Tasty Tips from Tina - October 2008
October 13, 2008
Hello Everyone,
Unbelievably, October is here. That means one thing in our house. FOOTBALL!!!! There is nothing better than a chilly Sunday, in front of the TV, watching the Steelers kick someone’s butt!! Yeah, yeah I know I’m in Indian country but you can take the girl outta Pittsburgh but you can’t take Pittsburgh outta the girl!
I can remember when Ron and I first got married. I was going to be a good wife, make snacks and watch Monday night football with my man. Poor guy. I tried to make homemade mozzarella cheese balls and caught them on fire. While putting the grease fire out I burned the pizza bagel bites in the oven and I tried making a cake in the shape of football. By the time I got done, it was a little bigger than a cupcake. Ron walked into a smoke filled apartment, looked at the kitchen and just shook his head. He was such a good sport.
Well this month I am going to share another crock pot recipe from one of our readers. I receive many recipe suggestions which I truly appreciate. Keep them coming!
This recipe comes from an old friend who got it from her mother-in-law, who in turn got it from a lady in Walkersville. It’s called Crock-Pot Pizza. It’s quick and easy and would be great for any football party.
Crock-Pot Pizza
October 13, 2008
9 cup [12 oz] wide egg noodles
1 1/2 lb. ground lean beef [for the hunters out there you could substitute deer meat]
1/2 c. chopped onion
28-32 oz. spaghetti sauce
4 1/2 oz. sliced mushrooms, drained
1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
3 1/2 oz. sliced pepperoni, halved
3 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
3 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Cook noodles according to pkg directions and drain. Meanwhile in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over med. Heat until meat is no longer pink, then drain. Sir in spaghetti sauce, mushrooms and Italian seasoning. In 5 qt. slow cooker, coated with non-stick cooking spray, spread 1/3 of the meat sauce. Cover with 1/3 of the noodles and pepperoni. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheeses [mix together first, each layer will use 2 cups of cheese]. Repeat layers two more times. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted.
This month I had a request for a non alcoholic drink. This sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to try it!
Hot Buttered Drink Mix
2 cups Butter, softened
4 cups Light Brown Sugar, firmly packed
1 tablespoon Pumpkin pie spice, plus 2 teaspoons
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1. Cream butter in large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar and spices, and beat until smooth at high speed. Stir in vanilla. Store in airtight containers for 1 month in refrigerator or 3 mos. In freezer.
Now you can add 1 cup of boiling apple cider or juice and 1 tblsp Hot buttered Mix. Garnish with a slice of orange and a dash of nutmeg.
Or, add the mix to 1/2 cup of hot milk and 1/2 cup strong coffee and top with Whipped cream.
Rabies
October 13, 2008
The Threat of RabiesRabies is a threat in our area. There are strains of the virus found in bats, fox, raccoons and skunks. Any of these strains can be transmitted to dogs and cats. Any mammal can contract rabies but certain animals are more susceptible. The bites of squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats , mice or other rodents and rabbits are generally not a threat for transmitting rabies.
What to look out for in your pets
Watch for a change in attitude or erratic behavior such as biting and snapping or biting at cage bars. Physical findings can be a dropped open jaw, inability to swallow, hypersalivation and fever. Risk factors include exposure to unvaccinated cats, dogs or wildlife (see above) Watch for unusual behavior in wild animals such as coming out of hiding during the day, no fear of humans, acting very sluggish or acting overly friendly.
Monitoring
If an unvaccinated dog or cat has wounds from an unknown animal, it needs to be quarantined for 6 months in order to watch for symptoms. If an apparently healthy dog or cat bites or scratches a human, it should be monitored for 10 days. Signs of rabies in the animal should show within that time.
The only test for rabies is performed on brain tissue after the animal’s death. The most important thing you can do is vaccinate your cats and dogs. It protects them and they are the protective barrier for the family from the outside world of potential rabies carriers.
By the way, September 28th was World Rabies Day. This disease is a major problem all over the world where dogs and cats are strays, not pets.
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