Book Review: Back to Basics

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All growing up I remember reading this book, flipping through the pictures and reading things I thought I'd never see in 'real' life (aka, skinning a rabbit).  The book edition we had was with a yellow cover, but the information is all the same and wonderful.

A few years ago I purchased this recent edition for my husband as a gift, because he used to have it as well. 

As we have slowly built our family farm, we have referred to it often.  Now, as we prepare to move to a 5 acre property, I know that we'll be using it more often.  Whether you're a small, suburban gardener or working on a more self-sustaining home, this book is a MUST HAVE!!

Product Review Wednesday: Pampered Chef's MeasureAll Cup

I've decided to do a weekly Product Review.  There are a ton of gizmo's out there and I will admit to being tempted to try too many of them.  I promise never to buy the Bump-It, but DO love the Ped-Egg.

This is one of my ABSOLUTELY favorite baking items.  I used to sell Pampered Chef products, and I think I spent more for myself than I ever made.  This is the most versitile measuring cup you will ever need.  On one side, you measure your liquds.  And it goes up to 2 cups.  So, when making something that may call for a 1 1/3 cup milk and 1/2 cup water - I can use ONE measuring cup and wash less.  Although, I do have to use math, so it may be a trade-off for you.

The other side is for dry ingredients.  You pull the inner part down to pre-measure, say, 1 1/4 cup brown sugar.  Then you pack it in, and PUSH the brown sugar out in one nicely measured section.  Now, this is ESPECIALLY fabulous for sticky things like Peanut Butter and Shortening.

Also, my friend is a Pampered Chef consultant.  She has an autistic son and specifically sells to make money to cover the added costs of his very particular gluten-free diet.  Her husband is in the Armed Forces, so you can buy something from her and support both Autism and the troops, and you get some amazing stuff!.  It's a win/win/win situation.  http://www.pamperedchef.biz/khutchinson   Hostess name: Katie