PLEASE take a moment to check out this site. We've donated this ad space to them in the hopes that we can help to get the word out about homeless people -- especially the children.

http://www.standupforkids.org/

3 cups natural bran (looks like sawdust)
1 cup boiling water
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup molasses
2 cups buttermilk or sour milk (see note below)
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 cup raisins
1 TBSP baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Pour boiling water over bran in large bowl. Stir to moisten evenly. Allow to cool. Add eggs, molasses, buttermilk, oil and raisins. Mix well. Stir together soda, salt sugar and flour. Stir into bran mixture. Refrigerate in sealed container AT LEAST 24 HOURS before using. This mix keeps for up to five weeks in the fridge.

To bake: Fill greased muffin tins. Bake at 400F 20 to 25 minutes. Or, microwave on high 3 minutes. Let rest 5 to 6 minutes. Freeze baked muffins and reheat in microwave 20 to 30 seconds (in my opinion, this is a better option than baking them in the microwave!)

NOTE: To sour milk, measure 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice in measuring cup and fill to 1 cup with milk. Let stand several minutes, stir and use in recipe.

MINI MEAT LOAF MUFFINS
(I'm sensing a theme here!)

1 egg
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp Dijon Mustard (or regular)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb lean ground beef
2 chopped green onions
1 carrot, shredded
3 Tbsp chili sauce

(1) Beat egg
(2) Mix in bread crumbs, basil, mustard, salt & pepper
(3) Mix in beef, onions & carrots
(4) Form into 6 balls
(5) Place meatballs in muffin tin
(6) Top with chili sauce
(7) Bake in 375F oven for 20-25 minutes

The Single Parent's Almanac : Real-World Answers to Your Everyday Questions
by Linda Foust

Synopsis
The first book on the market to tackle both the emotional and the practical sides of parenting-for-one, The Single Parent's Almanac covers such issues as "Taking Care of Yourself," "Surviving the Holidays," "Dating, New Relationships, and Sex," and "Building Bridges of Communication and Respect Between You and Your Child."

My Cup Runneth Over : Setting Goals For Single Parents and Working Couples
by Daryl D. Green

Book Description
How do families find balance? Although the immediate answer is unclear, one thing is certain -- the American family needs help. My Cup Runneth Over guides families in setting goals for themselves. Daryl and his wife have first-hand experience on this subject, both working full-time jobs, and raising three active children. This book uses a new management process called Meshing TM. The book is very different from most family books, focusing more on practical solutions. Daryl has used our experience as managers from the government, nonprofit, and private business sectors to assist families in this country to do what we have done--take control of our family. Written in an informal, entertaining style, it provides information to families that give them HOPE. Creatively illustrated with graphics and charts, the book is also indexed for quick reference. It is essential reading for families in search of purpose.

Reviews from Amazon.com
©1996-2000, Amazon.com, Inc.

IT'S SPRING-CLEANING TIME!

What is hated more than Laundry Day? SPRING-CLEANING! As a self declared pack rat though I dislike big cleaning chores but there is just something about spring that makes it impossible to ignore.

The first thing that I always like to tackle is the shoe closet. How is it that four people can own dozens of pairs of shoes? Things that are in too rough shape to pass down are finally thrown out. Shoes that have a thicker layer of dust than the T.V. set are bagged to be donated to charity.

Next for me is always the kitchen. Somehow the top of the fridge/microwave attract all of those little things that I just can't bring myself to throw away and yet have no real place in the house. Take a deep breath, pile all of these items in one massive heap on top of the kitchen table and start sorting. Make a few piles such as: WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?, I MIGHT NEED THIS, THIS BELONGS IN _____ , AND THROW ME OUT.

First, throw out the garbage pile right away. Don't think twice, don't look back, just throw it out. Next, put away things that actually belong somewhere. Don't just pile them somewhere to be put away later...do it now. If you can't decide what to do with some of the "I might need this" junk, get a Rubbermaid container and put them all neatly in it. If they're still there next year, chances are you don't really need them. Finally the last group, if you're not really sure why you kept these items ask your kids. If they can't tell you then THROW IT OUT!

Suddenly...the sun is shining in places it never has before. The kitchen looks cleaner and brighter. You never really realized that there were cupboards above the fridge before but now you can actually see them!

Next month we'll tackle the linen closet, the junk drawers and the dreaded basement (or storage area).

Well folks, that's it for another month. As usual, if you have any suggestions or contributions just reply to this email and let me know! We're always up to suggestions and recipes sent in also have the chance to be included on the website. As a note, all website recipes will be included in the book if we do get around to do it!

Jill Lassaline, editor