Happy Halloween!

Today's Assignment

Kick Back and Enjoy the greastest candy holiday of the year.

10 Things to Do with All that Halloween Candy

The best thing about Halloween for most kids can be summed up in one word: candy.
Every family has its own methods of getting through the post-Halloween mounds of joy. Some let their kids gorge themselves for a day or two. Others dole it out a little at a time. Some parents even ban the candy bars altogether. For some nutritionists (and dentists!), Halloween candy is downright scary. Whatever candy camp your family falls in –– there’s more to do with candy than eat it. Check out these ideas of what to do with leftovers:

1. Recycle it. Practice instant recycling. Screen the candy your kids bring home. After throwing away any unwrapped goodies, take out any candy your children don’t like or you don’t want them to have and then send that candy back out the door with other trick-or-treaters.

2. Freeze it. Put the chocolate bars right in the freezer to save them for later. Frozen chocolate takes longer to eat, so children can’t wolf it down so quickly.

3. Bake it. You don’t have to freeze the candy to keep it fresh. Kept in an airtight container, it will last long after Halloween. Later, you can bake surprise cupcakes. Push a soft candy into the middle of the batter in each cup before baking. Decorate the icing with more candies. You can also substitute bits of chocolate bars in your favorite chocolate-chip cookie recipe.

4. Melt it. Save chocolate to bring a taste of summer into your home long after you’ve put away the sunscreen. Melt chocolate for s’mores any time of year. Place a chocolate bar and a marshmallow between two graham crackers on top of a paper towel. Microwave for about 20 seconds.

5. Stuff it. Gather the leftover goodies and stuff them into a (homemade or store-bought) piñata. Crack the piñata open at Thanksgiving or wait until your child’s birthday.

6. Create it. Professional artists create sculptures from candy, why not kids? Make mosaics with hard candy. Cover sturdy cardboard with wax paper, aluminum foil or paper. Then instead of tiles, use candy to create a design and “grout” it with stiff icing. To make sculptures, stick soft candy, apples and marshmallows together with toothpicks.

7. House it. After Halloween, kids can’t wait for Christmas. Save Halloween candy for gingerbread houses.

8. Wear it. Make a candy necklace. You’ll need an assortment of lollipops and colorful candies with twist-wrap ends to make this idea from the National Confectioners Association. Cut a 14-inch strand of thin twine or fabric ribbon. Tie one end of a wrapper of candy or lollipop stick tightly to one end of ribbon or twine (leave about two inches of ribbon free for tying at the end). Attach candy by knotting the ribbon around the wrapper ends or lollipop sticks until the necklace is complete. Leave two inches at the end. Tie the ends together and wear the latest in edible jewelry!

9. Decorate it.Create Christmas ornaments from candy. To make a train, take a long pack of gum and glue on round candy for wheels, a square piece for a smokestack, and something round for the bell on top. Attach a loop of gold thread or ribbon for hanging. Look at simple geometric illustrations (such as are in coloring books) for other ideas. Coat your ornament with an acrylic sealer so it won’t deteriorate and you don’t draw bugs.

10. Share it. Take your leftover candy to the office. Even if your co-workers who are parents are sick of the stuff, chances are your younger colleagues will relish childhood memories as they reach for another Mary Jane or Butterfinger.

Or better yet, fill a coffee can with candy and bring it to your local nursing home, homeless shelter or a charity for the staff to enjoy. Add a note that says, “Thanks for all the good work you do.”

Writer and mother Kathryn McKay is the author of Around Washington, DC, with Kids, a Fodor’s Guide.

Caught up in the financial panic?

Today's Assignment

Plan to attend the FREE Financial Fest in phoenix on Saturday Nov. 1

Learn how to maximize the return on your money. There will be hourly seminars and 50 exhibitors to visit.

Where? Phoenix Convention Center 100 N. Third St
602-262-6225 www.phoenixconventioncenter.com

Keep Abreast of the Situation

Today's Assignment

Learn what you can do to prevent breast cancer

October is breast awareness month so BE AWARE!!!! Here are a few simple lifestyle changes to help you :

1. Limit alcohol
2. Maintain healthy weight
3. Stay physically active
4.Consider limiting fat in your diet
5. Talk to your doctor about discontinuing long term hormone therapy
6. Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use ( NO SELF MEDICATING!!!!)
7. Avoid pesticide exposure
8. Consider adding a flaxseed and retinol regimen to your daily routine

In addition to lifestyle changes, be vigilant about early detection of breast cancer. Start having yearly mammograms at age 40. If you notice any breast changes, such as a new lump or skin changes, make an appointment to see your doctor for evaluation.

