Recycle those electronics!

Upgrade to a newer digital camera, mp3 player, or tablet? Don't leave the old one collecting dust- it will make the perfect gift for your child! We gave an old digital camera to our 5 year old and she was thrilled. We were quickly informed that "This was the best present ever!". Not only will it not cost you a dime, but you can dress it up to make it even more special with a new case or a gift card for iTunes. Remember, Christmas is less than 6 weeks away!

Fall bean recipe!

This recipe is perfect for chilly autumn nights. Whip up a batch of cornbread to round out this simple, yet delicious meal. It's also very inexpensive and packed with fiber and protein. Trust me, you're going to LOVE it!

Appalachian Cider Beans
3 cups dried great northern beans
3 cups fresh apple cider
8 oz. bacon, divided
2 small yellow onions, peeled and quartered

1 Tbs. dried mustard powder
6 Tbs. pure maple syrup
1 tsp. salt

Pour beans into a large bowl and cover with water. Soak beans overnight; drain and transfer to Dutch oven.  Add cider and simmer over medium heat uncovered, stirring occasionally for 30 min.  Remove from heat and drain, reserving liquid.  Layer 4 oz. bacon in a 2-qt Dutch oven.  Spoon beans over pork, bury the onion quarters in beans. Cook in small saucepan 1 T. dry mustard, 6 T sorghum or maple syrup, and 1 t. salt for 3 min. over med. heat.  Pour over beans.  Top with remaining bacon.  Add reserved bean liquid and hot water to cover (add water if beans are not covered).  Bake covered at 300 for 3 hrs.  Add hot water if beans become dry.

Post- Halloween Pumpkin Disposal

Still have that Jack O' Lantern sitting on the steps? Go beyond the obvious solution of eating it or roasting the seeds with these fun ideas!

• Pitch it into a wooded area for the deer (Make sure it's at least 100 feet away from your house to avoid attracting mice.)
• Slather the inside with peanut butter and hang from a tree for the squirrels
• Compost it
• Use it for target practice
• Call a local zoo or farmer- pumpkins make great snacks for animals!
• Feed to the chickens. They will love the seeds!
• Use for elementary math lessons. What is the circumference and radius? How much does it weigh? Estimate the number of seeds.
• Hollow out your old pumpkin, have the kids attach a "sail" and set it free in a creek or stream.