Q & A - Making Cut Flowers Last

Question: How do florists make cut flowers last?
1. They remove any leaves that would be below the waterline.
2. They cut a bit off the bottom of the stem to discourage bacteria from multiplying.
3. They use lukewarm water, not cold.
4. They add cut-flower food.
5. They add water daily.

Linguine with Clam Sauce

Linguine with Clam Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
dash of salt
1 clove garlic
1 can chopped clams (drained)

Melt the butter, add the flour and cook until light brown. Slowly add the milk, salt and garlic. Add the chopped clams and wait for the sauce to thicken. Serve over cooked linguine. Makes enough for two.

The Bare Cupboard- June 22, 2009

Welcome to the June 22, 2009 edition of the bare cupboard.

desserts

Mama Bear presents Strawberry Rhubarb Pie posted at Suitable For Consumption.

main dishes

Renee V. Rouse presents Frugal-Living-Skills Blog: Family Meals for Under $5 - Tater Tot Casserole posted at Frugal-Living-Skills Blog, saying, ""...Weekly grocery circulars often read “feed a family of 4 for under $10!”. I’m sure most of you have laughed at this as I did. As a result, I began to wonder what does dinner really cost for my family of 8? So I set a challenge for myself and I figured if I kept it under $5, I was doing good...""

jim presents Make Your Own Dog Food posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, saying, "Tips for cooking/making your own dog food."

Local Nourishment presents Kohlrabi. Weird plant, yummy food posted at Local Nourishment.

tips

Brooklyn White presents Radiography Schools » 100 Best Cooking Tips for Cancer Prevention posted at Radiography Schools.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the bare cupboard using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: the bare cupboard, blog carnival.

Q & A - Oleander Bushes

Question: I recently visited Southern United States and I loved the oleander bushes. I live in a colder climate, so I can't grow them outside. Will they work as houseplants?
Nerium oleander (scientific name) can be grown as houseplants where there is lots of sun. Oleander bushes will begin to bloom when they are around 18 inches tall. You can keep them prumed to the length you desire. I would keep pets and young children away from these plants, because they are poisonous.

Hot Chicken Salad

Hot Chicken Salad

2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups thinly sliced celery or ¾ cup peas
½ cup chopped toasted almonds (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Mix all ingredients. Pile lightly in baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup toasted bread cubes. Bake at 450° for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 4 servings.

Gobble to Goop from my son (five-years-old)- My Prayer

Our Father, who are in Heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give is this day, are daily bread Amen. (This is what my son thinks is the first part of this prayer.)

Q & A - Varigated Plants

Question: Is it harder to keep variegated plants healthier than all-green plants?
Yes, it is harder to keep them healthier, because the leaves of the variegated plants don't have as much chlorophyll. It is the chlorophyll and the light that build the plant's strength.