Nothing you do can guarantee your life will be cancer-free. But if you practice healthy habits and consult your doctor about extra measures you can take, you may at least reduce your risk of this potentially fatal disease.

For more detailed information, visit THIS website

Wanna Be Smart?

We are counseled to “seek … diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118.)

Today's Assignment

Choose your next book for it's ability to make you SMARTER.

Some I can personally recommend:

Temples and Cosmos by Hugh Nibley
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley
The Book of Mormon

Keep Kids Safe Preparing for Halloween

Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make it fire proof, the eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision.

If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that kids costumes won't accidentally be set on fire.

Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.

Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. Small children shouldn't be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut the top or the face. There are many kits available that come with tiny saws that work better then knives and are safer, although you can be cut by them as well. It's best to let the kids clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it, which you can carve for them.

Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them.

Teaching your kids basic everyday safety such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, watching both ways before crossing streets and crossing when the lights tell you to, will help make them safer when they are out Trick or Treating.

What if I don't have any....

Baking Substitutions

Baking Powder: To replace 1 teaspoon baking powder, use 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.

Honey: For 1 cup of honey, use 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup liquid. You could also try using 3/4 cup corn syrup plus 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Molasses can be used in equal measure as a honey substitute, but it will affect the flavor.

Fresh, Whole Milk: For 1 cup fresh milk, use 1 cup skim plus 2 teaspoons butter.

Heavy Cream: A good substitute for heavy cream in baking can be made with 3/4 cup whole milk plus 1/2 to 1/3 cup butter and a little flour. You can also try using an equal quantity of plain yogurt in some dishes.

Shortening: Butter or margarine may be substituted for shortening in equal measure.

Brown Sugar: Use 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup molasses to replace 1 cup brown sugar.

Powdered, Confectioner's Sugar: For every 4 cups powdered confectioner's sugar, use 3 cups granulated sugar well dissolved.

Chocolate Square: You can replace 1 chocolate square with 3 tablespoons cocoa and 1 tablespoon butter.

White Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup molasses or corn syrup can be used for 1 cup sugar, but liquid in the recipe must be reduced by 1/2 cup.3/4 cup honey can replace 1 cup granulated sugar, but reduce liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup.If you don't mind the change in flavor, you can use 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar for 1 cup granulated sugar.

Corn Syrup: For a simple corn syrup substitution, replace 1 cup corn syrup with 1 cup granulated sugar and increase liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup.

Raisins Almost any kind of chopped dried fruit can be substituted for raisins. Currants or chopped dates can be used in a recipe with good results.

Chocolate Chips: Chop about 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate to replace 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips.

Eggs: 2 egg whites or 2 egg yolks can be used for 1 whole egg. OR gelatin (To replace each egg: Dissolve 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin in 1 tablespoon cold water, then add 2 tablespoons boiling water. Beat vigorously until frothy.)
OR cornstarch (Substitute 1 tablespoon cornstarch plus 3 tablespoons water for each egg called for in recipe.

Sour Milk: Simply stir in about 1 tsp of white vinegar to 1 cup milk. Buttermilk can also be substituted in equal measure.

Sour Cream: As a substitution for sour cream, simply use an equal measure of plain yogurt in most recipes.

Cornstarch: For thickening purposes, you can use 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to replace 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

Cinnamon: Use 1/2 teaspoon ground all spice to replace 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Cream of Tartar: There is no effective cream of tartar substitute, but you can try using an equal quantity of white vinegar in a pinch.

Molasses: Honey may be used in equal measure, but it will affect the flavor.

Buttermilk: For 1 cup buttermilk, add 1 teaspoon white vinegar to 1 cup whole milk. You can also use 1/3 cup whole milk with 2/3 cup plain yogurt as a buttermilk substitute.

