French Fried Vegetables By Grandma Rose

I have an issue with my batter sliding off my veggies
when I try to batter fry them. I think this recipe has just
the little tweak that keeps it on. Whipped Egg Whites.
It is a basic recipe with a great flavor that will complement
all veggies and dipping sauces.

For those of you that know me I will tweak it and make it my own.
This recipe came from a 1978 cook book given to me at an estate sale
of one of my neighbors last week.
it is called:
Grandma Rose's Book of
Sinfully Delicious
Snacks, Nibbles, Noshes, & other Delights
by Rose Naftalin

ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. dill weed
3 eggs, separated
1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup beer
2 Tbsp. water

Directions:
In a bowl combine flour, salt, sugar & dill weed.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Add the yolks & liquids, blend well.
Beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold into batter.

I fried up Thick slices of Ichiban Eggplant
Green Tomatoes, & a green bell pepper.

The batter worked equally well on all items and was
delicious with Catsup and a Greek cucumber sauce

Spanakopita

Spanakopita

I've been promising this recipe for a little while
I hope you like it. It's the basic. Be sure to read
more at the link at the bottom, & try some of the other recipes
suggested. Please comment if you use this recipe as is
or tweak it.

preheat oven to 350

Ingredients:
1lb mozzarella cheese, shredded/grated
3 10 oz boxes frozen spinach
1 12 oz container of Feta cheese pieces
4 eggs
salt
pepper
nutmeg
1 1lb box of phyllo sheets


Directions:
add cheeses to a large bowl and mix together

thaw and squeeze all excess water(very important step) from spinach and chop finely

add to cheese and mix thoroughly break up any small parts to have an even blend.

in another bowl crack and whip your eggs, add about 1 tsp. salt and1 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 tsp. nutmeg

pour into spinach & cheese mixture and mix together.



open your phyllo and flatten on working surface.
(scoop out a heaping tablespoon for hor d'vours. or for entree about 1/3 cup onto one corner of dough.)



for appetizer fold 1 sheet over top & proceed to roll in a triangular fashion over spinach mix to end. The same folding method is used for larger portions use about 3 sheet for entree. (see photos for folding technique like paper footballs)







traditionally oil or an egg wash is brushed onto the dough to give it a nice color, I spray with a light layer of nonstick spray



for appetizers cook 11 minutes. then flip & cook an additional 6 minutes.
for entrees double these times.


These are the appetizer sized portions I made for my daughter's class this morning)


I always serve with a small amount of salad and another vegetable as a meal (as first pictured).

I do not get creative with more herb or onions in this recipe it is the basic.
Please feel free to tweak to your tastes.

this recipe made 4 full sized + 36 appetizer sized portions (you can pre-make this and freeze your triangles in wax paper) although phyllo is a fickle bird. if left out it gets brittle, if wet it get super sticky.

It is mostly eaten as a snack in Greece
In rural Greece, smaller amounts of spinach are used, with the missing part substituted with leeks, chard, and sorrel
The pastry is similar to torta pasqualina, a traditional dish from Italy's Liguria region, that is very common in Argentina and Uruguay.

It can also be made with puff pastry

Read More about Börek style pastries
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burek

Have a Nice Day
~V
Keep It Green

We've startyed a new Blog - Lots of Photos (Pin Us Bunches Please)

We've started a new photography blogger
It's simple lots of pretties
little 'Chicken Mama' Blogging
just check it out if you get a minute


http://agentgreenvyk.blogspot.com/2014/04/iris-luv.html

Thanks for your time
Have A Happy Earth Day

Tip Tuesday 4/15/2014

It's Tax Day be sure to finish your returns before Midnight.

It is a good thing to also find joy in good things you do for others.

Use reusable bottles & cups to carry your hydration in, reduce
plastic buildup in landfills.

You can reuse plastic water bottles as long as you wash them
properly in between uses.

