Quick Blackberry Jam

I recently made Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars but didn't have any jam to make them with so I made this quick jam. It is super easy to make and tastes like you spent all day over a hot stove. Feel free to add any kind of berries - fresh or frozen (just make sure that you thaw and let the juices drain off if you use frozen berries).

Quick Blackberry Jam

4 cups blackberries

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

Place the blackberries and sugar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Using a wooden spoon mash up the blackberries and stir constantly until they let out their juices and come to a boil. Continue to cook over medium high heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Next mix the cornstarch with the water, add to the blackberries and stir until thickened. Place the jam in a sealable container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Five Facts Friday

Besides filling your clothes with a fresh clean scent, did you know that the Bounce dryer sheet can be used for many other things? Here are five facts (yup, on Friday) about what the Tiger-inspired dryer sheet can do.

1. Mice repellent: If you have a problem with mice, simply put a Bounce dryer sheet where you have seen their, uhm, droppings. Apparently, mice don't like the smell of Bounce.

*Thank you to my dear friend, Jeanne, for this fact.

2. Air freshener: Place Bounce dryer sheets in the cracks of your couch, chair, or under the seats in your car for a fresher smell. *After folding my laundry, I stick the used dryer sheet in the couch - it's a 2 for 1 deal. Ooh! Another thought: try sticking it in the end of your bed between the two sheets for a fresh smelling bed.

3. Clean baked on food from a pan: Put a Bounce dryer sheet in a dirty pan, fill with water and let it sit overnight. The next morning the pan will be easy to wipe clean.

4. Luggage refresher: Before putting away your suitcase, stick a Bounce dryer sheet inside to keep it smelling fresh for next time.

5. Mosquito repellent: Tie a Bounce dryer sheet through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season. You may not look cool with it floating off your belt, but it will keep the mosquito's away. Now that's a hard choice.

Note: I have personally tried all of the facts above except #5 and they all work great!

Iced Tea Day

Summer is here and, for some, there is nothing better than a big glass of iced tea to cool you down. To avoid heating up the kitchen with boiling hot water, make your tea outside with the sun's help.

Sun Tea

4 cups of cold water

5 teabags

Wash a clear container thoroughly with hot water and soap. Sun tea steeps at an ideal temperature for bacterial growth, so it's important to sanitize the container before you start.

Fill the container with the cold water and the teabags; close the lid tightly.

Place the container in direct sunlight for at least 2 hours. Taste the tea periodically to see if it's ready.

Remove the tea bags and sweeten the tea to your taste.

Serve tea over ice.

Substitute It!

Don't have it on hand? Here are some substitutes to keep in mind before you panic and head to the grocery store.

Buttermilk: For 1 cup of buttermilk use 1 cup of regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Baking Powder: For 1 teaspoon of baking powder use 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.

Honey: For 1 cup honey use 1-1/4 cup sugar and increase whatever liquid is used in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

The Secret Spa in Your Kitchen - Strawberry Citrus Cleanser

Strawberry Citrus Cleanser

3 whole strawberries, cleaned

Peel from one orange, lemon or grapefruit

2 tablespoons almond oil

3 tablespoons witch hazel

Blend and warm for 30 seconds (to release all essential oils from citrus peel). BE CAREFUL - keep tepid only! Massage over face/neck. Rinse with tepid water. Pat dry.

*For oily skin. Is an excellent cleanser/moisturizer, rich in Vitamins A and C.