Allspice: Use 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to replace 1 teaspoon allspice.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Gardening in the desert southwest is challenging, to say the least. If you are one who is ambitious and willing to give it a try... Here's what you should consider planting during the month of October:

In Zones 9 and 10, plant beets, bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, collards, endive, fava beans, fennel, garbanzo beans, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, bulb and bunching onions, parsnips, peas, radishes, rapini, rutabaga, spinach, Swiss chard and turnips.

You can also plant bulbs of garlic and shallots. Garlic takes a long time to mature and needs to be planted by the end of the month to assure that the bulbs will be well formed by next summer.

Today's Assignment

Plan your garden and get working!!!

Get Outdoors!!

Did you know that the sun is our primary source of vitamin D? Without enough Vitamin D, our bodies become succeptible to a myriad of autoimmune disorders among which are Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hypertention.

Here in the sunny state of Arizona, about 15 minutes of full sun exposure a day will allow your body to produce sufficient Vitamin D. If you have dark skin, or live in a cloudy climate you may need more exposure or a Vitamin D supplement.

Today's Assignment

Spend 15 minutes outdoors in full sunlight

Bountiful Baskets

Today's Assignment

Save money on produce by participating in your local Co-op

Need a good deal on fresh, local produce? Try a Co-op. For details click HERE

What is a Co-op?

A group of people who make a monetary contribution toward a pool of money used to purchase products.

In this case, you contribute $15 . The group uses that money ( along with all the other participants money) to purchase fresh produce in bulk. Because they buy in bulk,they are able to purchase the items at a deep discount. Items are then distributed evenly among participants.

What you get in return: a 50/50 mix of fruits and vegetables which would retail for approximately $50.

No, you do not choose the items that are purchased. You will receive a basket that has a huge variety of local produce that is currently in season.

What do you have to lose? TRY IT!

How to Bottle Butter

Can you ever imagine living without butter? Me either?

Today's Assignment

Learn how to bottle butter!

Bottled Butter Instructions
(I haven't tried this yet, but got it from someone who attended the workshop that has done it. I look forward to trying it soon.)

1. Use any butter that is on sale. Lesser quality butter requires more shaking (see #5 below), but the results are the same as with the expensive brands.

2. Heat pint jars in a 250 degree oven for 20 minutes, without rings or seals. One pound of butter slightly more than fills one pint jar, so if you melt 11 pounds of butter, heat 12 pint jars. A roasting pan works well for holding the pint jars while in the oven.

3. While the jars are heating, melt butter slowly until it comes to a slow boil. Using a large spatula, stir the bottom of the pot often to keep the butter from scorching. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes at least: a good simmer time will lessen the amount of shaking required (see #5 below). Place the lids in a small pot and bring to a boil, leaving the lids in simmering water until needed.

4. Stir the melted butter from the bottom to the top with a soup ladle or small pot with a handle; pour the melted butter carefully into heated jars through a canning jar funnel. Leave ½” of head space in the jar, which allows room for the shaking process.

5. Carefully wipe off the top of the jars, then get a hot lid from the simmering water, add the lid and ring and tighten securely. Lids will seal as they cool. Once a few lids “ping” shake while the jars are still warm, but cool enough to handle easily, because the butter will separate and become foamy on top and white on the bottom. In a few minutes, shake again, and repeat until the butter retains the same consistency throughout the jar.

6. At this point, while still slightly warm, put the jars into a refrigerator. While cooling and hardening, shake again, and the melted butter will then look like butter and become firm. This final shaking is very important! Check every 15 minutes and give the jars a little shake until they are hardened in the jar! Leave in the refrigerator for an hour.

7. Canned butter should store 3-5 years or longer on a cool, dark shelf. It does last a long time. Canner butter does not “melt” again when opened, so it does not need to be refrigerated upon opening, provided it is used within a reasonable length of time.

Self- Defense

Today's Assignment

Call and reserve your spot today for Kajukenbo's FREE women's self defense class

When: Saturday Oct. 25th 10:00 am

Who: women age 14 and older

Where: Kajukenbo 2602 W Baseline Rd, #1 Mesa, Arizona

Click HERE for more information

Need to Save some money?

Today's Assignment

Install a Programmable Thermostat

By properly using a programmable thermostat, you could save about 10% on your yearly energy bills, depending on the severity of the winter/summers where you live. Most thermostats pay for themselves within the first year.