To get children to try new food install a try me bite policy
early in life. Try twice in one sitting, the first bite may already
be decided upon in tier minds because of color or how it sits on
the plate. A second bite actually allows them to taste.

I a child doesn't like mashed potatoes because of texture issues.
Give them an opened slightly mashed baked potato. Allow them to add
salt, pepper, chives, cheese...When they prepare themselves they are more
apt to eat their creation. Do not let them go over board and waste food.

Compost and Reduce organic wastes in your household, Also brings
awareness to the reality of wastefulness to some.

Making your kids a worm bin is fun, and when you prepare fruits and
veggies they can feed their worms, Be sure not to let them overfeed their pets.

Grow your own food, get the family involved, it Saves money, Brings people
together, you're eating better quality in which you control, no chemicals,
pesticides, or growth regulators.

Grow a row for the hungry, give to your local food bank, or needy person/family
in your area.

One way to cut calories in your diet, drop a slice of bread on your sandwiches.
Open faced sandwiches cut at least 40 calories per slice of bread.
(Don't compensate with additional toppings)

Fix leaky faucets, install low pressure shower heads, and teach kids to not let
the water run to save money and conserve water.

Do something meaningful with you children. Raise money for a charity,
Volunteer, Help an elderly neighbor, even random acts of kindness. It costs
nothing to be kind, and you might just be giving a person hope at just the
moment they need it most.

Good things are not hard to find, look close to home for smaller, miracles of life.

Watch Horton Hears A Who with young ones or by yourself, it really is a good message.

I hope you all have a good day
Get your Taxes Done
Be Excellent to one another.

New Chicks Interview 4/12/2014

ESS :Hello Bailey Hope you are well this a.m.?
Bailey :Yes I am well

ESS :We Hear you're getting possible Easter Chicks this year?
Bailey :They hatched from eggs in 20 days at my School.

ESS :How do you feel about baby chicks, what do you expect to do with them?
Bailey :I feel very very happy about the baby chicks. I expect to take good
care of them.

ESS : Do you expect to make them a pet?
Bailey : Yes, but we can't keep them out in the open or cats will get them.

ESS :What do chickens do for a garden?
Bailey :They Poop to make fertilizer, and scratch the soil loose.

ESS : What do Chickens Eat?
Bailey :They can eat about anything.

ESS : Will your chicks be omnivores or vegetarians?
Bailey :I will feed them Vegetables, so they will be like me vegetarians.

ESS: Thanks for a little time this morning, see you later.
Bailey: Hugs and Kisses to all

Awesome Edibles ~ Printable Garden Group Topic

This is from one of my past Garden Discussions
I hope you find this information useful

One of my missions is to get everyone to incorporate edibles
into their garden designs. Whether full scale beds or containers, or
single plant planting in pots.

Keep It Green
~V

#IWantMyNerdHQ ~ $5 for Zachary Levi

Please support Zachary Levi in his #IWantMyNerdHQ Campaign

It's Pure Awesomness




http://iwantmynerdhq.com

That is all
your small contribution is going for something so much larger than you know
All monies raised at this event goes to Operation Smile

Here are a few links where Zac tells more from his Willy Wonka Mad Scientist Brain Guided by a higher power.
He's Mad Genuine

And so graciously gives his time and appreciation.


Z ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtEO2Oia8qE

Z ~ http://youtu.be/R52m3PahkzI

z ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RixX7263IIM

Some NerdHQSoldiers ~ youtu.be/QKnBDF5Eq4s?a

Nerds Love Zac


Have a Great Day Please Support
with a donation or by passing this information along to your friends and family

Homemade Valentines

I had come across a very cool box of chocolates as I was scrolling through my Twitter Feed about a month ago. I was inspired to make my daughters Valentines treats this year.

I found The seller ConceptsInCandy on eBay

I'll be making the Easter & Christmas candies as well this year :)

Here is a picture of my inspiration with my own creation side by side
Do The Math



My cost was:
Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Chips 1 bag
3 molds $2.50 each
2 decorative boxes about $1.00 each X2
about 1 hour of time

My candies are delicious dark chocolate
The hearts are filled with Nutella
The Skull is Marshmallow filled
There are solid bones & love shrooms
And 1 large chocolate covered marshmallow.

