Sharing Recipes--Pineapple Cheesecake

This is one of the first cheesecakes I learned to make, and it is still one of my favourites. It is very light and easy to make.

If you can't find pineapple jello, substitute lemon jello.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 package graham cracker crumbs
250 grams Kraft Philadelphia cream cheese
385 ml Carnation milk
19 ounces crushed pineapple
3 ounces pineapple jello
8 ounces hot water
1/3 pound butter

Procedure

• Refrigerate Carnation milk overnight.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix graham cracker crumbs with butter.
• Press the mixture to the bottom of a 9" x 13" rectangular pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes in the oven.
• Cool the crust.
• Boil water and dissolve the jello.
• Mix cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and jello at medium speed.
• Using clean mixer spoons, beat carnation milk at medium speed.
• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Pour mixture into the rectangular pan.
• Sprinkle non-buttered gram cracker crumbs on top.
• Refrigerate for 24 hours.

Makes 12-15 servings.

A Bit of Humour

A frog was feeling down in the dumps, so he went to visit a froggy fortune-teller, hoping to hear that good news was ahead.

"Froggy," said the psychic, "you are going to meet a beautiful young woman who'll want to know everything about you."

"That's great!" exclaimed the frog. "Where will I meet her--at a party, in a bar, down by the pond?"

"In a biology class," replied the psychic.

Source: Become Who You Were Born to Be by Brian Souza

Extended Or Not?

Extended warranties are definitely a good deal for the retailers. A retailer usually keeps at least half of the purchase price of every extended warranty he or she sells. That is why you will rarely get out of a store without being subjected to a strong sales pitch for the extra coverage.

According to David Bach, author of Fight For Your Money, most consumer products are so reliable these days that they rarely break down during the period covered by most extended warranties. According to a 2007 Consumer Reports survey, two out of every three new-car buyers who bought extended warranties said they had spent a lot more on the warranty than they saved in repair costs. And, when it comes to electronics and appliances, for every 100 warranties sold, only 15 people ever file a claim.

So before you spend any money on an extended warranty, consider the following suggestions:

• You have 30 days from the date of purchase to buy an extended warranty. Take the time to think about it and take the contract home.
  

• Read the fine print carefully. It's very important to understand what's covered and what is not, especially when it comes to appliances and flat-screen televisions.

• Check to see if you need to bring to the item to the store or if repair personnel will come to your home. And, make sure that they will hook it back up after it's fixed.

• Ask about the deductible. Many warranties require you to pay the first $25, $50, or $100 of each repair.

• It is very important that you know who stands behind the warranty, especially in these tough economic times. Is it the manufacturer, the retailer, or a third-party warranty company.

• In some cases, extended warranties include such valuable extras as tech support. This can make a protection plan worthwhile for items like computers.
  

Reducing Our Carbon Footprints

One of the easiest ways of reducing our carbon footprints is to spend more time outdoors in natural settings. Connecting with nature will inspire us to become better stewards of the planet. And, we will also reap physical and psychological benefits.

In the book, David Suzuki's Green Guide, David Suzuki and David Boyd offer the following no-cost and low-cost tips for connecting with nature:

• Go for regular walks, runs, or bike rides in natural settings.

• Join a local parks group or environment organization and go on their outings.

• Enjoy regular picnics at a local park, a beach, or in your yard.

• Take lessons in a new outdoor activity such as gardening or sea kayaking.

• Plan a vacation around visiting a natural wonder (i.e. a national park).

• Hang a birdfeeder outside your window and learn to identify a variety of birds.
  

Dieting on a Budget

Healthy snacks will keep energy levels high and prevent hunger between meals. The goal is to plan ahead and prepare fast, easy, and inexpensive snacks so we are not tempted by vending machines and convenience stores.

In her book, "The De-Stress Diva's Guide to Life", Ruth Klein offers the following suggestions:

• Core and cut an apple into slices. Add lemon juice to keep it from turning brown. Use a small sandwich bag or storage container.

• Peel an orange and eat it, section by section, when you feel hungry between meals. According to Klein, the process of peeling will divert your attention from a stressful situation for a minute or two.

• Hard-boil an egg to peel and eat later for a high-protein snack.

• Pre-measure eight to ten nuts, and put these small portions in sandwich bags or storage containers.

• Open up a single serving of low-fat yogurt and add a drizzle of chocolate or fresh preserves. Reseal for a snack at a later time.

• Substitute a cup of no-fat broth for that afternoon cup of coffee or tea. A cup of broth is considered a comfort food which can help you get through a high-stress afternoon. And, you will also feel fuller.
  

A Bit of Humour

A Buddhist monk strolled into a Zen pizza parlor and said, "Make me one with everything on it."

The owner obliged. When he turned over the pizza with all the trimmings, the monk gave him a twenty-dollar bill, which the owner just stuck in the cash register.

"Where's my change?" the monk asked.

The owner replied, "Change must come from within."

Source: Become Who You Were Born to Be by Brian Souza

Sharing Recipes--Carrot Ginger Soup

This light soup is quick and easy to prepare. Because it is pureed, its consistency is like that of a thick cream soup.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

5 cups chicken broth
6 large carrots, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, chopped or grated
Zest of half a lime
Juice of one lime
Dash pepper

Procedure

• Combine broth, carrots, onion, garlic and ginger in a large pot.
  

• Cover and bring to a boil.

• Simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Use blender or food processor to puree the soup.

• Add lime zest, juice, and pepper.

Makes 6 cups