Deviled Eggs Demystified

by Ann Landi — October 30, 2006

Monday, October 30th
Cinnamon Scents

“One way to make your home smell as fresh and crisp as a heady fall breeze is to put a few whole cinnamon sticks in about one-half inch of water on a back burner to simmer on low,” writes Kelly Mahoney or Fort Bragg, NC. “When it comes time to dispose of the cinnamon, put the sticks in the garbage disposal for a long-lasting reminder of the scent.” Other WB members offered similar tips, such as adding cloves to spice up the mix.

Tuesday, October 31st
Smoothie of the Week

This week’s smoothie comes from Jordan Sharpe of Nashville, TN, and includes flax seeds, which are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (flax seed should be ground in a coffee grinder, to release the oils, and stored in a covered jar in the fridge….and see our Feature on omega-3s on the homepage).

1 cup plain vanilla yogurt
½ cup ice
2 tablespoons ground flax seed
1 tablespoon honey
1 banana

Combine in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add a handful of berries to increase the antioxidants.

Wednesday, November 1st
Deviled Eggs Demystified

Stuffing deviled eggs can be a messy chore, so Kristen Somerville of Lehi, UT, offers this solution: “After boiling and peeling the eggs, scoop the yolks into a plastic zipper-style sandwich bag. Add your favorite dressing and seasonings, seal, and mash the contents with your hands or against a countertop. Then snip off one of the bottom corners with a scissors, and squeeze the yolk filling into the eggs through the whole. When you’re finished, just toss the bag.”

Thursday, November 2nd
But Don’t Throw Out the Egg Shells

Irene Zundel of Phoenix, AZ, has three good tips for recycling those shells:

•	Crush them finely and add them to the soil in house or garden plants. Egg shells are full of calcium and other minerals, and tomato plants in particular, thrive on calcium.
•	A protective barrier of crushed egg shells around your garden will keep slugs and snails away—they hate the sharp scratchy edges.
•	Add crushed egg shells to your outdoor bird feeder. The extra calcium helps them lay stronger eggs, and the treat is especially appreciated by swallows, martins, and finches.

Friday, November 3rd
That Glycerine Glow

The great beauty find of the week comes from Nina Otazo of Eugene, OR. She uses 100 percent USP-grade vegetable glycerine, a natural emollient found at most health-food stores, as a moisturizer and make-up remover. Use it as a cleanser and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Or mix it with a few drops of water to remove eye make-up. “I love it because it’s 100 percent pure and it’s edible,” she writes. “And it has a lovely sweet taste, so I don’t worry if I accidentally lick some of it off.” Another plus: glycerine contains no animal products, nor are animals used in testing.

Do you have a kitchen or household tip, a beauty remedy, or a special product that you’d like to share with other WiredBerries members? If so, please send it to bettermousetrap@wiredberries.com, and our editors may choose to publish it on the site.