

Be Sensitive and Encouraging on Mother’s Day

You can be sensitive and encouraging on Mother’s Day –

Families need us to be sensitive and encouraging on Mother’s Day. For generations, little ones eagerly worked to give moms and grandmothers hand-made treasures. A family was simply Mom, Dad, children!

Today’s family units often include step-parents, blended families. Some children can have several “moms”. How do you handle that?

Death, divorce, distance have separated families; Mother’s Day can be painful at best. You have the opportunity to be an important encourager to those families this year.

Suppose you waited all day for a call from family that never came. Perhaps you have no children to bring you gifts; no mother or grandmother to shower gifts upon. It easily could be a sad time for you.

Thoughts go back to the phrase, “It’s not about you.” It isn’t whether you receive calls or gifts, or about grieving because parents and grandparents are gone. Question is, “Who can you share God’s love with this season? What lonely person can you encourage on Mother’s Day?”

Missing Your Mother or Grandmother?

Turn your misses into celebrations … extend a hand to such as these.

A widower who may have given gifts to his wife each year and now feels alone. Help him know he is not alone; he is loved and appreciated.
A woman living alone with no children; let this be the year that she, too, is shown love and honor. NOTE: In our church we celebrate motherhood by giving every lady a gift so none are left alone. Women are created to care for others … to “mother” them.
Children missing their mother. Whatever the age, be aware of those who have lost mothers or grandmothers this year and let them know in a tangible way you are praying for them and share their loss.
The list can be as large as you wish it to be. Our neighborhoods, care homes, hospitals are filled with lonely people. That loneliness can intensify on holidays; let’s help the hurting

And, for your moms/grandmothers, try these simple Mother’s Day tips to perk your thoughts and help you celebrate the season.

Your time. As simple as that sounds, calling or spending even 30 minutest with someone tells them they are loved and cared for.
Cookies. A small paper plate of home-baked cookies with plastic wrap gathered around it and tied with colorful ribbon is a simple gift. Add fun stickers for more festive look.
Find out if they write letters. If so, give a small pack of note cards, enough stamps for each, and a pretty pen with colored ink. Again wrap in clear bag with colorful ribbon.
Do they enjoy reading? A book of poems or short stories would be welcome gift. Perhaps a small journal (with big lines) and a pretty pen will inspire them to write their thoughts or memories of the past. A music cd might be a welcome gift.
Small basket of goodies. Add dried fruit, nuts, crackers, candies. Check dietary needs.

You have the power to Make Someone’s Day this Mother’s Day!

For more from me, click here

I send bouquets of happiness to you with smiles and hugs,

Let me hear from you; it’s always a blessing to hear your thoughts and concerns in caring for others.