Food Expiration Dates - What do they really mean?

"Are you one of those people who pour the milk down the drain on the expiration date?"


I recently read this on my Yahoo! homepage and decided to post it.  No-one likes to throw away money but based on this article, some of us may be doing just that!


http://green.yahoo.com/blog/care2/54/food-expiration-dates-what-do-they-really-mean.html

Easy Beef Stew Cooks while your at work!

Ingredients:
1 lb beef stew meat, cut in cubes
1 lb baby carrots
4-5 medium potatoes
1 medium onion
2 pkgs McCormick Brown Gravy
1 pkg McCormick Beef Stew seasoning

Method:
Peel and chop potatoes and onions. Place meat and vegetables in crock pot. Cover with water and stir in seasoning and gravy mix. Cook covered on high heat setting for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 12 hours.

Notes:

Number of Servings: 6

5- Minute Southwest Layered Salad - Budget Wise!!!

This is a great weeknight meal, especially when your in hurry to get to the little league game or dance class. Not to mention, it's real easy on the wallet!

What You Need

6 cups torn romaine lettuce
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed
1 can (11 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup  Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
1/2 cup  Three Cheese Crumbles
1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
1 cup broken tortilla chips

Make It


COVER platter with lettuce; top with layers of next 4 ingredients.

DRIZZLE with dressing; top with chips.

Mountains and Forest Sandwich

They may not admit it, but kids really love a creative lunch. It's just fun to open a lunch box and have a little surprise!

What You Need

1 KRAFT 2% Milk Singles
1 slice OSCAR MAYER Bologna
1 Hot dog bun
1 Tbsp. MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
1 Leaf lettuce leaf

Make It


CUT 2% Milk Singles and bologna in half, using knife to make zig-zag cut.

SPREAD inside of bun with dressing; fill with lettuce, Singles and bologna.

Thanks Kraft for sharing!

Helpful Household Hints with LEMONS!!!

• Packaged whipped cream mixed with a little lemon juice becomes sour cream in a pinch.  Let it sit 30 minutes before serving.
• Here's another substitute for sour cream: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1 cup cottage cheese, and 1/3 cup buttermilk.  Blend 2 minutes
• Alleviate sticky rice by cooking it in water mixed with 2 Tbsp. lemon juice.
• Rub a wedge of lemon over chicken before cooking.  You'll have a juicier and more tender entree
• Clean the inside of a teapot by adding 1 lemon peel per 2 cups warm water.  Soak overnight.
• Toss a little lemon peel in your fireplace for a lovely fragrance when a fire is lit.
• Add 4 tsp. lemon juice to the water in your humidifier to eliminate stale Oder's

Back-to-School Cookies!

These hearty treats are great for an after-school snack or to share with friends. With a glass of cold milk, they’re an irresistible snack. —Frances Pierce, Waddington, New York Ingredients


1 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups crisp rice cereal
1-1/2 cups chopped nuts
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup quick-cooking oats

Directions

In a large bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the cereal, nuts, coconut and oats.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a fork, forming a crisscross pattern. Bake at 375° for 7-8 minutes. Remove to wire racks. Yield: 6-1/2 dozen.

Editor's Note: Reduced-fat or generic brands of peanut butter are not recommended for this recipe.


Nutrition Facts: 1 cookie equals 103 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 49 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein.

Thanks to Back-to-School Cookies published in Taste of Home August/September 2007, p39  for sharing!