Down-home Country Lore

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Whole grain bread crusts are saved in the Carpenter household . . . and turned into a "mock cheese soufflé". Mrs. Bonnie Carpenter of Mt. Vernon, Ohio takes 4 to 6 slices of old crusty bread (the tougher the better, she says!) and layers them — along with 3 cups of any kind of grated cheese — in a buttered baking dish. Then, in a different container, Bonnie beats together 2 cups of milk, 3 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard . . . and a shake or two of pepper. This mixture is poured over the cheese and bread in the baking dish and allowed to soak in for at least 30 minutes. Finally, Bonnie sets the dish in a pan of water, then puts both into a 350°F oven for one hour.

Janine Calsbeek adds a touch of spring to her winter salads by growing green onions indoors. The Packwood, Iowa MOTHER-reader fills a medium-sized pot (at least eight inches in diameter) with dirt and then plants small bulbs (she uses the ones that didn't grow large enough to eat during the previous summer) close together. Janine covers the onions with a little more soil, and places the pot near a south-facing window. The green tops shoot up quickly . . . and if she harvests these when they're about six inches tall, the savory garnish will keep growing back all winter long. [EDITOR'S NOTE: More tips on using members of the onion family can be found on pages 144 and 152.]

"To prevent your humidifier from accumulating lime deposits, put two aspirin tablets in it," suggests Georgians Green of Wapello, Iowa, "and add a pinch of your favorite spice or cologne to keep the water smelling sweet and fresh."

Through the years we've all probably discovered a few practical, down-home, time-tested solutions to the frustrating little problems of everyday life. Why not share your best "horse sense" with the rest of MOTHER's readers? Send your suggestions to Down-Home Country Lore, 105 Stoney Mountain Road, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791. A one-year subscription — or a one year extension of an existing subscription — will then be sent to each contributor whose tip is printed in this column. — MOTHER.

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