Lemon Delight

I know this has nothing to do with provident living, but I promised to post this recipe (from Heather)

Lemon Delight
1st layer:  1 c. flour
               1/2 c. butter, softened
               1/2 c. chopped pecans
Mix well, pat into 9x13 dish.  Bake @ 350 for 15 min.

2nd layer:  8 oz cream cheese
                 1 c. powdered sugar
                 1/2 large cool whip
Mix well and spread over cooled crust.

3rd layer:  3 c. cold milk
                2 small pkgs of lemon instant pudding mix
Mix together 2 min.  Let stand until thickened, then spread over 2nd layer.

4th layer:  1/2 large cool whip
Use the rest of the cool whip to spread over the top.

Smash up Lemonheads candy and spinkle over the top of the cool whip.

Yummy!

COMPOST!!!

Your Guide to Kitchen Compost Containers

and other Compost Info

10 Things to Consider Before You Buy

1. Appearance                 Try and match it to your kitchen's decor or appliances.

2. Capacity                      You'll want to figure out how much compostable waste your household generates on a daily basis. For instance, if your household generates half a gallon of food scraps each day, you'll want to ensure your container can handle 1-2 gallons

3. Cleanability                  Make sure it's easy to clean. Try to avoid containers that have 90 degree angles. Instead, look for containers that have smooth, rounded edges. Some containers are dishwasher safe. This is a great feature and saves a lot of extra hassle.

4. Weight                        How much does your container weigh? Remember, you're going to be adding a lot of waste to this container and it will get heavy.

5. Handle                         Does your container have a handle? This is tied into our last point. Make sure the handle is securely reinforced and attaches well to the pail itself.

6. Lid                               Does your container have a tight-fitting lid? If not, you may have some odor issues. There have also been accounts of the loose-fitting lids allowing fruit flies to get into your container. If you're anything like us, you'd like to avoid those little buggers in your house.

7. Filter                           Most models now contain some sort of filter. These are usually just simple carbon/charcoal filters, but they do cut down on any unwanted odors.

8. Ventilation                   This criteria is usually met by the filter, however, we wanted to restate it. Avoid units that are 100% sealed. If no air is allowed to enter your compost keeper, you will create anaerobic conditions and some nasty odors. This is important to avoid, because you'll create problems in your compost pile outside if you add this anaerobic mess to it. If your container doesn't have a filter, please be sure it has some sort of ventilation for air circulation.

9. Size of Opening            This is often one of the things you don't think about until after you've bought the container. How big is the opening? Can you hold a large plate over top of it.

10. Composition               What's your container made of? There are several types of materials to choose from, including plastic, stainless steel, ceramic, and even bamboo. Most people outgrow their kitchen compost container before the container, itself, breaks down.

Why Compost?                 Compost increases water retention, decreases soil erosion, improves aeration, gives your garden nutrients. 

Composting Made Easy:    Combine equal amounts of browns (dry leaves, sawdust, dry grass or garden clippings, shredded newspaper, dryer lint) and greens (fruit and veggie peels, green grass clippings, feathers, hair, wool, crushed egg shells) in a container.  Use materials that have been shredded/cut to approx 1-1/2 inches in size.  Keep your pile moist (like a wrung out sponge), but not wet.  Turn and aerate your pile often to prevent overheating.  In the summer heat, you should have a rich compost in 2-4 weeks.  Matter will be reduced to about ½ and have a pleasant, earthy smell. 

www.youtube.com

                                      http://www.compost-info-guide.com/beginner_guide.htm

                                      http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/compostingathome.pdf (my favorite)

                                      A Gardener’s Companion for the San Joaquin Valley (456-7285)

                                      Gallo Vineyards 5686 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno  (458-2565)

May Gardening To-Do List

May is the month to mulch.
It is also time to put out bait for snails. 
Control mildew on your vines. 

It is also time to thin the fruit on your fruit trees.  Feed your vegetables with an all-purpose fertilizer.  Fertilize your citrus this month, as it is the last month this year to do so. 

If you haven't planted your garden yet, now is the time to do so.  Plant your cucumber, eggplant, peppers, sweet potato and tomato.  You can also plant seeds for basil, beans, cantaloupe, corn, okra, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. 

There are several ways to remove unwanted pests/insects from your plants:
Use sticky material to prevent crawling insects from climbing up your tree, remove some insects by hand.  Learn which insects are harmful and which are helpful.

It's also a good idea to check your spinklers and change sprinkler heads as needed.  As noted in the last post, there is a class for learning how to use drip irritation. 

Have fun with your garden.  Give your children a chance to help by possibly giving them a section of the garden to plant vegetables/fruits that they love. 

Come to the Relief Society Tip night on May 17th to learn more about gardening!