Give a Little, Get a Lot

by WiredBerries Readers — December 4, 2006

This week we've got a way to freshen your furnace, a faster formula for baby food, and a healthy (yes!) chocolate smoothie.

Monday, December 4th
Baby Food Cubes

Both Christine Reid of Vancouver, B.C., and Shandee Lott of Spanish Fork, UT, offered this tip for feeding infants: "Prepare and strain your vegetables or fruit for the coming week’s meals," writes Christine. "Then spoon the food into sterilized ice-cube trays and pop them in the freezer." Two cubes equals about one jar of baby food, says Shandee, and you can place them in airtight bags in the fridge the night before so that they’re ready to microwave for a few seconds the next day. "Easy, fast, cheap, and no added salt or preservatives go into your baby’s food," she adds.

Tuesday. December 5th
Give a Little, Get a Lot

The website of the week was recommended by Maeve Smith of Knoxville, TN: www.volunteermatch.org pairs up individuals with their cities and interests to find the most productive outlets for their spare time. Maeve volunteered for an animal shelter and a nonprofit hospice; others have worked on hurricane recovery, with environmental groups, as mentors, and in other fields where your time, energy, and skills are urgently needed.

Wednesday December 6th
Coffee Catch-Alls

Yet another use for disposable coffee filters: Meera Bowman Johnson of Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, finds these sturdy paper goods are handy for holding freshly chopped vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients during cooking prep. And you’ll cut down on your clean-up time by tossing them in the trash when you’re done.

Thursday December 7th
Smoothie of the Week

Hard to believe a chocolate concoction can taste so good and yet be rich in calcium, potassium, and protein. The secret is yogurt, a banana, and soy powder.

1 banana, sliced
1 cup plain yogurt
½ cup cold water
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy powder

Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Serves two generously.

Friday December 8th
Furnace Freshener

Firing up the furnace for the season often means spreading a musty smell through your house. Danielle Herubin of Dallas, GA, says that you can camouflage that odor by opening up your furnace air filter, removing it, and dashing about 10 drops of eucalyptus on the filter. “It smells a lot better than Grandma’s old house,” she adds.