LTC is offering a FREE gardening course, entitled "Introduction to Spring and Summer Bulbs" by instructor Paul Stouse. The class is free to in-district students, however, there is a $30 cost to cover the expenses of the bulbs. There are 4 classes: October 12, 19, 26, and November 2. Each class is from 6-9:15 p.m.
If you are interested, you can call and register over the phone! LTC's phone number is 546-8657.

Kay Young has once again planned a fun fall trip for us to take on Monday, October 3. We will meet at the Robinson Community Center (lower level) at 8:30 a.m. We will have a convoy of cars (each car will have a walkie-talkie to listen and ask questions between the cars). Everyone is invited to come along! We will travel around the southwest corner of Crawford County; dark Bend area, St. Valentine's Church, Shire oil well, Watts cemetery (VERY old), Amish Store and end up eating lunch at the Country Cupboard in New Hebron. It will be a fun and interesting day! Please call the Ext. Office (546-1549) to sign up so we have enough cars! The rain date is October 19.

Check out our new U of I Extension website at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/crawford/

There is lots of information at your finger tips.

* If you normally add bay leaf to beef roast, sprinkle on pickling spice instead. The roast had a wonderful aroma, tasted terrific and the spices made delicious gravy.

* Liver tastes so much better when you add a little brown sugar to the flour used to coat it before frying. It makes a huge difference.

* Replace a quarter of the mozzarella cheese in your lasagna recipe with shredded sharp cheddar. It greatly heightens the flavor.

* Do you have problems with the dough in the bread machine rising properly? Because the container is cold when you add the warm water, it lowered the temperature of the water – so warm the inside of the container with hot tap water first, your dough will rise nicely every time.

* Make whipped cream/topping even tastier by sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the topping or add a drop or two of vanilla extract (or your favorite one) to the whipped cream. This will give it an extra yummy zip!

* Instead of frying, drop the meatballs into boiling chicken broth and cook for about 15 minutes. Drain and add them to simmering spaghetti sauce. They hold together but remain tender.

* Give spaghetti sauce some zing by adding slices of pepperoni. It's a quick and tasty addition.

* When frying potatoes, sprinkle on 1/2 teaspoon or so of sugar and some chopped onion. They have wonderful old-fashioned flavor.

• A salad isn't always a healthy choice for a meal. Beware of the calories and fat in some dressings, the fat in the fried crispy chicken strips, the deep-fried noodles on some Asian salads or the deep-fried tortilla bowl of a taco salad, and the sodium content of some salads (in some cases way over the 1,500 milligrams a day advised for people over 50.)
• If you use a reverse-osmosis water filter or a distiller, you should know that they remove fluoride, which is added to most water supplies to reduce cavities in children. If you use such a water filter (or drink only bottled water), you should make sure that you use fluoride toothpaste and/or a fluoride rinse.

• More research studies are agreeing with the news earlier this year about the benefits of vitamin E which showed "no" significant risk reduction for cardiovascular events, cancer, or dying from cancer. A major study last year actually concluded vitamin E supplements might even be harmful for some people.
• People with greater muscle mass have thicker cartilage in their knees, which may help protect them against osteoarthritis.
• If you are over 70 and don't want to develop problems walking or climbing stairs, stay active. Remaining active will help prevent problems (such as feeling breathless during simple activities), increase your strength and muscle mass, and help maintain the balance as well as to prevent falls.

If you need to add just a little sauce to a dish, try this - when you make tomato or spaghetti sauce, place the extra in an ice cube tray. After it freezes, pop the cubes into a freezer bag and leave in the freezer. Later, heat 1 or 2 cubes on the stove or in the microwave and add to your favorite dish. You can do this with Alfredo sauce to use later for a quick meal!

• When you prepare fresh fruit or vegetables prepare enough for two or three days. If they are already cleaned and cut up it is easier to be sure you get enough.
• Make lunch for tomorrow while you are making dinner tonight. Prepare an extra piece or two of chicken that can be used in a salad, sandwich or eaten cold for lunch tomorrow. A small amount of leftover rice, vegetables and cooked meat can be combined for a cold salad.
• Be sure to include as many food groups as possible in your lunch. Purchase whole grain breads, rolls or crackers. Fill them with tuna or turkey and lots of vegetables. Fruit or low fat yogurt makes a great dessert.
• Make vegetable soup/chili one day, refrigerate or freeze individual servings for another day.
• Buy produce in season to take advantage of higher quality at lower prices.
• Make your own "mini-packages" of healthy items. Individual serving are convenient, but usually cost about 50% more. Buy baby carrots, broccoli, raisins, popcorn and whole grain low-fat crackers in large packages. Package them in mini sealed plastic bags. This will also help control how much you eat at a meal.
• Bake a whole chicken or turkey breast and use for several meals - roasted chicken, soup, sandwiches, or salad. This will not only save money, but will also be healthier than processed deli meats.
• Buy what you need in quantities you can use. A great deal on a large size won't save you money if you can't use it before it spoils.