I planned to color some white chocolate but my girls were home on a
snow day, I got these finished because if the ice storm coming tonight
is bad I'll have no power to work with it tomorrow or maybe into The next day.

Simplicity is the answer th making it a better world.



Have A Happy Valentines Day 2014 ~V

Homemade Carrot Ginger pops

Carrot Ginger pops



Vegetables in Popsicles...?
Has She Gone Mad....?
They're Delicious & Nutritious.
So much better for you than Store-Bought & cheaper too.

Ingredients:
3 carrots chopped, lightly steamed
1/4" X 1" round of ginger root, peeled, lightly steamed
1/2 c apple juice
1/2 cup almond/coconut milk
1 tsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp agave necter
2 Tbsp raw honey
1 tsp lemon zest minced very small

Directions:
The beauty of making these is you basically let a blender
do all the work for you.
We have a NINJA

First scrape & chop Carrots & ginger.
Toss into a steamer/strainer over boiling water until just
forking tender.
Into blender with coconut oil, syrups, zest, then hot carrots
(this melts the oil & releases Lemon essence),then liquids.
Whiz it all together until relatively smooth.
Pour into clean popsicle mold.
Set in freezer for at least 3 hours.



We started making these pops when our young ones started getting sick this winter.
Craft your pops to the ailment.
Just about everyone likes a popsicle, so Don't Worry, Be Appy.

Happy 2014

Happy New Year to everyone
We Wish You Good Fortune & Good Health.

Did you become resolute about something new,
or are you making the same resolutions as New Year's Past?

We have resolved to bring Hope to the forefront in our Community.



Giving Hope to others & greening it forward
will in turn make things better for more and more folks.

I speak to people at times and the convenience of things today
have blinded and even consumed some people's lives. Even if I
reopen their eyes for just a moment, it sets a spark that maybe
can be fanned into a flame. If only one person goes forward and
makes a simple change they'll make more because it makes them
feel good too.

Gardening is a simple language, that has but one result, Pleasure.
Food & Fragrance are two of the most fulfilling senses we have.
So let's grow better food for our bodies, by ourselves.
The Earth is ours, it can feed us, house us, heal us, please us.
Let's make a conscious effort to not Kill it.
Teach what you know, if you know how to grow great tomatoes, teach someone
else to do it too. Also, why it is better to grow things the right way.
No chemicals, Feed The Soil, Use non GMO items. Why do they have to keep breeding
new hybrids??? The Heirlooms are still around, still growing, and used as
bases for hybrid plants, why...Because they are a good pure thing.
Grow things the way it is intended in their original form.

Children are our Hope, it is our responsibility to teach them.
If they are taught in a lab, they will continue the cycle of destruction.
Take them outside, put their hands in the dirt, there is a connection that
needs to ne made. Technology in different forms are stealing our children away from us.
Yes they can find out all sorts of information at just a touch, but they
are losing touch. We need a true New Generation of young people, versed in the
art of balance. Green, Sustainable practices do create balanced, caring children.

So the #GreenKids of today will be
"Greening it Back by Greening it Forward."
They are our 'New Hope' for a better future.
Let's all stick together and teach them.

I am but one person, with one voice, but I believe
my Hope will spread through my Free Seminars for the kids.
Even if it's a trickle effect, Kids influence their Parents
with each child I touch with our message I know at least 2 folks
are impacted even if just a small way. Encouraged to become
and Advocate for a Better Quality of Life in all ways.

Our goal is to get everyone to try & share (Green it Forward) to 3 people each day.
It's not a challenge it's a goal.
It's even easy if you share or retweet any of our social media messages.
Or even become affiliated as a supporter in some way.
We're only moving up come with us Please.

