Vinegar in the kitchen.

Vinegar is a great multipurpose item to have in your home. I used to think it was only for making Easter eggs! But not only is it great for cleaning, it can do wonders in your kitchen too!

Here are a few ideas:

For wilting vegetables - Soak them in cold water and a little vinegar and they'll freshen right up.

Cooking vegetables - Add a little vinegar to help them retain their color.

Rice - Add a teaspoon and your rice will be fluffier.

Merange - Add 1/4 teaspoon to your egg whites and the merange will be really fluffy.

Potatoes - Cover peeled potatoes with water and two teaspoons of vinegar to keep them from turning dark.

Too much salt? - If you've oversalted a dish, add a teaspoon of vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar and reheat , it'll taste much better.

Know of any other good uses for vinegar? Please leave me a comment.

Healthy and inexpensive summertime snacks

It's summertime and it feels like my kids are constantly ready to eat. Don't let them reach for a bag of chips or box of cookies! Here's a list of 10 snacks to stock your fridge and pantry with that are reasonably healthy and inexpensive.


1. Hard boiled eggs
Boil a batch at the start of the week and keep them in a specially marked egg carton.

2. Fresh berry muffins, homemade
Make up a double batch and freeze half for the next week.

3. Fresh fruit
Get whatever is on sale for $0.99/lb. or less

4. Homemade trail mix
Mix together peanuts, granola, dried fruit and whatever else is on sale.
Try letting the kids make up their own "brand" that contains their personal favorites.
Keep in a repurposed pickle jar.

5. Homemade granola
Pretty easy to make.

6. Carrot and celery sticks with ranch dip
Old standby.

7. Cheese
Buy the blocks and cut them yourself. Add lunch meat for a homemade "lunchable".

8. Homemade popsicles
A small investment of a freezer mold. Just add their favorite juice.

9. Popcorn
Cheap, fast, and filling.

10. Pickles
Surprisingly easy to make yourself.

What are your summertime staple snacks?