Friday, May 16, 2008

An Afternoon at the Park


"What riches are ours in the world of nature, from the majesty of a distant peak to the fragile beauty of a tiny flower, and all without cost to us, the beholders! No man is poor who has watched a sunrise or who keeps a mountain in his heart."

~ Esther Baldwin York

"There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations."

~Washington Irving
My Fair Lady

Cheese Filled Manicoti


Cheese Filled Manicotti
6 servings

1 package manicotti shells
15 ounces ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Cook manicotti shells according to package directions. Combine cheeses, bread crumbs, parsley, and salt; set aside. Saute onion and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil and oregano. Simmer 30 minutes. Pour half the sauce in a baking dish. Stuff cooked manicotti shells with cheese filling; arrange in dish and top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Hints for the Homemaker


from Betty Crocker's New Picture Cookbook 1961
  • PLAN AHEAD

Write menus for a week's meals at a time. Shop for staples once a week, fresh fruits and vegetables twice weekly.

When cooking, assemble all ingredients and utensils before beginning to prepare the dish.

If you have a freezer, make several cakes, pies, cookies, main dishes or sandwiches at a time and freeze some for future use.

  • COMBINE JOBS

Bake cake or cookies while washing dishes or cooking dinner. Pare vegetables while meat is browning.

Plan leftovers. Cook some foods to be served more than one, such as beef roast; use again for beef sandwiches, beef hash and beef pie.

Plan and organize daily work while working with hands (peeling potatoes, sweeping floor, etc.)

  • REFRESH YOUR SPIRITS

Every morning before breakfast, comb hair, apply makeup and a dash of cologne. Does wonders for your morale and your family's, too!

Think pleasant thoughts while working and a chore will become a "labor of love."

Have a hobby. Garden, paint pictures, look through magazines for home planning ideas, read a good book or attend club meetings. Be interested - and you'll always be interesting!

If you have a spare moment, sit down, close your eyes and just relax.

  • ORGANIZE WORK

Have a weekly plan for scheduling such tasks as washing, ironing, baking, shopping, cleaning the refrigerator or washing the floors. One task done each day provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps work from piling up.

Alternate sitting-down tasks and standing-up tasks. Don't be on your feet too long.

Let the family help you. Very young children can set the table; older ones can help cook and wash the dishes. Include them in party plans.

  • BE COMFORTABLE

Wear comfortable shoes and easy-fitting clothes while working.

Stand erect. Good posture prevents fatigue.

Have sink, work table, and counter tops at a height that is comfortable to eliminate strain.

Use a dust mop and long-handled dust pan. Use a self-wringing mop to prevent stooping.