Have a Great Weekend
Victoria ~ EarthSource Services ~#GreenKids

Raw Vegan Carrot Soup

Kill that Cold with Raw Vegan Carrot Soup

Ingredients (These are approximations. Adjust to your tastes)

2-3 cups almost boiling water
3 tbs olive oil
3 carrots
1 stalk celery
half an onion
2 cloves garlic
an inch of ginger
couple dashes of tamari
1 tbs miso
½ tsp coriander
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp pepper

Directions

Now hold on to your hats. This is complicated ! Put all ingredients in the Vitamix and blend on high until smooth. Instant cold busting soup!
If you don’t have a high powered blender you’re out of luck. Just kidding. Simply boil your carrots and celery until tender and add all the ingredients into the blender and blitz until smooth. The important thing is to get the onion, garlic and ginger in the soup raw to maximize its effectiveness.
Bon Appétit !

Via @EcoPassport on Twitter

Please Participate in our Fundraiser

We are desperately trying to keep our #GreenKids Free Programs Free.
But it will take some Generous folks to contribute to our efforts
Please share this with everyone and encourage them to do the same.
If we reach our goal it should fund us for another year.
It really is a small amount considering the scope of the results.
Please check out our social connections at
Twitter ~ @HerbGir1972 & @EssSc7
Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/earthsourceservicessc7
K+ on Klout ~ Victoria Meetze

Scroll thru and see what we're about
and Remember the #GreenKids & EarthSource Services needs your help

This fundraiser needs to have at least 20 shirts ordered to print
and 500 is our goal.
Thanks for your time and consideration of our efforts.
PLease purchase at least one(1) tee today


https://www.booster.com/ug-13875204664578543

If you'd simply like to "DONATE" check out our Sponsorship Levels note here:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/earthsource-services/earthsourceservices-greenkids-sponsor-levels/613922642001289

What are #GreenKids? (Happier, Healthier, Caring)

https://www.facebook.com/notes/earthsource-services/what-are-greenkids-happier-healthier-caring/557649750961912

Carrots "Fantastique"

This came from our Oldies Recipe Box.
I'm sure it's from the 1970's or early 1980's
(Due to the specificity of the Sweet'n'Low product use)

Carrots "Fantastique"

Ingredients:

2 sm. cans tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. mustard
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt
pepper
8 pkgs. sweet 'n' low
1 lb. can of sliced carrots
2 Tbsp. dry onion flakes


Directions:

MIX all ingredients.
Refrigerate.
Eat in reasonable amounts, with food, or as a snack.

Christmas Crack ~ Crazy Good Candy

Christmas Crack

Ingredients
1 sleeve saltine crackers
1 cup butter
1/2 cup light brown sug
12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 - 3/4 cup chopped nuts - depending on how many you like

Directions
Put sleeve of saltines in a single layer on parchment paper on a large rimmed cookie sheet.
Melt the butter and brown sugar in medium saucepan. Cook for 3 minutes, stir constantly.
Pour hot mixture over crackers and spread evenly. Bake 10 - 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. When they start to melt, spread evenly over crackers.
Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before cooled.
Refrigerate 1 hour, then break into pieces and serve.
I use a 17.5" x 12" rimmed pan.
And you can also mix butterscotch chips with the chocolate and it is really good too! Enjoy!!

We had to use Toasted Salted Pecans this year and it's AWESOME

Tastes ALOT like a SKOR CANDY BAR

Homemade Fig Newtons

First we oven dried our figs, took a long time.
We will from now on use a dehydrator.



I think we are going to try some other flavors as the fall season is upon us and a new fresh produce season is upon us, maybe pumpkin newtons, apple newtons, pear newtons, date newtons...Somebody Stop me...LOL

For the Dough
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 stick (or 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbs honey, or corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 egg yolks
1 ounce orange juice

For the Filling
1/2 cup dried figs, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 tbs honey or corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Making the Dough
Your dough will need to chill for at least 4 hours before you begin, so make sure to do it ahead of time!

