Freezer Burn: How to "Vacuum Seal" food with a Straw

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To save time and money, I frequently buy food in bulk when it's on sale.  I also like to cook in bulk and double and triple recipes.  One of the things to avoid when pre-cooking food is freezer burn.  Some people avoid freezer burn by using a Vacuum Sealer.  I have found using a regular zip lock bag and a soda straw work just as well for many items.

How To Avoid Freezer Burn without a Vacuum Sealer
The best way to protect your frozen food from freezer burn is to package it tightly and remove all of the air. I always  freeze meats in freezer bags.....never the grocery store packaging  For flatter items like steaks, I wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and label them.

For more shapely items like cooked muffins or meatballs etc.,  I remove the air by using a soda straw
(1) Package your food in a freezer bag
(2) Zip the top of the bag shut, but leave enough room to insert a soda straw

(3) When the straw is in place, remove the air in the bag by sucking all the air out of the bag

(4) Quickly slip the straw out and seal the bag.

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Green Monster Smoothie Recipe (kid-friendly)

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There was a time when I struggled with getting my youngest to eat his veggies.  This is a recipe I came up with to incorporate them into a smoothie; one of our favorite drinks.  I named it the "Green Monster Smoothie" to make it that much more fun!  My kids love this and ask for it often.

Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 an apple (no need to peel it)
1 small handful of sweet fruit (Mango, Pineapple or Kiwi)
1 handful of greens (I usually use baby spinach, but you could do Kale etc). 
Water and Ice

Blend ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

This tastes very much like a delicious glass full of spring!

I make this in my magic bullet blender.  It is easy to use and clean.


If you are watching your carbs and sugars you can make a low carb version found here:
http://www.lowcarbcrock.com/2013/02/low-carb-green-smoothie.html

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Easy Peasy Diaper Cakes

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If your like me, you go to a lot of baby showers.  Sometimes, I want to bring something different!  Lets face it, what all new moms really need is DIAPERS!!!  However, a package of diapers with a bow on top is just not as cute as a cutesy diaper cake is for a shower!  A diaper cake while seemingly expensive and complicated is actually very easy and can be done for around $12 (as opposed to $70+ if you bought one).   You can assemble it with disposable or cloth diapers depending on the preference of the mommy to be.

Items needed:

1.  1 pack of diapers (amount of diapers depends on the size of the "cake" you want to create)

2.  A few accouterments (i.e. baby nick knacks)

3.  Varying sizes of rubber bands

4.  Ribbon

Directions:

Money Saving Tip:  If you want to use less diapers.  Start your cake off with something large and solid in the middle.  For ex:  I have put in a bottle of juice for moms that have other older children. 

Base Layer:
Start by rolling each diaper up and then securing it with a rubber band in the middle. Roll the diaper so any design on the diapers is hidden.  If you want the outside to have a smooth frosted look,   save some diapers to wrap around the outside for the finish

Once you have rolled up several diapers - arrange the diapers vertically in a circle to form a circular base. If you want an extra sturdy cake you can place the layers on cake rounds purchased from a craft store.

If you want the outside of the layer to have a smooth frosted look, take your remaining unrolled diapers and layer them overlapping vertically (pure white side showing) around the rolled up diapers.

Secure the layer with tightly tied ribbon.

Second and Top Layer:
Repeat the same as the base layer, but make each tier smaller as a usual wedding cake would look.

Finishing Touch: 
Place your baby nick knacks on the cake, securing them by inserting them between the diapers

Voila!!  Easy Peasy. 

You can use a few pieces of hidden tape to secure the layers together.  

I am in no way an artsy person.  I am sure those of you who are will have even a better outcome then I did!

Here are some diaper cakes on Amazon to give you some creative ideas:
Search Amazon.com for diaper cake

If you like the Diaper Cake - you can also try making a Beer Can Cake
http://www.christineiscooking.com/2012/12/how-to-make-easy-beer-can-cake.html

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Copyright 2012 christineiscooking.com You may repost this recipe and its directions only if it is accompanied by a direct link back to the article on my site. You must be given my express permission for any other use. You can contact me at admin@christineiscooking.com