Food Storage Dessert Recipes

Food Storage Recipes- Desserts


CHOCOLATE SNACK CAKE

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup oil
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix dry ingredients. Stir in liquid ingredients completely. Pour into an ungreased 8-inch square pan. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Applesauce Cake: Omit cocoa and vanilla. Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice into the flour mixture. Reduce water to 1/2 cup and stir in 1/2 cup applesauce.

Chocolate Chip: Omit cocoa and vanilla. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped nuts into flour mixture. Sprinkle 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips over the batter in pan.

Double Chocolate: Sprinkle 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips over the batter in pan.

Maple Nut: Omit cocoa and vanilla. Stir 1/2 cup chopped pecans into the flour mixture and ½ teaspoon maple extract in with the water.

Recipe submitted by Christine, Lawrence 1st Ward, Topeka, KS Stake.



Peach Cobbler

4 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds to remove the skins)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon flour

Cobbler crust:
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon brown sugar, for topping
Whipped cream



Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Generously butter a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Place the sliced peaches in the dish and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and flour. Mix gently and spread evenly again. Bake for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile combine all dry ingredients for cobbler crust in a bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers, to make the texture like coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk and stir to form a soft dough.

Remove fruit from oven and drop rounded spoonfuls of dough on top. Sprinkle with last tablespoon of brown sugar and return to oven. Bake until fruit is bubbly and crust topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream.



POTATO CANDY

1/2 cup mashed potatoes
powered sugar
peanut butter


Combine 1/2 cup mashed potatoes and power sugar till is firm enough to roll. The mixture will become very wet; just keep adding powdered sugar. roll out on powdered sugar like noodles. Cover with peanut butter. Roll into jelly roll cut into small pieces. Very rich!




Tart Cherry Crisp

2 (14.5 ounce) cans red tart pitted cherries, drained
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter

DIRECTIONS:
1. Place cherries in an ungreased 9-in. pie plate. Sprinkle with sugar. in a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over cherries. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 30-40 minutes or until top is bubbly. Serve warm.

Holiday Budgeting Class

With stock portfolios shrinking rapidly, hours at workplaces being cut, and jobs being eliminated, consumers are faced with a challenge of how to save money this holiday season. Gabriella Buchanan, of Consumer Credit Counseling Services and the Arizona Center for Consumer Education, will be teaching a Holiday Survival Skills budgeting class both in November and December. This is a great opportunity to build some financial management skills that can stick with you and your family all year long.

Today's Assignment

Mark your calendar now to attend the Holiday Survival Skills budgeting class


When: 6-7:45 pm on Nov. 3 and Dec. 1

Where: The Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women's Resource Center, 1130 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix ( save money by car pooling with friends!)

Cost: $5

Information: 602-252-8494 or WeHelpWomen.com

Time to take inventory

Today's Assignment

Inventory your household possessions by making a list of everything you own. If disaster strikes, this list could:
1. Help you prove the value of what you owned if those possessions are damaged or destroyed.
2. Make it more likely you'll receive a fast, fair payment from your insurance company for your losses.
3. Provide documentation for tax deductions you claim for your losses.

To conduct a thorough home inventory:
Record the location of the originals of all important financial and family documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, wills, deeds, tax returns, insurance policies, and stock and bond certificates. Keep the originals in a safe place and store copies elsewhere. You'll need accessible records for tax and insurance purposes.

Make a visual or written record of your possessions. If you don't own a camera or videotaping equipment (and can't borrow or rent it), buy an inventory booklet and fill it out, or make a simple list on notebook paper. Ask your insurance agent if he or she can provide one.
Go from room to room. Describe each item, when you bought it, and how much it cost. If you're photographing or videotaping, have someone open closet doors and hold up items.
Record model and serial numbers.

Include less expensive items, such as bath towels and clothes. Their costs add up if you have to replace them.

Be sure you include items in your attic, basement, and garage.

Note the quality of building materials, particularly for such furnishings as oak doors or expensive plumbing fixtures.

Photograph the exterior of your home. Include the landscaping--that big tree in the front yard may not be insurable, but it does increase the value of your property for tax purposes. Make special note of any improvements, such as a patio, fencing, or outbuildings.