~Cream together the butter and sugar. Add honey (or corn syrup), baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add in your sifted flour all at once and mix it in slowly. Drizzle in the orange juice and continue mixing until just combined. The dough should be very soft and wet.

~Prepare a large sheet of plastic wrap and use a rubber spatula to transfer the dough from the bowl to the center of the plastic. Fold the plastic over the dough and flatten into a disc. Wrap with remaining plastic and refrigerate for four hours or overnight

Preparing the Filling
~Combine the figs, applesauce, honey (or corn syrup), and cinnamon in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Scrape the bowl down and pulse again to ensure no chunks remain. Transfer the fig paste to a bowl and set aside.

Baking and Shaping the Cookies
If you don’t care about the shape of your fig newtons, you can play around with other looks and appearances too! Just keep your cookie dough about 1/4th an inch thick and it should still bake up the same way.

~Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

~On a well-floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/4th an inch thickness. Make sure the dough is floured enough not to stick to any surfaces. Cut your dough into several 3 1/2 inch wide strips. It’s easier to work with strips no longer than 6 inches long, so you might want to cut them down a size.

~Spoon your filling down the center of each strip and spread it so that it’s about 1 inch across and 1/4th an inch thick. Fold the dough edges over the middle line of filling. The edges should overlap a little bit. Flip the cookie over so that the seam side is down. Transfer your newtons to a prepared cookie sheet and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until cookies are puffed and browned all around. If they are still moist to the touch, continue baking for a few minutes.

~Once your cookies are done, cut each of your bars into 1 inch pieces. Layer them into a plastic ziplock bag or seal-able Tupperware container. If you’re stacking cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper in between each layer. Stored at room temperature, they should stay moist and tasty for about 2 weeks!


This is not my own recipe but one I found on the internet at
http://www.yummly.com/blog/2012/11/how-to-make-fig-newtons-from-scratch/

Homemade Cheeze Crackers/Biscuits

I made this recipe for the first time this week and let's just say
The recipe says they'll keep in an Airtight Jar for 2 weeks.
Good luck having them last that long.



My first batch I rolled out onto the cookie sheet cut with a pizza cutter and baked for 15 minutes
They were a little poofy but again didn't last...LOL



Second recipe I got a little crazy with the teenie cutters, longer prepare time, very good (I also
Tweaked the recipe...GASP...NO)
I also cut into 1" circles looked very professional.
I was thinking playing with a pasta roller may be the key to getting thinner dough
Thinner dough = crisper crackers, thicker dough = biscuits

Anywho here's the recipe (My Tweaks in Parenthesis)

5 Tbsp Ice Water
1/2 teaspoon salt (1/8 tsp)
1/2 c grated fine parmesan cheese (add 1/4 c grated cheese, Mexican mix)
1 stick butter cut into 8 pieces
1 1/2 c all purpose flour (I used self rising)
(Paprika, Cayenne, Mild Tabasco Jalapeno sauce 7 splashes, & pepper)
use these tweaks to taste

Preheat oven to 425 Degrees
lightly grease 2 baking pans
In processor/blender combine flour, (Spices), butter, salt, & cheese
Pulse until it looks like course meal.
Add 5 tbsp. ice water
Pulse until it just comes together, remove and form into a disc.
On floured surface roll out until thickness of 1/4 " is reached



Cut as desired, any small 1/2" - 1 1/2" cutters are good
Transfer to baking sheets then gather up excess and roll out again until all DOUGH is used up.



Bake from 7 mins - 15 mins depending on cracker size.
Transfer to wire rack or paper towel lined pan and let cool



Keep in a airtight container up to 2 weeks.



I'm thinking the teensies + worstershire chex + candied pecans = Da Bombe Mix



You Control the ingredients and make a better product for your family

WARNING THESE ARE ADDICTIVE BE CAREFUL

This came off a page that looks to possible be a Martha Stewart Mag
But I'm not sure since it's just one page ;)
This was not my own original recipe