November was a busy month for the Halcyon Seekers. As a follow-up to our summer trip to The Fells, we teamed up with a local aerobics group and invited some friends and returned for a private Christmas tour.
Each area in the Hays home was decorated for the holidays by a different floral business. The theme was Winter Wonderland, with the focus on natural materials. There was a lot of greenery, moss, branches, birds, animals, snow, snowflakes, and other decorative items. One room was dedicated to Robert Frost. They were all absolutely beautiful.
As the tour ended near noon, we decided lunch at a local restaurant was in order. Actually, with us, lunch is always on the agenda.
We held our regular meeting later in the month. Our hostess provided taco soup followed by a wonderful dessert (lunch again). The program was “Helpful Hints.” There are a number of books available on this subject. We just explored some of the hints, mostly food-related. Here are a few.
To help a poached egg hold its shape, add a little vinegar to the water.
Fat can be removed from soup by adding an ice cube and stirring. Fat will cling to ice cube. Remove, and repeat process until fat is gone.
Cottage cheese stays fresher if stored upside down in the refrigerator.
Soak venison in cola to remove gamey flavor.
Thaw fish in milk. It makes it taste fresh caught.
For moist chicken breasts, soak in buttermilk for three to four hours before cooking.
Prevent mold on cheese by storing with two lumps of sugar.
Wrap stuffing in cheesecloth before placing in chicken or turkey. It comes out in nice shape.
For a burn, spray with cool water and apply slightly beaten egg white on area. It forms a protective barrier with multiple applications.
Lastly, for finding small lost articles, place a nylon over the end of a vacuum hose and turn on.
Our schedule for 2013 is:
- January: Isle of Shoals
- February: Glucose Free
- March: Taiwan
- April: Spring Workshop
- May: Plants and Plant Swap
- June: Indian Stream Republic
- September: Number Please
- October: Program Planning
- November: Victorian Era
- December: Christmas Party
We meet the third Monday of the month. New members welcome. For more information, or if you would like to form a group in you area, call 735-5493 or visit our Web site at NHCHF.wordpress.com.