Photograph cars, boats, and recreational vehicles.

Make copies of receipts and canceled checks for more valuable items.

Get professional appraisals of jewelry, collectibles, artwork, or other items that are difficult to value. Update the appraisals every two to three years.

Update your inventory list annually.

Sound like too much work? Computer software programs designed for such purposes can make the task much easier. These programs are readily available in local computer stores.
Most important, once you have completed your inventory, leave a copy with relatives or friends, or in a safe deposit box. Don't leave your only copy at home, where it might be destroyed.

Case Lot Sale

For Those of You Living in Arizona near a Fry's Food Store, this will be a busy week for you!!!

Fry's is having a Case Lot Sale-meaning they are selling common pantry items by the case load for discounted prices. This is a perfect opportunity to buy in bulk and in turn bulk up your overall 3 month food supply.

DON'T FORGET- FRY'S IS ACCEPTING COMPETITOR COUPONS THIS WEEK. USE YOUR FRESH AND EASY $5 OFF $20 PURCHASE THAT COME IN YOUR MAILBOX OR PAPER TO INCREASE YOUR SAVINGS!!!

For a complete listing of GREAT deals, visit SISTER SAVINGS website

Today's Assignment

Plan a meal your family eats on a regular basis. Determine what items you would need to make that meal multiple times and purchase those items to add to your supply.

For example: Spaghetti ( 1 lb. spaghetti noodles, 1 jar spaghetti sauce) . To prepare this meal 13 times ( 1 time every week for 3 months) I would purchase 13 jars of sauce and 13 lbs of spaghetti. I now have a 3 month supply of this meal.

Avoid the Flu

Yes, it is that time of year again!!! Did you know that more than 4000 people are hospitalized each year from flu complications and more than 700 people die from the flu? When speaking about the population as a whole, these statistics don't seem that high- unless, of course, you or someone you love happens to be one of them.

The CDC says the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall. Keep in mind that it takes your body up to 2 weeks to form antibodies to fight the flu virus, so, October and Novemeber are the ideal months to receive your vaccination.

If you live in the Phoenix area, call (602) 263-8856 or visit www.cir.org to find a flu shot clinic near you.

Who needs vaccinated?
* All children age 6mo to 18 years
*Pregnant women
*Everyone older than 50
*Health care workers
*people who live in long term care facilities
* people with chronic illnesses

Today's Assignment

Get your 2008-9 Flu Season Vaccination

Prepare for a Safe Halloween

Here are a few tips from the City of Mesa Police Department to keep in mind when planning costumes for the upcoming festivities:

Today's Assignment

Evaluate the safeness of your child's Halloween costume

* Choose light or bright colored costumes and use light-reflective tape

* Children shouldn't wear a mask, it restricts vision- make-up is much safer

*Toy weapons, wands, brooms, etc.. should be made of paper or cardboard

*Put the child's name and phone number on the inside of their costume in case of an accident or if the child gets lost

*Children should wear comfortable, well fit shoes

*Trick or treat bags should not be too large; they can obscure vision or cause your child to trip and fall.

* Make sure wigs and costumes are fire proof.

Let's Get Cookin

Main Dish Ideas for your food storage

Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients
1/4 cup sesame seeds1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta, cooked

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup light soy sauce

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cups (1 lb.) shredded, cooked chicken breast meat

1/3 cup chopped green onion

1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained

Directions:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside. For dressing, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, and pepper. Whisk well.In large bowl, pour sesame dressing over pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in chicken, red pepper, oranges, and green onions.

Mexican Rice salad

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups cooked rice

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (7 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Cilantro Leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Season-All® Seasoned Salt

1 teaspoon McCormick® Chili Powder

1/2 teaspoon McCormick® California Style Garlic Powder with Parsley

Directions:

1. Mix rice, beans, corn and bell pepper in large bowl.

2. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro leaves, Season-All, chili powder and garlic powder in small bowl until blended. Add to rice mixture; toss to coat.

3. Serve immediately. Or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Stir before serving. Yields 10 servings

THAI CHICKEN AND NOODLES
4 ounces vermicelli or angel hair pasta

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup chunky peanut butter

1-1/2 teaspoons soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 can (5 ounces) chunk chicken, drained and shredded

1/4 cup diced roasted red pepperDried chives

Cook pasta. Drain and keep warm. In a small saucepan, heat and stir together broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic powder and ginger until smooth. Add chicken and red pepper. Heat through but do not boil. Toss hot cooked pasta with peanut sauce in a serving bowl. Garnish with chives. Serves 2.

BLACK BEAN SOUP
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, undrained

1 cup chicken broth

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

1 tablespoon dried onion

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon dried lemon peel

Puree’ 1 can of black beans. Pour into a large saucepan. Add remaining ingredients; stir to combine. Bring to boil. Cover; reduce heat. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serves 3-4.

SPICY ASIAN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
2 cans (14 ounces each) chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried chives

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2 ounces rice noodles or rice sticks (Phad Thai)

1 can (12 ounces) chicken, shredded, reserve broth2 tablespoons parsley

Bring broth to a boil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Stir in all but the chicken and parsley. Cook until noodles are al dente, about 6 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in chicken, reserved broth, and parsley. Heat through. Serves 4.

Off to Work

Today's Assignment

Pull out your resume and update update update.

Free Immunizations!

Today's Assignment

Review your children's immunization records. If they are not up to date on their recommended immunizations, make an appointment with their primary care giver. If you do not have insurance, take advantage of one of Mesa's free immunization clinics TONIGHT from 5-7pm Mesa Fire Department 1105 E 2nd Ave. For alternate dates and locations, click HERE

What to bring:
*Bring your child and your child's immunization record to the program. If the record is lost, you may obtain replacement records from your child's last school, last doctor, or any health department that may have administered previous immunizations.
*If your child's school has sent home a letter regarding immunizations, bring that to the clinic.
*You are not required to bring any other documentation including birth certificates, although bringing your child's Social Security number is helpful.
*Arrive early! Anyone arriving at any clinic in the last hour may not be seen depending upon the number of people in line

The Best of times, the worst of times

Today's Assignment

Using a budget worksheet, keep a record of your expenditures. Record and review monthly income and expenses. Determine how to reduce what you spend for nonessentials.
Use this information to establish a family budget.

Daily dose of chocolate

For those of you not vacu-sealing your own secret stash of chocolate for your 3 month supply..
Here is a recipe that might interest you:

Pinto Bean Fudge
1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup melted butter or margaine
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 cup baking cocoa
7-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:
Mash beans with fork until smooth. Cover and heat in microwave for 1-1/2 minutes until warmed. Add cocoa, melted butter and vanilla (it will be thick). Slowly mix in sugar; add nuts. Spray 8x8-inch pan and press mixture in into pan. Cover and refigerate until firm. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Today's Assignment

Make a meal using only what you have in your pantry. Remember, when we plan our 3 month storage, we store what we eat!!!

This is SMOKiN'!!!

Today's Assignment

Check all smoke alarms in the home to ensure they are in proper working order. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month. Batteries should be replaced once per year. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

Disaster Supply Checklist

Today's Assignment

Choose as many of the following items possible to add to your disaster supplies :

• 1 gallon of water
• rain poncho
• flashlight ( either crank operated or store extra batteries)
• radio
• soup
• canned fruit and vegetables
• change of clothing
• toothbrush
• matches
• emergency blanket
• whistle
• first aid kit
• tools ( wrench, screwdriver, pliers and hammer)
• money
• family action plan
• map of your city or neighborhood
• fire extinguisher

Say Cheese

Today's Assignment

Take (and print) a picture of everyone in your family. Place a sticker with the following information on the back of each individual photo:

Name

Phone number

home address

date of birth

date of photo

current medications/health issues

Keep photos with your important papers

In Case of Emergency

Today's Assignment

Make an ICE ( In case of emergency) card for each member of your family. you can copy them HERE. Be sure to carry the card in your wallet or backpack at ALL times

Secure Your Vehicle

Today's Assignment

Remove ALL valuables from your vehicle. If you can see ANY property left in plain view then so can a thief.

Remove the title and registration from your vehicle. Keep the title at home and carry the registration in your wallet or purse.

Register for the watch your car program ( www.azwatchyourcar.com)